Continental To End Complimentary Short-Haul Coach Food

Even as its competitors slashed complimentary onboard dining services, Continental Airlines for years continued to promise "meals at mealtime." That, however, will end later this year when the airline joins its legacy peers in offering food for sale in economy class cabins on some routes in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

The carrier said it would maintain free inflight dining at mealtime in its first and business cabins as well as in coach on many international routes, intercontinental flights and domestic operations that exceed six hours. Continental noted that all its "significant U.S. competitors either do not offer food or have already implemented food sales for economy class travelers," and executive vice president and chief marketing officer Jim Compton in a statement today added, "Our traditional free-food model has served us well for many years, but we need to change to reflect today’s market and customer preferences."

The carrier said inflight dining menus and pricing are in development and would be announced prior to implementation in the fall. The carrier also said that it would continue to provide a free non-alcoholic beverage and a snack on all flights.