Another carrier following the PEOPLEexpress a la carte model of the '80s
Following the lead of other US carriers, Denver-based Frontier Airlines plans to begin buy-on-board food on May 1. Inflight food sales in the economy cabins of domestic carriers began in 2003 and have steadily increased as the airline business model has shifted from inclusive pricing to an a la carte approach for services. Items range from $2 to $10. United, which hubs in Denver, sells $5 snack boxes on some of its longer flights.
Interestingly, this harkens back to PEOPLExpress, an innovative East Coast carrier founded 1981 that soared, expanded rapidly and was folded into Continental in 1987. In this country, "PExp" pioneered low pay-on-board fares, plus such newly rediscovered a la carte services as $3 per checked bag and food and beverage sales on board. soda, honey-roasted peanuts or Rachel's brownies were 50 cents and a "Snak-Pak" with crackers, cheese and salami sold for $2. PEOPLExpress viewed itself as a transportation provider like a bus line or train, rather than some kind of luxury experience. Now, most domestic airlines no longer provide the trappings of luxury (like food) to any but front-cabin flyers, but aren't exactly bargains either, especially when add-ons are figured in.
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Is the sale of in-flight food a good idea, well if the prices are anything to go by like that of buying a mini box of Pringles - I am not sure our bellies will be filled.
ReplyDeleteInflight food is pricey for what you get -- but then too, so is most food at airport restaurants and connvenience stores (think $3 nutrition bar!). Some people plan ahead well enough to pick up a really good sandwich en route to the airport, but most of us don't have time and make do. Some travelers figure that they are in no danger of starving to death in a few hours and don't need to eat (daibetics and other health issues aside). Airport concessions and airlines really do have the ultimate captive audiences when it comes to food sales.
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