Air France will test paid meals on certain routes

Air France will take a new step in its management of on-board services by testing, from January 2025, a paid catering model (called “Buy on Board”). This project, which is still limited, will initially concern connections between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and two European destinations: Helsinki and Lisbon.

Savings for companies… but for passengers?

On these flights, economy class passengers will no longer be entitled to traditional free snacks (sandwiches, pastries, etc.). Instead, they will be able to choose à la carte products, in addition to a hot or cold drink and a small free treat, such as a savory or sweet biscuit.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at adapting offers to consumer expectations, while aligning with practices already in force at other airlines. “ Air France is constantly studying opportunities to develop its offering, in order to best meet the expectations of its customers. », Specified the company Figaro. This model will optimize costs for the company, while offering passengers a more personalized (but paid) experience.

The introduction of paid on-board catering is not a first in the sector. Since the 1990s, low-cost airlines like Ryanair have popularized this model, making it possible to offer cheaper tickets while charging for additional services. Today, traditional airlines like British Airways and Lufthansa have also adopted this practice on their short and medium-haul flights. KLM, the Dutch subsidiary of the Air France-KLM group, plans to fully implement this option in 2025.

For defenders of this approach, the advantages are obvious: the reduction in costs could translate into lower ticket prices, which is particularly welcome as competition intensifies with low-cost airlines. Limiting on-board services could also help reduce food waste, a significant issue in the airline industry. In 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated that in-flight catering services generated 1.14 million tonnes of food waste per year.

Some regular Air France passengers already regret the disappearance of free snacks, which helped to differentiate the company from low-cost operators. Others fear a deterioration of the in-flight experience, particularly due to longer wait times to obtain a paid meal. In addition, it remains to be seen whether the savings made by the company will actually be passed on to ticket prices, as some consumers hope.

Rest assured! For business class passengers, nothing will change. They will continue to benefit from a full service, including a cold meal tray prepared by a chef, accompanied by a wide selection of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks, including wines and champagnes. Honor is safe…