Bad news for Biscoff lovers. That mid-air treat will soon be taken off the table on some Delta flights.
Starting May 19, Delta Air Lines will eliminate all complimentary snacks and beverages on flights less than 350 miles. The company said the policy change would affect about 450 daily departures (including short-haul routes such as Los Angeles to San Francisco and New York to Boston), or about 9% of its network.
Delta Air Lines said in a statement that the update is aimed at creating a more “consistent” experience across its network.
“Customers flying Delta Comfort and Delta Main on flights of 350 miles or more will receive full beverage and snack service, while food and beverage service will no longer be provided on short-haul flights, with the exception of Delta First, which always receives full service,” Delta said.
Until May 19, the company will use its existing three-tier system. No service on very short flights (usually less than 250 miles), limited “express” beverage service on slightly longer routes (usually between 250 and 350 miles), and full snack and beverage provision on longer flights.
Under the new policy, that middle class will disappear. Flights under 350 miles will not have snack or beverage service in the economy cabin, but flights above that standard will have standard service.
Compare snack policies with other US airlines
Once Delta Air Lines makes the changes, here’s how major U.S. airlines’ policies compare when it comes to snack and beverage service.
- American Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines begin operating approximately 400 miles
- United Airlines typically offers complimentary drinks and snacks on flights over approximately 300 miles
- Delta and Alaska Airlines offer drink and snack service for 350 miles
The move comes as Delta is making significant investments in premium services, including several notable enhancements to its front-of-flight food and beverage program. The airline recently partnered with renowned Spanish-American chef Jose Andrés to develop a new menu for Delta One and First Class passengers. The move followed a big deal with Shake Shack to offer the Cult Burger to first class passengers on all Delta domestic flights over 900 miles.
As recently as April 1, Delta expanded its complimentary snack lineup on domestic flights, adding a gluten-free option (MadeGood Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars) in addition to the existing Biscoff Cookies, Sun Chips, and Cheez-It Crackers. The addition highlights the airline’s investment in in-flight services, even though it is currently scaling back its in-flight service offering.
The airline is also working on other in-flight enhancements, including free Wi-Fi, cabin interior upgrades and more premium seating.
What is the reason for the change?
Delta is positioning this change as a transition to more streamlined in-flight service. But this also comes at a time when airlines are grappling with one of their biggest expenses: rising jet fuel prices. In recent weeks, airlines have looked for ways to offset rising fuel costs by increasing checked baggage fees, increasing fares and relying more on fuel surcharges.
Even small in-flight services, such as a cup of coffee or a packaged snack, come at a significant cost when you factor in procurement, catering logistics, storage, and the added weight of the aircraft which leads to increased fuel consumption. And airlines have long relied on these incremental savings. In the 1980s, American Airlines famously calculated that it could save about $40,000 a year by removing one olive from each salad in first class.
Either way, this change makes pre-flight preparation even more important for travelers on Delta’s short-haul routes. In practice, this means filling your reusable water bottle after passing through security and preparing any necessary snacks before boarding. Because once you fly one of these quick flights, the service cart may never come out of the galley.