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Delta Air Lines announced it is reducing snack and beverage services on some short-haul flights while expanding full service on others, citing rising fuel costs due to the war on Iran.
Delta Air Lines announced it is reducing snack and beverage services on some of its short-haul flights, while expanding full service on other routes. This decision is the latest indicator of airlines re-evaluating ticket inclusions amid current economic conditions.
Axios reported that the sharp rise in jet fuel prices, one of the largest expense items for airlines, resulted from the war on Iran. This increase has driven up costs and forced airlines to reduce flight numbers, raise prices, and reassess the services offered.
The company, headquartered in Atlanta, confirmed it plans to cancel food and beverage service in the main cabin on flights shorter than 350 miles, effective May 19. The company described this step as aiming to standardize services.
Delta explained that many of its flights under 250 miles already did not include snacks or beverages, meaning no change for some routes. According to the company, service will be eliminated on about 9% of its daily flights, while beverages and snacks will be fully offered on about 14% of flights.
First-class passengers will continue to receive full service on all flights. For other passengers on flights without beverage service, the company confirmed that flight crews will remain available and focused on customer care.
Axios noted that traditional airlines have long offered basic amenities, unlike low-cost carriers that have long relied on the buy-on-board model. The outlet considered Delta's 350-mile service limit to be among the most restrictive among major U.S. airlines.
In contrast, American Airlines and Southwest offer snacks and beverages on flights over 250 miles. United Airlines provides free snacks on flights over 300 miles. JetBlue still offers free snacks and beverages on all its flights, including limited options on short-haul routes.
Delta Air Lines' decision raises pressing questions about whether competing airlines will follow suit in raising service standards, and how travelers on short-haul flights will react, especially given suitable alternatives like trains or cars.
