Air France Ends Free Meals, Introduces "Buy on Board" Program

Air France has announced a shift in its in-flight meal service by launching a "Buy on Board" program on select short- and medium-haul flights, effectively eliminating free meals for economy class passengers.

Under the new program, passengers will be required to purchase meals if they desire more than the complimentary snacks. An Air France spokesperson stated that the airline is "constantly studying opportunities to develop its offer to meet customer expectations as effectively as possible, in line with market trends." Despite the changes, travelers will still receive free beverages, including tea, coffee, and water, along with one "sweet cookie" during their flight.

The pilot program will initially roll out on routes between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Helsinki and Lisbon. Passengers can currently purchase à la carte meals at the time of booking, up to 24 hours before departure, with future plans to enable onboard purchasing. According to USA Today, the new offering is expected to provide more hot food options, potentially enhancing the in-flight dining experience.

Sustainability is also a consideration behind this change. In 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) noted that 1.14 million tons of food waste is generated from in-flight catering each year. By implementing the "Buy on Board" program, Air France aims to reduce waste associated with uneaten meals, a common issue in traditional catering practices.

Air France is not alone in this initiative; its sister airline, KLM, is also exploring similar changes, with plans to phase out free meals by the end of 2025. According to Food & Wine, long-haul flights will remain unaffected by this change, and business class passengers will continue to receive the standard meal service.