Airlines passengers rejoice: After years of cutting services and increasing fees, U.S. airlines are poised to expand complimentary services for the first time in a long time, according to industry trade group Airlines for America (A4A).
"U.S. airlines are currently achieving something few thought possible: profitability. The industry's newfound financial success benefits every customer, investor, and community in America," A4A reported in a December blog post. "For the first time in years, airlines now have the financial resources to invest in new aircraft, expand service, improve facilities at airports, and offer new in-flight amenities."
Among the first airlines to offer new amenities is United Airlines, which in February will reinstate complimentary snack service in United Economy on daily flights within North America and Latin America. According to United, customers on flights departing before 9:45 a.m. will receive a morning stroopwafel (pictured) -- a Dutch, caramel-filled waffle -- while flights departing after 9:45 a.m. will offer packaged savory snacks, such as an Asian-style snack mix of rice crackers, sesame sticks, and wasabi peas or a zesty-ranch mix of mini pretzel sticks, Cajun corn sticks, and ranch soy nuts.
"We're refocusing on the big and little things that we know matter to our customers and shape how they feel about their travel experience," said Jimmy Samartzis, United's vice president of food services and United Clubs. "We're bringing back complimentary snacks that are a nod to our global presence. They also add that extra level of service our employees will be proud to deliver and will make a big difference for our customers."
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