U.S. airlines are bringing back some top passenger perks in coach after 15 years. While we still can't expect bigger legroom or free checked-in bags, we can always do with a wider selection of free movies, TV shows, hot meals and better snack choices.
American Airlines recently announced the return of free snacks for passengers who fly coach. On selected aircrafts, American also rolled out more options for free entertainment to keep fliers happy while on board.
American stopped offering free snacks since 2003 while U.S. Airways did the same in 2008. Continental Airlines' perks such as mini pretzels and free cookies were removed in 2011 after it merged with United Airlines. Continental Airlines said the cost-cutting would save them around $2.5 million annually.
"It was really about survival," said American's global marketing vice president Fernand Fernandez.
After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 and coupled with the succeeding recession, many airlines stopped giving almost every perk on board such as legroom, pillows, blankets and hot meals. But of course, Delta Air Lines kept offering free snacks despite their bankruptcy period.
The succeeding mergers resulted in four mega-airlines that took control of over 80 percent of the U.S. domestic market. Airlines began to charge as much as $25 for every checked-in luggage as more and more seats were jam-packed into aircrafts to help airlines maximize their profits. Today, however, the airline industry is started to make record profits.
Fernandez said airlines were able to fix their core business, which enables them to reinvest in the fliers. This means we'll be seeing new planes in service, improved first-class cabins and bigger overhead bins. The perks are filtering down to the economy class, starting with the return of some free favorites like free Biscoff cookies and mini pretzel bags on American flights between New York and Los Angeles or San Francisco starting February.
"We know that we have customers who select our airline based on price and we're really excited to offer them a product that is superior to choosing an ultra-low cost carrier," added Fernandez.
These free snacks will expand to other American domestic flights by April. By May, American will restore their full meal service in the economy class between Hawaii and Dallas. United Airlines also announced the return of their free snacks starting this February.
American's inflight entertainment options also got a makeover. Fliers can now choose from up to 300 music albums, 60 TV shows and 40 movies. Delta focused on entertainment that fliers can stream using their own devices resulting in 138 TV shows and 67 movies.
Photo: Joao Carlos Medau | Flickr
