The new frontier of transatlantic flights: goodbye to hot meals on board (not even for a fee)
Reduce costs and increase revenue, that is the mantra. It is news in recent hours that JetBlue has decided [...]
JetBlue
Reduce costs and increase revenue, that is the mantra. It is news in recent hours that JetBlue decided to eliminate the option of hot meals for economy passengers flying on transatlantic routes. The menu for 'Mint' - JetBlue's business class - is, however, not expected to change at all.
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The experience aboard JetBlue, especially in business class, is thoroughly enjoyable-just read our reviews and watch the video made by Poodle a few months ago to understand what we are talking about. Lots legroom, fast wi-fi and until a few hours ago a respectable culinary offering, even in economy.
Beginning in the last quarter of this year-so as of yesterday, October 1, 2024-passengers flying economy class will be served cold meals only.
It is unclear, however, whether the choice was dictated by the fact that cold dishes are less onerous than hot ones, or whether this change was adopted to reduce the workload of flight attendants (who, for the past few months, in some aircraft are fewer in number).
It should be specified, however, that on some of JetBlue's transatlantic flights there was already no hot meal option for economy passengers: this was because they were operated by the Airbus A321neo, which are not equipped with ovens in the economy galley. The above new changes, however, apply to all aircraft, including A321LRs (i.e., those flying from Amsterdam, Paris, and London to the U.S. East Coast).
What will you eat if you travel in Core, i.e. JetBlue's economy? Basically, you will be able to choose based on the menu offered, which varies depending on the time of the flight, between a cold pasta or a salad; definitely a major downgrade for a company that prided itself on being unique and innovative.
Does it matter more that a meal is hot or its quality? The second option, needless to say. A good quality cold plate is far better than a plate reheated in the microwave. The hope, evidently, is that JetBlue's cost-cutting policy will not lead to a decline in the level of food served during flights.
