Free Snacks

From Yahoo (via Time):

"American Airlines is Bringing Back Something Flyers Love"

 

After 15 years of near austerity, U.S. airlines are restoring some small perks for passengers crammed into coach  Don't expect ample legroom or free checked bags. But fliers will find improved snacks, a larger selection of free movies and — on a few select routes — the return of free meals. Monday, American Airlines became the latest carrier to add something back. It announced the return of free snacks in the economy section and more free entertainment options on some aircraft. American, which recently merged with US Airways, hasn't offered free snacks since 2003. US Airways stripped passengers of snacks in 2008. Following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the subsequent recession, U.S. airlines removed almost every perk imaginable on domestic flights. Hot meals disappeared along with legroom, blankets and pillows. When Continental Airlines stopped giving out free cookies and mini bags of pretzels in 2011 — after its merger with United Airlines — it said the move would save $2.5 million a year. Since then, mergers have created four mega-carriers that control more than 80 percent of the domestic market. They started charging $25 for each checked suitcase. And more seats have been crammed into planes to maximize profits. Now the industry is making record profits. Now a bit of that wealth is trickling back to coach. This month, American will start offering Biscoff cookies or pretzels to passengers flying between New York and San Francisco or Los Angeles. By April, those snacks will expand to all other domestic routes. In May, American will bring back full meal service for coach passengers between Dallas and Hawaii. "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," Fernandez says. United recently announced the return of free snacks on its flights starting in February. Delta Air Lines — the other big legacy carrier — never removed snacks, even during bankruptcy. American is also expanding its complimentary entertainment on domestic flights with in-seat TVs. Passengers will be able to choose from up to 40 movies, 60 TV shows and 300 music albums. Delta has taken a different path, focusing more on entertainment that passengers can stream to their own devices. It now offers about 67 movies and 138 TV shows for free. "These are token investments in the passenger experience that will not cost airlines a lot of money but are small ways to make passengers a little bit happier," says Henry Harteveldt, the founder of travel consultancy Atmosphere Research Group. "American and United realized: We don't let other airlines have an advantage on price, why let them have one on pretzels."

 

 

^ Whatever the reason for brining back these small comforts it is a great thing for both the airlines as well as the passengers. For years people have been treated like cattle while flying (from checking-in, through security and on-board) and now are starting to demand to be treated like people - especially since we are paying more for the "privilege." Even with the free snacks I don't plan on flying American if I can help it. I flew them to  Colorado in June 2015 and it was like being in a Third World country (and yes I have been in Third World countries.) I flew a different airline to Colorado in September 2015 and had a much nicer experience. So while snacks are a start, American (and many other airlines) need to switch the mentality of their staff (including those in customer service, gate agents and flight attendants.)  ^

http://news.yahoo.com/american-airlines-bringing-back-something-161909581.html