Second US airline to reintroduce free economy meals
American Airlines will follow rival Delta in offering free food in economy on coast-to-coast flights.
It will relaunch its complimentary meal service on May 1, beginning on flights from New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Passengers will be served continental breakfast on morning flights or a boxed meal with a sandwich wrap, chips and dessert.
There is also a vegetarian option and a fruit and cheese plate.
The announcement comes as British Airways is being criticised for the replacing its complimentary meal service with paid-for snacks, with some passengers claiming there have been food shortages onboard.
"Some of our best customers fly our trans-continental routes and we want to give them a top-notch onboard experience," said AA’s Fernand Fernandez, vice president – global marketing.
"Providing complimentary meals in the main cabin is yet another step we’re taking to enhance our service in this competitive market."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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