Air France Is Getting Rid of Free In-Flight Meal Service on Some Routes — Here’s What’s Changing

Flying used to be a luxury experience. No matter which seat you chose, you used to get a first-rate meal, and even — I know this is hard to believe — real plates and cutlery. But those days are a distant memory that lives faintly in the minds of people born with a 19 at the beginning of their birth year. These days, you’re lucky if you get a snack. In fact, you’re lucky if you get anything at all, as one more airline is now removing its free in-flight meals. At least for a little while. 

In September, Air France announced that it’s testing a new initiative that will remove its free in-flight meals for economy class passengers. Instead, it will replace it with a “Buy on Board” program for those willing and wanting to pay for a meal on select short- and medium-haul flights. 

A spokesperson for the airline explained to USA Today that it’s making the change after “constantly studying opportunities to develop its offer, in order to meet customer expectations as effectively as possible, in line with market trends.”

As the airline added, with the new trial, travelers will still be able to get free beverages, including tea, coffee, and water, along with one “sweet cookie” during their flight. Passengers who are looking for a bigger bite will have to purchase from the new à la carte menu. 

EuroNews additionally reported that passengers are currently able to purchase the à la care meals at the time of booking up to 24 hours before departure, but in the future will be able to
buy on board. The first flights to get the onboard change, EuroNews added, will be on routes between Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Helsinki and Lisbon. 

There is at least a little good news. According to USA Today, with the new Buy on Board program, more hot food options will be available, meaning you may be able to snag something you actually want versus simply what’s offered. EuroNews shared in additional reporting that this may be a good thing for sustainability. In 2023, IATA noted that 1.14 million tons of food waste was generated from in-flight catering each year, including “from inflight meals, snacks, and beverages served to passengers and can consist of leftover food, drinks, and packaging which is placed back in the trolleys.”

As for long-haul flights, those will remain unaffected by the change, and business class passengers will continue to receive normal service.

Air France isn’t the only airline making changes like this. Its sister airline, KLM, is also doing a similar test with the potential of removing free meals kicking in by the end of 2025.

Food & Wine reached out to Air France for more specifics on what may be on the a la carte menu to come (including if it has any allergy-friendly options). We’ll update this story when we hear back.