KLM cuts free UK economy food from 25 October
KLM is removing complimentary sandwiches on most UK short-haul economy flights from 25 October 2024, replacing them with simpler offerings.
KLM is reducing complimentary food on UK short-haul economy flights starting 25 October 2024. Most routes will lose free sandwiches, with passengers instead receiving only water and a stroopwafel from Norwich, or tea, coffee, and orange juice from other UK points.
The airline frames the reduction as part of a new Grand Café concept aimed at customization. It also cites significant waste, noting that 25%-30% of sandwiches loaded for economy passengers went uneaten and were discarded. The change is described as a trial, with the airline stating it will monitor feedback from customers and crew to optimize the offering.
Limited purchase and pre-order options
Food purchase options onboard will be severely restricted. Only flights departing from Belfast and Inverness will offer a buy-on-board service for spontaneous purchases, including snacks, hot and cold sandwiches, and a wider drink selection.
Passengers flying from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow can pre-order meals but will find nothing available for impulse buys onboard. The pre-order menu includes items like poke bowls, pancakes, and Caesar salads, with prices displayed in US dollars.
Exceptions and consistencies in the network
Service varies significantly across KLM's 19 UK departure points. Flights from Heathrow, London City, and Humberside will retain free tea and coffee in economy, served based on available service time, but will have no paid food options.
For the rest of England, Wales, and the Channel Islands, free tea, coffee, and orange juice are guaranteed, also with no paid snacks. KLM highlights that offering free tea and coffee on most routes still exceeds the service provided by British Airways on comparable flights.
Business class and airline comparison
Short-haul business class service remains unchanged. Passengers will continue to receive a cold, single-choice meal in a box, described as a take-it-or-leave-it option.
This offering is considered substantially less inspiring than British Airways' Club Europe service, which provides warm meals with more variety. British Airways also offers better pre-order options than KLM.
KLM states the renewed service is a starting point. The airline will introduce the new concept, gather operational data and feedback, and make further improvements in the coming period.
