Continental to End Free Food in Economy on Most Flights

Beginning October 12, 2010, Continental Airlines will end the serving of free foods in economy class on most of its flights. Instead, it will offer a new menu available for purchase that will feature freshly prepared hot and cold selections similar to those served in casual-dining restaurants.

Examples include Asian-style noodle salad, grilled chicken spinach salad, Angus cheeseburger and Jimmy Dean sausage, egg and cheese sandwich. Snack and dessert options, including a gourmet cheese & fresh fruit plate, several types of snack boxes and a la carte brand-name snacks will also be available for purchase. Prices will range from $1.50 for Pringles Original Potato Crisps to $8.25 for the grilled chicken spinach salad.

"The new menu is a direct result of feedback from our customers, who told us they wanted more food choices on our flights," says Sandra Pineau-Boddison, Continental's vice president of food services. "With that in mind, Continental researched trends in the restaurant industry and tested and tasted a broad range of possible menu items in order to provide dining options that reflect today's customer preferences."

Continental will continue to offer complimentary food in the economy cabin on all intercontinental and certain other international routes, and on long-haul domestic routes over six and a half hours. It will also continue complimentary food service in the front cabin (first class and BusinessFirst) on routes worldwide. Traditional non-alcoholic beverages will continue to be complimentary on every Continental flight.