Delta Adjusts Onboard Service, Airlines Face Fuel-Price Pressure
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Delta Air Lines is removing complimentary snacks and drinks from its shortest flights while expanding full service on longer routes, aiming for a more consistent experience. This change comes as the broader airline industry contends with high fuel prices, leading to route suspensions and increased baggage fees. Spirit Airlines ceased operations over the weekend, citing failed bailout talks and doubled jet fuel costs.
Facts First
- Delta will end complimentary snacks and drinks on flights under 350 miles for passengers not in Delta First, starting May 19.
- Full food and beverage service will be newly available to all economy passengers on Delta flights over 350 miles.
- Spirit Airlines has shut down after government bailout talks failed, partly due to jet fuel prices doubling since the start of the year.
- Major U.S. airlines raised checked bag fees by about $10 per bag in April, with first-bag fees now starting at $45 for most domestic flights.
- Air Canada is suspending six routes due to high fuel prices, including three between Canada and the U.S. starting in late June.
What Happened
Delta Air Lines will eliminate complimentary food and beverage service on its shortest flights, those under 350 miles, for passengers not in Delta First starting May 19. The airline stated the change is intended to create a more consistent experience across its network. Concurrently, full food and beverage service will be newly available to all economy passengers on Delta flights over 350 miles. Separately, Spirit Airlines ceased operations over the weekend following the failure of government bailout talks, attributing its demise in part to jet fuel prices that have roughly doubled since the start of the year. In April, American, Alaska, Delta, Southwest, and United all announced checked baggage fee increases of approximately $10 per bag. Air Canada also announced last month it will suspend six routes due to high fuel prices, with three routes between Canada and the U.S. affected starting in late June.
Why this Matters to You
If you are flying Delta on a very short trip, you may need to plan to bring your own snacks and drinks starting in mid-May. For longer Delta flights, you could see improved complimentary service. Across most airlines, your travel costs are likely to increase, with checked bag fees now starting at $45 for a first bag on domestic flights, though certain status members, credit card holders, and active-duty military personnel generally remain exempt. High fuel prices could lead to more route cancellations or suspensions, potentially limiting your direct flight options and requiring more connections.
What's Next
Delta's new service model takes effect on May 19. For Air Canada's suspended routes, flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Toronto and Montreal are scheduled to resume in late October, while service between Salt Lake City and Toronto is planned to restart in 2027. The industry's broader adjustments to fuel costs and operational models may continue, which could lead to further changes in pricing and route availability for travelers.