Airlines Respond to Free Meal Questions as Paid Catering Emerges

Media reports indicate that several Chinese airlines, including China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Lucky Air, have introduced paid custom in-flight meals. Responding to public concerns about whether free meals are being cancelled, China Eastern customer service said the airline launched paid meal selection to offer diversified dining choices, and flights that normally provide meals will still have free options, though these may be snacks or full meals depending on the flight. Sichuan Airlines customer service said passengers can buy paid meals via its app, with booking opening 10 days before departure and closing 48 hours before departure. The responses indicate free meals have no…