In the midst of turmoil, airlines are doing everything they can to cut costs. At the same time, they continue to claim that they offer a service that meets the expectations of all passengers. Visit Lufthansa Group - which brings together Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss for its premium segment - has just announced that, in 2021, it will be offering extended culinary services on board economy class. A good initiative, except that they will now have to be paid for...
From spring 2021, the Group will be introducing a new snacks and meals offer step by step. Austrian Airlines will be the launch airlinefollowed by Swiss and finally Lufthansa. Brussels Airlines is not included in the new concept for the time being..
" Our current offer of snacks in economy class does not always meet our customers' expectations" explains Christina Foerster, Head of Customer Services, IT and Corporate Responsibility, in a press release. " The new offer has been developed [based on] what our customers have said. Thanks to the high-quality offer available for purchase, our passengers will be able to decide what they want to eat and drink during their journey." she continues.
At the same time, Lufthansa to do away with complimentary snacks and tea and coffee service offered until now on flights of more than 65 minutes. On the other hand, it will offer all passengers a bottle of mineral water. Coffees and teas will now be on sale.
The Business Saver fare is cheaper than a flexible Economy fare
The group's claim to position itself as a 'Premium' airline seems to be aimed solely at business class passengers. In fact, the the flexible economic rate may appear unfounded in view of the price charged. It guarantees a reserved seat, the possibility of changing your flight, hold baggage and priority boarding. But it can also be more expensive than a discounted business class flight (Business Saver). And without any services on board.
For example, on a flight from Paris to Vienna departing on 15 January and returning on 18 January, the Lufthansa booking site publishes a fare of €306.93 in flexible economy class. By comparison, the Business Saver flight costs €296.57. It includes access to a lounge and the possibility of having two pieces of baggage in the hold and in the cabin. Lufthansa is offering an intermediate economy fare at €153.74. This includes the reserved seat and one piece of hold baggage. This represents a difference of €50 to €60 compared with the lowest economy fare.
