Jet goes the Air India way, restricts menu
Indian airlines are on a cost-cutting spree. After Air India eliminated non-vegetarian meals for domestic economy passengers, Jet Airways has taken a similar route. From 23, it has reduced the number of meal options available for domestic flyers to just seven. Those with food allergies have it worse: a small plate of fruit might be the only choice for both economy and business class.
Jet spokesperson lists options available
According to a company spokesperson, "We have ensured options like fruit platter for guests requesting bland food or gluten free meals. The special meals served on board Jet Airways' domestic flights are Child Meal/Baby Meal/ Jain Meal/Diabetic Meal/Fruit Platter, and vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals."
But customers have given it a thumbs-down
Last week, Anand Siva was flying on a Delhi-Mumbai Jet Airways flight. He had pre-booked a vegan meal. However, "the flight attendant brusquely told me that they have stopped serving vegan meals on domestic flights," he said. In a complaint to Jet, Siva wrote: "I ended up with serious acidity issues, resulting in discomfort, health and productivity lapses."
Now Air India, Vistara lead on at least one front
Despite limiting availability of non-vegetarian meals, AI still has about 15 special dietary options including vegan, Jain, low-calorie, lacto-ovo, Kosher and more. This also makes Vistara the only full-service carrier in India to offer a diverse range of food options to flyers.
On one hand, cost-cutting. On another, new items on offer
Weeks after AI removed non-vegetarian meals from their menu, it was reported that it was planning to introduce items from regional cuisine, mocktails and wines in a bid to woo business class and international passengers. It was a surprising move considering removal of non-vegetarian meals was labeled a cost-cutting measure. AI's seat occupancy rates for business and first class are 70% and 37% respectively.
