Overview
- Delta, which confirmed the change Monday, will stop all complimentary food and drink on flights under 350 miles starting May 19, affecting about 450 daily flights or roughly 9% of its schedule.
- Main Cabin and Comfort+ on flights 350 miles and longer will receive full beverage and snack service, lifting offerings on about 14% of daily flights, while first class keeps full service on every route.
- The airline cites limited service windows on very short legs, often about 15 minutes between takeoff and descent, which makes a consistent cart run difficult for flight attendants.
- Coverage places the move in a tougher operating climate with higher jet fuel prices and fallout from Spirit Airlines’ shutdown, and notes Delta raised checked‑bag fees in April.
- Travelers on short routes such as Los Angeles–San Francisco or New York–Boston should bring or buy snacks before boarding, and rivals typically set lower cutoffs for service at 250 to 300 miles.