US Airways goes nuts, eliminates free snacks

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

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US Airways announced Wednesday it will stop offering free snacks onboard its domestic flights beginning June 1, though the airline will continue serving free soft drinks. The move is designed to combat high fuel costs (of course). In a similar move, American will increase its charge for sandwiches and liquor from $5.00 to $6.00, also effective June 1.

It’s hard not to be sarcastic about decisions like these. Small bags of peanuts and pretzels seem like inconsequential components of an airline’s immense budget, and they represent the last scrap of the full-meal service flyers once expected on nearly all flights. Admit it: You get at least a little excited when that shiny bag of salty snacks hits your tray table. And at some point, it becomes tiring to repeat the same line about unprecedented oil prices and how travelers will have to get used to a new type of flying experience.

Then again, if the choice was between onboard peanuts and another $20 fare hike or more fees, I imagine most people would give up the peanuts. Just don’t forget to stop at the airport snack shop before you board.

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