AP Ai

ATLANTA — Continental Airlines is ending free
hamburgers, barbecue and sandwich rolls for many
of its passengers in favor of a food-for-sale
program that mirrors what other carriers are already
doing.

A spokesman said Monday that the airline, based in
Houston, expects a $35 million annual benefit, from
cost savings and added revenue.

Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, US Airways and
United Airlines are among carriers that already
charge for food on flights.

Continental passengers on some international
routes, on domestic flights over six hours and
those who sit in first or business class on routes
worldwide will continue to get free food. Snacks like
pretzels and nonalcoholic drinks will continue to be
offered for free.

The changes takes effect in the fall. Menu choices
and prices will be disclosed later.

Air travelers have seen a steady erosion of amenities
included in the price of their ticket over the last two
years or so, from checked bags to pillows and
blankets on board. Airlines call it unbundling the
product, allowing them to offer lower base fares and
only charge extra for people who want more. But
with so many add-on fees these days, a traveler
could end up paying more when everything is
added together than what they previously paid for
an all-inclusive ticket.

Some travelers have been packing lighter or
carrying more on board flights to avoid checked
bag fees. Likewise, some bring their own food on
flights to avoid paying for meals.

Continental, which has about 900 daily mainline
flights, said its food-for-sale program is about
offering passengers more choices.

Currently, Continental flights lasting less than two
hours usually have a free beverage service with a
small snack like pretzels. Flights of two to three
hours offer a small sandwich roll, or a muffin in the
morning. Flights over three hours currently offer a
free hot sandwich or other hot meal, or cereal in the
morning.

"While free food was a nice point of distinction for
Continental, we could not provide the same caliber
of food on that basis that we can under a food-for-
sale program," spokesman Dave Messing said.