Starting May 19, Delta Air Lines will stop serving free snacks and drinks on many short flights under 350 miles. The airline says this change will help create a more consistent service across its network. Around 450 daily flights will be affected by this update.

For many travelers, this means no more coffee, water, cookies, or chips during short trips. Passengers flying in First Class will still receive full service on all flights.

What Is Changing?

Before this update, Delta Air Lines Cuts Snack and Beverage Service on Short Flights already had limited service on short flights. Flights under 250 miles usually had no snacks or drinks. Flights between 250 and 349 miles received “Express Service,” which included small snacks and simple drinks like water, coffee, and tea.

Now, Delta is removing that Express Service completely for flights under 350 miles.

Passengers in:

• Delta Main Cabin
• Delta Comfort+

will no longer receive:

• Snacks
• Soft drinks
• Coffee or tea
• Water service

However, Delta First Class passengers will continue to get full food and beverage service.

Routes Likely Affected

Delta has not released a full official list of routes. Still, several popular short flights are expected to lose snack and beverage service.

Some examples include:

• Los Angeles to San Francisco
• Boston to Philadelphia
• New York to Boston
• Minneapolis to Chicago

These flights are usually under one hour long.

Why Is Delta Making This Change?

Delta says the goal is to make onboard service more consistent. The airline also explained that very short flights do not give flight attendants enough time to safely complete food and drink service before landing.

The airline industry is also dealing with:

• Higher fuel costs
• Rising operating expenses
• Pressure to reduce costs

Some experts believe these factors also played a role in the decision.

Some Flights Will Get Better Service

Not all changes are negative.

Delta says flights between 350 and 499 miles that previously had limited Express Service will now receive full snack and beverage service. This affects around 600 daily flights.

Passengers on these longer routes may now receive:

• More drink choices
• Additional snack options
• Full beverage carts

What Travelers Should Do

If you are flying on a short Delta route after May 19, it is a good idea to prepare before boarding.

Travel tips:

• Bring your own snacks
• Buy water or drinks at the airport
• Eat before your flight
• Check your flight distance in advance

Many travelers online have mixed reactions. Some people say short flights are too quick for service anyway. Others feel airlines keep removing perks while ticket prices stay high.

For now, passengers flying short distances with Delta should expect a simpler onboard experience.