Delta Air Lines is rolling out a significant change to its onboard experience, confirming it will eliminate all complimentary snacks and beverage service on hundreds of short-haul flights beginning May 19. The update applies to routes under 350 miles and is expected to impact roughly 450 daily flights across its network.
People reports that the shift means passengers flying shorter routes—such as Los Angeles to San Francisco—will no longer receive in-flight drinks or snacks in standard cabins. According to the airline, the move is part of a broader effort to standardize service.
Travelers seated in Delta Comfort and Delta Main on flights of 350 miles or more will continue to receive the full beverage and snack offerings, while those in Delta First will still receive full service regardless of flight distance.
A spokesperson for Delta said the changes are designed to “create a more consistent experience across our network,” adding that even on flights without beverage service, cabin crews will remain “visible, available, and focused on caring for our customers.”
The airline emphasized that the adjustment targets only shorter routes and does not affect premium cabin service.
This update builds on a longer trend within Delta’s operational model. The airline has not provided food or drinks on flights under 250 miles since 2015, and introduced a reduced “express service” for flights under 349 miles in 2017.
Across the industry, service on short-haul flights varies. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines typically offer snacks and drinks on flights over 250 miles, while United Airlines often limits service on routes under 300 miles. For flights under an hour, it’s increasingly common for airlines to skip service altogether or offer only minimal options.
The announcement also arrives as Delta responds to broader shifts in the aviation landscape. Following Spirit Airlines’ shutdown, the carrier recently introduced reduced fares in affected markets and opened standby travel options for displaced crew members, while encouraging them to apply for roles within Delta.
