JetBlue is axing hot meals for economy flyers as it looks to cut costs

• JetBlue has eliminated hot meals for economy passengers on transatlantic flights.
• It comes as the airline reported a profit of 82% less than last year.
• Low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers are making significant changes as they seek to stay profitable.

JetBlue has axed hot meals for economy passengers as it looks to save money.

The airline’s menu for the fourth quarter notes: “All items served chilled.”

For main courses during lunch and dinner on transatlantic flights, there are only two options. Traveling west, there’s pesto pasta salad or mushroom and lentils, while eastbound travelers have the option of a chicken grain bowl or ginger garlic tofu.

It’s a notable change for the low-cost airline that made its mark by still managing to provide a top service.

Back in 2021, Business Insider’s Thomas Pallini said he thought JetBlue’s economy meals looked better than most other airlines — and were even tastier than its own business-class offering.

Live And Let’s Fly, which first reported the change, noted that JetBlue has cut the number of flight attendants on transatlantic flights by one, starting September.

Therefore, the lack of hot meals could be necessary so that the reduced cabin crew can cope with the workload.

Passengers in JetBlue’s business class, Mint, still have the option of hot food — including pizza and roasted chicken.

JetBlue confirmed to Business Insider that it has changed its “core menu” on flights.

“After a trial run this summer on our Dublin and Edinburgh seasonal flights, we are extending a new core menu onto our six transatlantic daily flights this winter,” it said in a statement.

“The menu, created in partnership with DIG, lives up to the standard we set for high-quality meals. This change is part of our effort to ensure we can continue to provide a great experience at JetBlue’s competitive fares on these routes.”

Low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers have been shaking up their operations as they contend with reduced profits.

For example, Southwest Airlines ended its long-held practice of open seating and Spirit Airlines has introduced more premium seating options.

Despite expectations for a loss, JetBlue reported a profit of $25 million in the second quarter. However, this was an 82% fall from the same period last year.