In-Flight Amenities

Airlines offer many in-flight amenities to passengers. These amenities improve customers’ in-flight experiences, help airlines attract and retain customers, and generate ancillary revenue. Typical amenities include food and beverage service, entertainment, Wi-Fi access, and sleeping beds. Amenities available to customers vary across airlines, equipment types, cabin level of service, flight departure times, and markets.

The in-flight amenities an airline offers depend in part on the airline’s brand image. Many low-cost [Page 647]carriers that serve predominately price-sensitive leisure customers offer the most basic in-flight amenities. For example, Southwest Airlines has only a single class of service and offers complimentary peanuts, pretzels, and drink service with additional charges for beer and wine. Southwest customers use their personal electronic devices for on-board entertainment and pay for Wi-Fi access. However, ...