United to Charge for Meals on International Flights: Good for the Environment?
Update: Due to “customer feedback” United no longer plans to charge for meals on international flights.
When I saw that United Airlines will eliminate snacks and start charging $9 for a meal (aka cold sandwich) on international flights, I was annoyed. And a little bummed because United has been my airline of choice ever since American repeatedly and unabashedly screwed me over. But I digress.
Then my environmentalist side kicked in. Considering the sheer amount of plastic that comes with a single airline meal — from the Saran wrapped plastic containers and water bottles to the disposable plastic silverware and individual-size butters — maybe this isn’t such a bad thing, environmentally speaking.
photo: rahims
A glimmer of hope. Fewer travelers would eat United’s meals. People could start bringing food from home in tupperware and drinks in reusable water bottles. Passengers would save money, and lessen their environmental impact in the process.
Then reality set in. Are travelers more likely to pack a homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwich and bottle of water, or grab a burger, fries, and soda on their way to the gate? Unfortunately, I think it’s the latter. And depending on the fast food joint of choice, there could be even more waste involved — giant plastic cups, 25 napkins per person, excess ketchup packets.
Alas, I don’t think United’s decision will change the behaviors of non-green travelers. And it may even increase their impact on the environment.
Oh well. It was nice to dream.
With all the security rules about liquids, it’s that much harder to pack a meal from home. My hummus–will they consider it a liquid and make me pitch it? What about peanut butter? Jelly? Mayo? It’s so frustrating to try to pack a completely non-questionable meal that I think most of us end up at whatever fast food joint is closest to our gate. Ugh. Or subsist on granola bars and other individually packaged food.
With tight connections to get to international flights I mostly don’t have time to pick up something on the way to the gate. I also can’t pack a lunch at home on my return trip. That food would have gone bad long ago. I haven’t had problems with peanut butter sandwiches or cream cheese on bagels but they will take your ice away even though it’s a solid.
In the past, I would try to bring food with me for the flight. It was cheaper and healthier, not to mention greener. Thats a little harder to do now with security restrictions
Hey! , I agree with this article, just sometimes I read so fast everything and I miss things that after read them again, I can understand it better.. ;). Your to Charge for Meals on International Flights: Good for the Environment? | Go Green Travel Green Blog Stumbled up and Bookmarked, so I keep updated on every article you write from now now on gifts international.
You actually think a few kilos of plastic for food wrapping makes any difference whatsoever when compared to the fuel consumed in the flight’s travel?
Erm, why commenting now?