US Airways said it has become the first domestic airline to offer a premium meal option in economy class on international flights with the introduction of DineFresh. The new meal option, available for $19.99, will be available on flights to Europe, the Middle East and South America starting Aug. 1. The new premium choice enhances the airline’s current complimentary meal offerings.
“The new DineFresh meal option, which is paired with complimentary wine, gives our customers more choices when traveling internationally in economy,” said Hector Adler, vice president of InFlight Services for US Airways. “With this new option, US Airways becomes the first U.S.-based carrier to offer a premium meal experience for customers in the main cabin.”
US Airways’ new DineFresh program allows customers to choose from either a vegetarian meal consisting of a Caprese salad with balsamic dressing, Portobello mushroom tortellini, Mediterranean-style appetizer and turtle cheesecake for dessert or a protein meal consisting of citrus-marinated chicken skewers, seasonal grilled vegetables, classic shrimp cocktail and creme brulee cheesecake for dessert.
The premium entree, which is priced at $19.99, must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to the flight. Customers traveling on flights where DineFresh meals are offered will be notified in advance via email as to their availability and can visit the DineFresh page on the airline’s website.
In addition, as part its effort to improve US Airways MarketPlace offerings, the airline is adding Shock Top, a Belgian-style wheat ale with a hint of orange, to its list of beers, which already includes Beck’s, Budweiser and Bud Light. A sparkling wine option is also being added on select trans-Atlantic flights. Beer, wine and spirits are available for $7 each, Stirrings premium cocktail mixers are available for $8 each and sparkling wine is available for $9 each.
Also new to the airline’s MarketPlace Menu on domestic flights are three snacks: Brent and Sam’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, made with all natural ingredients and no preservatives for $3 each; Emerald Whole Cashews, featuring no trans fats and zero cholesterol for $3 each; and the Original Chex Mix for $3.49 each. Food options range from $3 for snacks to $8 for fresh meals. Based on customer input, the airline is also adding a cherry soda, Pibb Xtra, to its free line-up of sparkling Coca-Cola beverages.
Starting Aug. 1, all international flights operated by US Airways will only accept credit and debit cards for onboard purchases. This change is consistent with domestic US Airways flights that went to a convenient cashless system in 2010. US Airways Express flights will remain cash only.
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