Image: Japan Airlines
A practice adopted by Japan Airlines (JAL) had repercussions earlier this week after the airline began offering its passengers the option to refuse inflight service as an ethical stance not to waste food.
Dubbed the “Ethical Choice Meal Skip Option,” the service on offer is said to help reduce food waste by allowing passengers to rest more comfortably in the cabin without interruptions, The Independent reports.
JAL tested the service on the night flight from Bangkok to Tokyo in late 2020, but has now definitely made it available for the first meal on all international routes, with some specific exceptions.
According to the company, the option can be selected at the time of booking or up to 25 hours before departure in all classes. With every meal served by a passenger, the company donates to school feeding programs in starving developing countries.
An interesting concept for charity, but I can’t imagine Planefood lovers going for it 😉 pic.twitter.com/YQYAdgDLb3
— Wayne Kwong @[email protected] (@waynewykwong) January 3, 2023
The novelty complements other attitudes aimed at sustainability and reducing emissions. Last December, JAL said, “To leave a thriving planet for the next generation, JAL Group is committed to making every flight sustainable and making air travel a value to be proud of, with a goal of zero by 2050.” achieve CO₂ emissions.”
However, the airline’s new service was not to the liking of all passengers flying with the company. A Twitter user posted a screenshot of an email sent by JAL regarding the option to decline the meal.
As a caption, Wayne Kwong tweeted, “An interesting concept for charity, but I don’t see plane food lovers aiming for that.” In subsequent comments, users report that JAL’s new service isn’t aimed at reducing inflight food waste , but to increase profits.
“The meal service is one of the reasons we chose business class and a large part of the airfare we pay is due to it,” said one. “If that’s the case then call me an unethical person,” typed another while commenting on the post.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passenger flights generate around six million tons of waste each year, with 20% coming from uneaten food and drink.
Continue reading: