The inclusive services on longhaul flights include catering on board. There are people who count on it and even wake up not to lose it as soon as they smell it in the hallway. But what would you think if the airline suggested you refuse your meal? Although it seems strange, this is real and we are going to tell you the reason for this controversial action.
The action in question was taken by Japan Airlines (JAL), which offered passengers the option to refuse inflight service as an “ethical choice.”
According to the company, the proposal aims to avoid food waste and therefore the action is called JAL Ethical Choice MealSkip Option (JAL Opção Ética de Skip Meal).
In addition, the airline points out in justification that the “ethical choice” is sustainable and the passenger who chooses it will have more peace of mind without interruptions, so as not to be disturbed during inflight service.
The option to skip meals was suggested on just a few flights in 2020. The measure was extended to all classes and routes on the company’s international flights in December 2022 and has an even greater impact this year.
Photo: JAL/Disclosure
The case sparked controversy after a passenger recently shared a printout of the email he received from JAL about the new option. In the publication, the user doubted whether this would be accepted by lovers of airplane food (I wouldn’t skip my meal, for example).
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
“Ethical choice”?
Japan Airlines sent the following message to its passengers: “We would like to introduce the new service ‘JAL Ethical Choice MealSkip Option’, where you can cancel your meals during the booking to enjoy your sleep throughout the flight.”
As I mentioned, denial of service is a suggestion, meaning you can choose to receive your food as usual.
The optout option considered an “ethical decision” must be registered at least 25 hours before the scheduled flight. Before departure, the passenger must go to the company’s website and indicate the option “without meal”.
food waste
For each person who selects the “skip meals” option, JAL will donate “a certain amount” to be used in school feeding programs for children in developing countries.
“JAL is committed to reducing food waste, alleviating hunger in the developing world and supporting an environment where everyone can receive a quality education,” the company said.
Commercial flights generate around six million tons of waste annually, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), of which 20% is due to unconsumed food and beverage waste.
To show you how to prepare the meals served on Azul’s international flights, our Melhores Destinos team made a video. Check it out below.
With information from the Independent newspaper.
I hope that the measure actually benefits the nutrition programs! What did you think of the company’s attitude? Would you give up your food without a problem? Do you think the measure is really intended to reduce waste or increase the company’s profits? Participate in the comments!