JetBlue is offering hot meals for economy fliers as it cuts costs

• JetBlue has eliminated hot meals for economy class passengers on transatlantic flights.
• This comes as the airline reported an 82% lower profit than last year.
• Low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers are making significant changes as they try to remain profitable.

JetBlue has ditched hot meals for economy class passengers as it appears to save money.

The airline’s fourth quarter menu notes: “All items served chilled.”

For main courses during lunch and dinner on transatlantic flights, there are only two options. Traveling west, there’s pesto or mushroom and lentil pasta salad, while eastbound travelers have the option of a chicken grain bowl or ginger garlic tofu.

It’s a notable change for the low-cost airline that has made its mark by still managing to offer top-notch service.

In 2021, Business Insider’s Thomas Pallini said he thought JetBlue’s economy meals looked better than most other airlines — and were even tastier than its own business class offering.

Live And Let’s Fly, which first reported the change, noted that JetBlue reduced the number of flight attendants on transatlantic flights by one starting in September.

Therefore, the lack of hot meals may be necessary for the reduced cabin crew to cope with the workload.

JetBlue’s Mint business class passengers still have the option of hot food — including pizza and fried chicken.

JetBlue confirmed to Business Insider that it has changed its “core menu” for flights.

“Following a trial period this summer on our seasonal Dublin and Edinburgh flights, we are rolling out a new main menu on our six daily transatlantic flights this winter,” it said in a statement.

“The menu, created in partnership with DIG, lives up to the standard we have set for high quality food. This change is part of our effort to we’re making sure we can continue to provide a great experience at JetBlue’s competitive fares on these routes.”

Low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers have shaken up their operations as they face shrinking profits.

For example, Southwest Airlines has ended its longstanding practice of open seats, and Spirit Airlines has introduced more premium seating options.

Despite expectations for a loss, JetBlue reported a profit of $25 million in the second quarter. However, this was down 82% from the same period last year.