Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Inflight catering ban on domestic flights in Thailand amid Covid-19 surge
Damn. I was looking forward to another stale sandwich wrapped in 7 layers of plastic, unable to open it for fear of elbowing the lady next to me, on my flight today.
Airlines flying domestic routes within Thailand have been instructed to not serve inflight meals or drinks from today. The ban has been introduced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand in a bid to mitigate the current surge in Covid-19 infections. Saran Benjanirat from the CAAT says that, while an exception can be made in the event of an emergency need, food or beverages will only be served in a separate zone, away from other passengers.
“If necessary, the airline operator can provide food or drink in a separated area to passengers who need it, away from other passengers as much as possible.”
“In addition, airlines can no longer provide magazines or newspapers, or any other reading material, with the exception of safety cards, in order to limit the number of surfaces or items passengers come into contact with. The new measures remain in place until further notice.” (Ummm, when was the last time you were offered a newspaper or magazine on a flight in Thailand?)
“Airlines will need to strictly adhere to other Covid-19 preventive measures announced by government agencies.”
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
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Toby Andrews
Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 11:26 am
Oh very convenient for the airlines. They save money.
I can never remember ever having free food on a domestic flight in Thailand anyway. I always had to buy it, but never did because the flights were so short.
Yes and was never offered a newspaper.
But then they say they can provide food and beverage in a separated area. Or do they mean if the passenger pays for it?
Another Thai scam . . .
Alte Ledertasche
Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 12:18 pm
Thats right…its another thing they use covid for…had the sane experience in bangkok recently..no in room dining…selection of breakfast reduced to a minimum…what was so called 5 star hotelsnow turns out crappy though prices in this facilities remain nearly the same than pre covid…so no incl. Breakfast booking anymore
Geoff
Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 12:50 pm
WE gives free snacks, ie sandwich, tea, coffee, soft drinks.
Malc Thai
Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 11:31 am
Food offered to people who need it! So the longest flight time domestically is? And you cant go without food that long
Alte Ledertasche
Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 12:22 pm
I dont think that Thai, BKK Airways and Thai smile will reduce their pricing though, another way to generate add. revenue, nothing else.
Keith
Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 11:44 am
Thank god for that, now the planes wont reek of stale noodles and the cabin crew will be able to give better service as they don’t have to serve crap that no one wants
Geoff
Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 12:52 pm
What about consuming your own stuff on board? Previously discouraged.
Mr cynic
Friday, January 1, 2021 at 6:07 am
Probably owing the food and beverage suppliers money and they’ve had enough.
Rasputin
Friday, January 1, 2021 at 10:27 pm
You are probably correct, I’d not considered that. I don’t know why passengers actually NEED food on a short flight anyway, if I was hungry I would pick something up at the airport, at least then you would have a decent choice from many dishes, not pick 1 out of 2 choices.