Lufthansa and Swiss announce buy on board meals

Swiss, and its parent Lufthansa, are moving closer to a common inflight meal service, with Lufthansa now offering the option to buy better meals in economy, just as Swiss does long-haul. Meanwhile Swiss is changing many flights to a non-frills buy on board menu in economy shorthaul.

Lufthansa economy and premium economy passengers travelling long-haul will be able to purchase one of seven "a la carte" dishes in exchange for their current on board meal.

The menus offer several courses, and are to be offered on almost all Lufthansa intercontinental flights from Frankfurt and Munich, and must be ordered at least 24 hours before departure.

They will replace the regular first meal, however passengers who choose this option will still be offered the existing snack close to arrival.

The dishes will cost €19-33EUR (£15-25GBP, $23-43USD), which compared to rivals is quite expensive.

The menu will include options like grilled steak, hearty Bavarian snacks, an Asian dish with quinoa, Mediterranean pasta with a choice of shrimp or Thai curry and a bento box with a selection of sushi.

The dishes will also be served on china plates, similar to existing Business Class meals.

Meanwhile, Swiss Air Lines is to adopt a but-on-board no-frills model for flights from Geneva, branded as' Swiss Saveurs'.

Economy passengers will still be offered water and a snack, however hand baggage only (HBO) passengers will be offered only water and a chocolate.

Passengers will have to pay for alcoholic drinks, and meals which are currently served free of charge.