Lufthansa Reintroduces Free Tea and Coffee on Short-Haul Economy Flights

Lufthansa has announced the return of complimentary tea and coffee for passengers traveling in short-haul Economy, as confirmed by the airline’s chief executive Jens Ritter. This initiative is part of a trial aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction scores during the upcoming summer period.

In November 2020, Lufthansa discontinued free food and beverages in short-haul Economy in an effort to reduce costs amid the pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions. The airline implemented a low-cost buy-on-board concept, where passengers could purchase food and drinks, except for a free bottle of water and a small chocolate treat.

Prior to this change, Lufthansa’s complimentary service, which included a small sandwich and drinks, cost around €0.80 per passenger. The buy-on-board model significantly reduced costs to €0.33 per passenger. Despite these savings, the airline also benefited from the additional revenue generated by onboard purchases, averaging €8.65 per passenger in 2022.

Currently, hot beverages like tea and coffee cost between €3 and €3.50. By offering these for free during the trial period, Lufthansa hopes to boost customer satisfaction without negatively impacting their financial performance. If the trial proves successful, free hot beverages may become a permanent feature.

Even minor changes can significantly impact customer satisfaction. However, Lufthansa must ensure smooth operations this summer, as past operational challenges have affected customer perceptions. The success of this initiative will depend not only on the free offerings but also on overall service efficiency and punctuality.

Lufthansa's move reflects a broader industry trend, as seen with British Airways, which also experimented with free tea and coffee on select short-haul routes last year. While small gestures like free drinks can enhance customer experience, they must be part of a broader strategy to ensure overall satisfaction and loyalty.