Delta Cuts Food Service on Flights Under 350 Miles Starting May 19

Delta Air Lines will stop providing food and beverage service on shorter routes starting May 19.

The airline announced the change Tuesday. It aims to create a more consistent experience across its network, Delta said in a statement to CBS News.

Flights under 350 miles will no longer offer food or drinks to passengers except those in first class, which always receives full service, the airline said. A New York to Boston flight covers under 300 miles. Los Angeles to San Francisco flights exceed that distance and will keep food and drink service.

About 9% of Delta's flights will lose food and beverage options with the change.

Delta is expanding food and drink choices for some passengers on routes of 350 miles or more, including those in Comfort and Main cabins. This adds full service to 14% of the airline's daily flights.

Even on flights without beverage service, crew members will remain visible and focused on customer care, Delta said.

The policy matches approaches at other carriers to some degree. American and Southwest provide food on flights over 250 miles. United offers service on routes 300 miles or longer.