Regional carrier, Caribbean Airlines, is unveiling plans to commence a pre-order meal service on select routes come February 1, 2022. 

The Trinidad-headquartered company, in a statement on Tuesday, January 18, disclosed that the decision was made to give customers “more choice and an authentic taste of the Caribbean when they fly”. 

“This new offering is part of the airline’s focus on enhancing the customer experience, which is the overarching theme of its 2022 campaign: ‘Reset Expectations’,” Caribbean Airlines said.

“Customers can select from a range of meals and snacks at affordable prices, which can be bought at the time of booking their flights and up to 36 hours before the scheduled departure time,” the company added.

While it was not immediately clear whether the existing free meal service will be scrapped, Caribbean Airlines further explained that “passengers who purchase Economy Flex fares can pre-order meals at no additional cost and Business Class meals remain inclusive”.

With Western-fusion meals starting at US$10, Caribbean cuisine as low as US$8, ‘light ‘n’ healthy’ salads at US$11 and kids options at US$10—the variety of hot and cold dishes to suit every palate and budget are endless.

Among the culinary offerings are Trinidadian staple doubles; ‘bake and fish’ sandwiches; stewed chicken, callaloo, macaroni pie and plantains; potato wedges and chicken ‘fingers’; spaghetti ‘n’ meatballs; as well as a variety of pizzas.

In commenting on the new service, Caribbean Airlines’ acting chief operations officer, Nirmala Ramai stated: “2022 is all about re-calibrating what we do and offering our customers a revamped experience. With the pre-order meal service, our customers can choose their own meals from our range of sumptuous offerings. The menu incorporates a fusion of Caribbean and Western cuisine including doubles (curried chickpeas and bara) bake and fish, an array of wraps, delicious options for vegetarians and children.”

Meals will be available for sale via the Caribbean Airlines website, mobile app, Reservations Sales and Service centre and travel agents from January 27, for flights from February 1.