Airlines restore tiny perks to pacify fliers

NEW YORK — After 15 years of near austerity, U.S. airlines are restoring some small perks for passengers in coach. Don’t expect ample legroom or free checked bags, but fliers will find improved snacks, a larger selection of free movies and, on select routes, the return of free meals.

On Monday, American Airlines became the latest carrier to bring back free snacks in the economy and more free entertainment options on some aircraft.

Following the 2001 terrorist attacks and subsequent economic recession, airlines removed almost every perk.

“It was really about survival,” said Fernand Fernandez of American Airlines.

When Continental Airlines stopped giving free snacks in 2011 after its merger with United Airlines, it said the move would save $2.5 million a year.

Since then, mergers have created four mega-carriers that control more than 80 percent of the domestic market. They started charging checked bag fees. And more seats have been crammed into planes to maximize profits. Now the industry is making record profits. That means new planes, larger overhead bins and nicer first-class cabins. Now a bit of that is trickling to coach.

In February, American will start offering free snacks to passengers flying between New York and San Francisco or Los Angeles. By April, that will expand to all other domestic routes. In May, American will bring back full meal service for coach passengers between Dallas and Hawaii. United recently announced the return of free snacks.

American is also expanding complimentary entertainment on domestic flights with in-seat televisions. Delta is focusing more on streaming options.

“These are token investments in the passenger experience that will not cost airlines a lot of money,” said Henry Harteveldt of travel consultancy Atmosphere Research Group.