Globespan - Food Question

[baz_0812]

My brother-in-law and family flew with Globespan (two holidays this year means budget air travel!) around Christmas and reckoned it was no worse than anyone else. He took the cheap option and instead of their meals took some M&S goodies with him and got on fine. We let him make the arrangements for our trip on 28th April and not only have they changed the departure and return flight times twice each now (also added a stopover in Boston) but then he gets an e-mail stating the following...

Should you elect not to take advantage of our set in-flight menu we offer a selection of hot food at reasonable prices to be purchased on board. These however are subject to availability and we would recommend you consider our set menu. Snacks and refreshments will also be available for purchase at appropriate intervals throughout the flight.

(We do not allow passengers to bring their own food items on board as food cannot be kept at the appropriate temperature and may represent a health and hygiene danger.)

It's obviously unethical to try and force everyone to take their on-board meals (kids baulked at the menus) but is it legal for them to do this? I know you can't take foodstuffs into another country, and that for safety reasons liquids are being limited, but I've never heard of any carrier banning you from taking your own food. They are now holding the proverbial gun to our heads and saying if you don't take our meals you will spend 9 1/2 hours in the plane with nothing more than some crisps an nuts (if available).

I always thought that airlines were bound by rules that made them carry enough food for everyone on board in case any major delays were encountered. I can only assume that they have failed to meet their targets and are now trying scare tactics. I am obviously going to call and complain, but will it do me any good? Just interested to see if anyone else has been through this recently and what they did about it if anything.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Are you sure its Via Boston?? not Bangor?

make sure you are not going via Belfast first as well!

 

[baz_0812]

Don't even go there, they are probably holding that back as a wee extra for next week!

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Don't even go there, they are probably holding that back as a wee extra for next week!

It would be worth you having a look on the PPRUNe web site and do a search for Globespan
http://www.pprune.org/forums/index.php

 

[baz_0812]

Did I say Boston? I probably meant Bangor. Doh! I'm now wishing I hadn't taken your advice and visited the PPRUNe website. Anyone know where I can buy some ruby slippers?

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Did I say Boston? I probably meant Bangor. Doh! I'm now wishing I hadn't taken your advice and visited the PPRUNe website. Anyone know where I can buy some ruby slippers?

You'll be fine! just thing after takeoff, in eight (or maybe 12 ) hours you will be there!
I wonder if they still have the tanks of live Maine Lobsters in the customs/transfer rooms?

Positive vibes to you.

 

[wilma-bride]

AFAIK they have always had that policy regarding taking your own food on board. I know a few people who have flown with them and taken their own food and nothing has been said. I doubt very much whether they would check your bags and, when you're up in the air, what are they gonna do then

 

[nobodies36]

I never had any problems last September when I took food on board. Then I'm sure it stated 'no drinks, except water. I took water, coke and food (a whole box of cereal and lots of stuff).

However, I didn't eat the cereal (only sandwhiches, crisps and chocolate) because these hot meals that they speak of (the ones in addition to the set meals) are plentyful. Two of our party of four refused to book the set meals as they were not to our liking. But when we got on board, we had a menu that gave us a selection of pizza, all day breakfast and about 5 other choices as well as dessert choices. Then they had the usual sandwiches, crisps, nuts, chocolate, soup, etc. all the way through the flight.

You are limited in that you have to choose your meal at the start of the flight to actually get it. I had already taken food on board not knowing all this and didn't have a problem. I really don't see how they could (even as a no-frills airline) stop people with special diet requirements to bring food on board, so I don't think they will be policing it. I think they are just trying to encourage people to buy the meals, but I don't see how they could stop you (unless you are excessively obvious about your own food), or how they would know.

Hope that helps.

 

[baz_0812]

Cheers folks, that does put my mind to rest a bit. The menus we were offered simply didn't suit the kids, we weren't planning on taking a lot, just a couple of packets of sarnies from M&S that we know they like and will eat. Thanks again