American Airlines to start offering snacks to delayed travelers

Are you sitting down and feel like you're supported by something sturdy? Because, for the second time this month, American Airlines has announced that it is giving snacks to its customers FOR FREE. Two weeks ago, American said that it would be providing complimentary snacks to its coach-class customers and now, it will be passing out treats to those who are stuck waiting for a delayed flight.

Like any kindergarten teacher knows, handing out cookies can calm even the crankiest individuals and that's apparently what American is banking on. According to Bloomberg, American will start testing its program (which we're referring to as Operation: Gate Snacks) at some departure gates at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, and later this month at Los Angeles International Airport. Depending on how it goes, it may roll out to additional airports and routes later this year.

So how do you get some complimentary airport nibbles? Operational or weather issues must delay a flight for more than two hours before American will open its snack drawer to provide food and drinks. If the delay extends longer than three hours, they'll start serving sandwiches too. The airline has not specified what kinds of treats it will pass out at the gates, but its newly restored in-flight snacks include Biscoff cookies and mini-pretzels.

This doesn't make a delay sound any more enticing, but it is a sign that American is at least attempting to provide some customer service that goes beyond forced smiles and the bare minimum for those who haven't paid for it. Or maybe it's just hoping that you'll be so distracted by that package of cookies that you'll forget to seek compensation for that lengthy delay.