In the previous year, Eurowings canceled snacks and drinks in the short-haul smart tariff. This annoyed numerous passengers. The consumer center in Hamburg even went to court in connection with an inventory booking and won.

The times when included gourmet menus were served in economy class on short-haul flights are long gone. Nevertheless, there are passengers who consider meals and drinks above the clouds to be particularly important or even as a decision-making criterion when booking. This customer group has become quite small in the meantime, but it does exist. Eurowings has now suffered a setback in court in connection with the cancellation of snacks and drinks in the Smart tariff.

The background to this is that the Lufthansa subsidiary changed the service concept in this booking class last year. Before that, a drink and, for example, a sandwich was included under one. This was deleted and also affected existing bookings. This not only caused annoyance among passengers, but also prompted the Hamburg consumer center to file a lawsuit.

The case ended up in court and was heard under the file number 34 O 14/20 before the Düsseldorf Regional Court. In a so-called acknowledgment judgment, it was determined that airlines are not allowed to cancel the on-board catering agreed upon at the time of booking with reference to changed conditions of carriage. Incidentally, there was no oral hearing, because in the preliminary written procedure the carrier recognized the claim shortly before the agenda.

The consumer advice center points out in a media declaration that the amendment of essential contract contents can only be made by mutual agreement. This means that the airline cannot unilaterally change, but has to obtain the passenger's consent. Eurowings pointed out that in the case mentioned by the consumer advocates, which fell during the transitional phase of the tariff change, there may have been a misunderstanding on board.