KLM will charge for most short-haul economy catering from October 2026

KLM said on August 10, 2026 that a paid Grand Café KLM concept will take over most complimentary catering on European and short-haul economy flights from October 2026. Complimentary beer and wine will disappear, and sandwiches go with them. Travelers may order a broader range before they fly, or purchase from the cabin menu while supplies last.

KLM has not released the complete paid menu. Cabin stock is not guaranteed. The carrier tested buy-on-board several times before extending it across the network. KLM has not said whether Platinum and higher elites who got extra items during the trials will keep them once the change is network-wide.

Award and paid flyers on KLM short-haul economy lose free beer and wine along with sandwiches. Remaining complimentary items still beat British Airways on similar flights. The same gap holds against Lufthansa and against SWISS.

Anyone who wants today's free snacks and drinks should fly KLM short-haul before October 2026 and expect to pre-order or pay onboard after that.