Airline Grounds Food Service

Some air passengers can now dine on airline food before boarding.

On some short flights, American Airlines Inc. is cutting costs by placing meals in coolers beside boarding gates, where passengers can pick them up while waiting to board or as they get on the plane.

On the “Bistro” service flights, only first-class passengers or those ordering special meals are served on the airplane. All passengers get beverages on the plane.

The service, launched last month, is being used on flights of 2 to 2 1/2 hours from Houston, Washington’s National Airport, Baltimore, and New Orleans. Other cities are to be included.