It's no joke _ America West will test selling food on flights

<br>PHOENIX (AP) _ Air travelers have long used the boxed meals served on flights as a source of jokes. But America West Airlines believes the meals might be a source of revenue. <br><br>In a move that

Friday, January 3rd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

PHOENIX (AP) _ Air travelers have long used the boxed meals served on flights as a source of jokes. But America West Airlines believes the meals might be a source of revenue.

In a move that might be imitated by cash-strapped airlines, the nation's eighth-largest carrier will test a ``Buy on Board'' program starting Monday that allows passengers to buy meals for $3 to $10.

The meals will be sold on about dozen flights a day for three weeks. If the experiment proves successful, America West may begin selling meals on all flights longer than 2 1/2 hours, said spokeswoman Janice Monahan.

The menu will include a $3 snack box containing cheese, crackers, nuts, beef jerky, and cookies or ice cream. More expensive meals, up to the $10 Chicken Kiev with side dishes and dessert, will also be offered.

``The program is designed to offset the cost of providing food, not to make a profit,'' Monahan said. ``We're trying to meet customer needs without raising ticket prices.''

America West reported its eighth straight quarterly loss in the fall of this year.

Northwest and Continental airlines are considering a similar meal program. Other airlines, including Southwest, United, Delta and American, said Thursday they have no immediate plans to begin selling food.

Southwest Airlines said it does not expect to change its sole menu offerings _ peanuts and drinks.

``The majority of our passengers know that if they're going to fly Southwest and they're hungry, they probably should grab McDonald's before the flight,'' spokeswoman Angela Vargo said.