It was only a matter of time before the additional up-sale options started on board once Continental switched to a cashless cabin on-board (all transactions are now CC/Debit based). The carrier has long charged for alcoholic beverages on their flights, even with a cash cabin. Once the CC terminals are deployed, however, it seems that finding new ways to use them is de rigeur in the industry and the Houston-based carrier is no exception.
Starting in February the airline will be running a trial of a number of specialty drinks, from Pomegranate Martinis to Mojitos to pre-mixed cappuccino drinks. These beverages will be available on the 737-900 fleet, not system-wide, and the alcoholic options will be $8 each or two drink coupons. The mix without the booze – which seems like a terribly sweet and miserable way to quench a thirst, though maybe tolerable with club soda – will be $3.
With the removal of pillows and cutbacks on blankets in recent months it would not be all that surprising to see sleep kits coming out soon as well, or even potentially buy-on-board food, though Continental does own their own catering company so their food costs remain rather low. Still, the switch to a cashless cabin seems to be starting an interesting series of moves for the carrier.
Here’s the full drink/price list:
- Glaceau Smartwater $3 or one drink chit
- Illy Chilled Cappuccino $3 or one drink chit
- Stirring Simple Pomegranate Martini with Skyy Vodka $8 or two drink chits
- Stirring Simple Mojito Mix with Bacardi Light Rum $8 or two drink chits
No word yet on the pricing for the drinks up front, though I’m betting they are free. They’d better be.
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> though Continental does own their own catering
> company so their food costs remain rather low
Using that argument, any kind of outsourcing would be counter-productive, wouldn’t it?
(and yes, I would agree that in many cases it is…)
Do they still have that premixed margarita bottle? I like that a lot more than the mixer Delta uses for their margaritas.
Yes, owning the infrastructure is an argument against out-sourcing. But that’s not what this is. They’re just adding a couple other suppliers into the game.
And, yes, they do still ahve the pre-mixed margarita. If you’re riding up front (or willing to splurge) ask for a Grand Marnier floater on top. Adds quite a bit to the overall experience.