Note also that I mentioned snacks in the above post in the context of ancillary income—that is, as items that would be purchased. I was trying to suggest that the quality of snacks matters, and that passengers would more happily pay for good snacks than they would for disgusting snacks. But even if the snacks were free, that would not necessarily run counter to budget airline practice. Air Berlin offers drinks and snacks for free (as well as magazines and newspapers!) and the airline generally keeps its advance-purchase fares quite low.

You are certainly right that airline CEOs cut corners like these in the pursuit of profits. This fervor isn’t all bad, but truthfully it would cost very little to make a few minor adjustments that would stand a good chance of inspiring in turn far greater demand and firmer loyalty.