Airline advertised free on-board meals but won't provide them

[Mattg]

Back in January, I booked some flights with SATA Azores Airlines. At the time that I booked, their website advised that the airline serves free meals on their flights.

Yesterday, I got an email saying:

We inform you that, as of April 2, the onboard meal service will have a new model and will now be available as a 'buy on board' option. This change will allow us to provide a wider variety of choices suited to your preferences.

If you booked or issued your ticket by January 31, you may still see the mention of the free meal, as the change only took place in the system as of February 1.

We thank you for your understanding and remain available for any inquiries regarding the service change included in your ticket by contacting [email/phone number]. If we do not receive any contact from you by March 13, we will consider the change accepted.

I'm flying after 2 April, and would like to receive the service I paid for, so I took up their offer to contact them and requested a credit to use towards their buy-on-board menu. This was the response:

There is no compensation to be given as on the old model meals were served as courtesy from our airline.

There you have it... meals are a courtesy and therefore have no monetary value.

 

[GrahamBRI]

This stuff annoys me......... so I looked through all the avenues of dispute I could find for you Matt....... and found an even harder dead end.....

SATA-Internacional Azores Airlines
GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR PASSENGER AND BAGGAGE CARRIAGE
14.4 Onboard service The Carrier may have a meal and beverage service on board, this service may be free or paid, and is not included in the fare or in the transport contract.

I don't see any other pathways......... other than, a go fund me page, and we can all chip in for your lunch

 

[Captain Halliday]

Assuming other airlines fly the route and are not substantially more expensive, credit card chargeback?

 

[Mattg]

Assuming other airlines fly the route and are not substantially more expensive, credit card chargeback?

Sadly, they are the only airline flying on the route I booked.