Millions of passengers won't get a hot meal on a long-haul flight anymore - here's why

A major US airline has scrapped hot meals for economy passengers flying to Europe.

JetBlue has quietly axed hot meals on its transatlantic flights other than for its customers in business and first class. 

The move comes as the popular airline tries to cut costs after reporting 82 percent less profit than the same time last year. 

The airline's transatlantic menus, which are published online, now read: 'All items served chilled.' 

There are now only two main meal options for statesiders crossing to pesto pasta salad or mushroom and lentils if coming from the West, and chicken grain bowl or ginger garlic tofu for those travelling from the East.

It is the latest cost-cutting move from the low-cost airline, which also reduced the number of flight attendants on transatlantic flights earlier this year, the Live and Let's Fly blog reported. 

Travelers in JetBlue's business class, Mint, will still have hot food options, including pizza and roasted chicken.

'After a trial run this summer on our Dublin and Edinburgh seasonal flights, we are extending a new core menu onto our six transatlantic daily flights this winter,' the company said in a statement. 

'The menu, created in partnership with DIG, lives up to the standard we set for high-quality meals. 

'This change is part of our effort to ensure we can continue to provide a great experience at JetBlue's competitive fares on these routes.'

Other low-cost competitors have also had to make changes as they contend with reduced profits. 

Southwest Airlines, for example scrapped its free open-seating policy earlier this year. 

Spirit Airlines also followed suit looking to make more money out of seating options it introduced a premium seating service. 

It comes as the struggling carrier aims to increase revenue amid pressure from larger rivals who are increasingly cashing in on premium offerings.

JetBlue is still in the black, having reported a profit of $25 million in the second quarter of the year.

However, this was an 82 percent fall from the same period last year.