AIRLINES

Continental to Drop Meals on Short Hops: The airline will discontinue the service on domestic flights of less than 2 1/2 hours starting Sunday. Continental said dropping meals could save consumers up to $40 per flight. “Serving meals runs counter to any airline’s ability to deliver the low fare that short-distance travelers say is their first priority,” the carrier said. Continental’s move is the latest effort by airlines to shave costs amid competition from low-cost start-up carriers. Southwest Airlines does not serve meals on its flights, but it does offer snacks.