Flying is a tricky business these days, especially when it comes to the availability of food. I know that I don't need the extra calories when I'm essentially immobile for a large chunk of time, but I like having something to munch on when I'm on an airplane, especially if it's a long flight. At this point, I've basically given up hope of having a meal served (let alone an edible one), especially after my last United flight across the country teased me by asking my meal preferences when I booked the ticket. There are a few airlines that offer sustenance, but it looks like you might have to pay for that packet of peanuts/pretzels/snack mix with some of them.

The Post Gazette did their homework and put together a list of all the food offerings on seven major US airline carriers. They noted the availability of snacks, whether meals were offered (along with their cost) and if the food situation varied along with the length of the flight (domestic only). I'm summarized and expanded the list below. Plan your travel accordingly, or pack your own snack.

• Jet Blue - free snacks and drinks
• United Airlines - free snacks, with meals for purchase after 3.5 hours
• American Airlines - all snacks/meals for purchase, but they take credit cards (unlike most airlines)
• Delta - free snacks and drinks
• US Airways - all snacks/meals for purchase, cash only
• Southwest - free snacks and drinks
• Northwest Airlines - all snacks/meals for purchase and some must be ordered in advance
• Continental Airlines - free munchies, snacks and meals, depending on length of flight
• Alaska Air - free drinks and some meals, depending on time of day and flight length 
• ATA - free drinks and small charge for snacks. No cash.