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.
May is National BBQ Month and National Hamburger Month
Cupcakes, not for dessert (unless beef is your idea of a treat)
Because eating French Fries in the car is so tough
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-25-2006 @ 7:31AM
Alex said...
Last year I flew on Continental from the UK to Panama (via Houston), which cost something ridiculous like £700. The first leg of the flight was something like 10 hours, followed by a short break and then another few hours from Houston to Panama.
The food was pretty bad but most astonishing of all was that I was expected to pay $US5 or £3 for a beer or wine! I've never experienced that on any other long haul flight before!
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5-25-2006 @ 4:15PM
Phil said...
I'm always impressed with Alaska Air. First flew them from DC to Seattle last year, a trip I make about 5 times a year, and I was shocked when the attendant started free hot meal service. I thought that was a thing of the past!
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5-25-2006 @ 4:50PM
Gobo said...
Please note that not only does US Air require you to buy your food -- with cash -- but you have to order your food 48 hrs in advance. If you forget to pre-arrange for your food.... too bad!
Contrast that with flying coach on Air France last year. Gourmet-quality food with unlimited bottles of wine? Yep, sounds better to me.
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5-25-2006 @ 5:47PM
Josh said...
This seems like an appropriate place to link to http://www.airlinemeals.net/
Fun site! :-)
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5-25-2006 @ 9:21PM
Ruth said...
Just flew to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines....great food and service FREE. Drinks cost but they accepted credit cards!
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