Meal service is only required if flights are longer than 6 hours.
To skimp on us Americans the airline claim the flight will be less than 6 hours (5h56m for example.) but they can often run longer than 6 hours.
7 Likes
There are no mandates or requirements to provide meals on US domestic flights.
3 Likes
I think I’m an outlier, but I’d rather there be no meals on planes. Pretty much all of us would benefit from going a few hours without food, and for those exceptions with medical conditions, they can easily pack a snack. It affirmatively bothers me when I have a midnight international flight and they start serving dinner at 1. Why is anyone eating dinner at 1 a.m.? It makes no sense. Why do we have to eat on the plane?
1 Like
I am the same. I do not eat on the plane and rarely at the airport. Have not seen much on the plane that is worth eating, and the whole setting of it is kind of gross and the food is too salty. Mostly water and occasional champagne for me, not matter the flight. I do not fly to Asia much - maybe in that setting they have worthwhile food, I do not know.
2 Likes
Use European airlines for trans-Atlantic flights, they tend to have quite good food, especially if you fly business. The food on Air France last week could be also served at good restaurants
To CDG
To SFO
10 Likes
I generally agree, I am not a fan of eating big meals on flights. The least they could is uncouple the food price from the ticket. If you want a meal, buy a meal! But they won’t do that because it makes them more money and maintains differentiation between the ticket classes.
1 Like
I’ve had a few flights within east Asia over the past few years - all economy - and the meals have always been great. Routes I’ve flown so far are Tokyo to Korea (both Seoul area airports) and Taiwan to Hong Kong (both ways). Also flown domestic Japan.
For the flights between countries, I never expected a meal because the flights can range from 1.5 to 4 hours but there’s always something served and I find it far better than US-based airline food. I consider it a whole different level. US-based airline food I’ll be satisfied if it’s barely edible. I’ll actually enjoy what I get when flying between countries in east Asia. They sometimes also give it to you in a to-go format if you don’t feel like eating there. I was trying to see if I took any pics and had a bag for bulgogi sandwich received on a JAL flight from Tokyo to Seoul.
If you fly on a pricier class, JAL first class consults with the highest end chefs in Japan for their meals: https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/service/meal/chef/. You can see famous restaurants like 3-star Ishikawa, Quintessence, etc. on there.
On domestic Japan flights, they typically are fairly short. I can’t recall any snacks but their drink cart will sometimes include some warm soups (I want to say I got a clam soup one time - pure soup though haha).
FYI, my LA to Asia flights rarely (or never) have food beyond serviceable. I remember hearing that the quality of food on the flight depends on the origin of the flight as that is where food is loaded. However, I recall one flight back from Asia recently where the food was just fine and was rather close to my US origin flights. I wondered if even Asia-based airlines are feeling price pressure and thus lower quality Economy flight meals.
Anyways, on the topic as a whole, food in US airports and US-based carriers I find overpriced and underwhelming quality (I’d exaggerate and almost call it a scam but I’m guessing they pay a lot of rent). The US lounges I’ve been in have been forgettable. I’d rather buy some hot dog bun/bread at a Chinese bakery and carry that onboard. At least its cheap.
On the other hand, airports in Asia have impressive quality of food in their airports and lounges. I was especially pleased with Taipei, where they had outposts from famous restaurants in the city. The tomato beef noodle soup I ordered was one of my favorites on the trip. Hong Kong was insanely huge and I wish I’d ordered food after I got through security because the selection was astounding. In Tokyo/Haneda, a ramen restaurant was serving ramen from a famous place in the city (though I’m guessing not quite the same quality). My favorite Korean Jajangmyun was actually had in Seoul/Incheon airport. Generally, I find the food relatively well priced, a premium vs in town but not quite as greedy as in LAX and quite affordable for US dollar holders. I’ve only been to lounges in Tokyo and they’ve been pretty solid too. Way better than what I’ve experienced in LAX.
5 Likes