2 ms·

I think the basic problem is simply that the food is "free". People choose flights on the basis of schedules and routes, and won't actually pay more for a bette

I think the basic problem is simply that the food is "free". People choose flights on the basis of schedules and routes, and won't actually pay more for a better meal. Given the volumes of food involved, and the competition in the industry, shaving a few dollars or cents off each meal is always going to be an attractive option for airlines. If it were like on the ground, where you could choose nothing for $0, something cheap but edible for $10, of something nice for $30, then the quality would probably be rather better.

Nursie 10y ago
I agree. I am price sensitive on flights but would love an option to pay an extra amount for decent food. As it is food quality is something I take into account when selecting an airline. I listened to a documentary a little while ago about British airlines and the trend and pressure on their supply companies to hit a budget of £1 per meal per passenger. At that price it's no wonder we get fed crap.
coldpie 10y ago
That's a really good idea, but I wonder about the logistics of it: how do you ensure the right customer gets her meal? People swap seats all the time, so seat assignment doesn't work. Require ID or your plane ticket to get your pricey meal? That's a pain. I dunno.
kalleboo 10y ago
Tiger Air is an asian low-cost carrier where if you want food you have to pay for it off the menu. I enjoyed the meal. They also have simple stuff like cup noodles. http://www.tigerair.com/_content/lang/default/travel_info/During_Your_Flight_pdf/TigerInFlightMenu.pdf http://www.tigerair.com/_content/lang/default/travel_info/Du...
SyneRyder 10y ago
I think some airlines have that option. I seem to remember Virgin America in 2011 had inflight touch-screens where you could order meals (for a price) and have it brought to your seat on demand. Air Berlin also had an option to pre-order a meal on your flight for extra cost - it wasn't amazing, but I was happy with it. On flights where the meal has been free (Singapore & Qantas), I've also been happy with the food provided.
douche 10y ago
It's been a while since I've been on a non-European carrier that fed you anything for free. The last few times I've flown American or United or US Air, even long, cross-country flights, the only sustenance available has been these little shoeboxes with some crackers, nuts, beef jerky and what-not that they sell for some exorbitant price.

Nursie 10y ago

I agree. I am price sensitive on flights but would love an option to pay an extra amount for decent food. As it is food quality is something I take into account when selecting an airline. I listened to a documentary a little while ago about British airlines and the trend and pressure on their supply companies to hit a budget of £1 per meal per passenger. At that price it's no wonder we get fed crap.

coldpie 10y ago

That's a really good idea, but I wonder about the logistics of it: how do you ensure the right customer gets her meal? People swap seats all the time, so seat assignment doesn't work. Require ID or your plane ticket to get your pricey meal? That's a pain. I dunno.

kalleboo 10y ago

Tiger Air is an asian low-cost carrier where if you want food you have to pay for it off the menu. I enjoyed the meal. They also have simple stuff like cup noodles. http://www.tigerair.com/_content/lang/default/travel_info/During_Your_Flight_pdf/TigerInFlightMenu.pdf http://www.tigerair.com/_content/lang/default/travel_info/Du...

SyneRyder 10y ago

I think some airlines have that option. I seem to remember Virgin America in 2011 had inflight touch-screens where you could order meals (for a price) and have it brought to your seat on demand. Air Berlin also had an option to pre-order a meal on your flight for extra cost - it wasn't amazing, but I was happy with it. On flights where the meal has been free (Singapore & Qantas), I've also been happy with the food provided.

douche 10y ago

It's been a while since I've been on a non-European carrier that fed you anything for free. The last few times I've flown American or United or US Air, even long, cross-country flights, the only sustenance available has been these little shoeboxes with some crackers, nuts, beef jerky and what-not that they sell for some exorbitant price.