I was an elite member of United Airlines for the first time in 1997. Lunch was served in courses on the very first flight when I was upgraded. I had a shrimp plate with an entree and dessert.
In the spring of 2001 United made cutbacks in their inflight Catering spend and I remember the controversy over the cheeseburger being served on flights. It was a substantive burger that customers think of as an onboard burger.
Before the US Airways merger, there was an American Airlines dinner on this flight.
That was before US Airways began meal service on American. Less than a year later, the airline began investing more in its meals. I didn't eat inflight.
United Airlines tried to eliminate meals on flights under four hours. Two weeks later, they rolled that back.
Pre-order meals in first class was introduced nine years ago. You pre-selecting what they would otherwise have onboard assures you of your meal choice. Special meals were higher quality than the rest of American's domestic meal service. The Muslim meal was recommended by me before they got rid of it. Even if the government thought you were a terrorist, these meals were still worth it.
United raised first checked bag prices before the Pandemic but didn't do anything for customers in return. Look for opportunities to make more money and add more value.
Buy on board in first class should be offered by airlines. You can pre-order a meal that will cost more. That way airlines can make more money off of customers who may be best positioned to pay, a better strategy than higher checked bag fees.
I would be happy to spend for a meal that was good on the plane. The only concern is that airlines would cut more meals. It is possible, but it isn't necessary and how bad could they get?
I would rather have a meal that costs me something than one that doesn't. Good food can be pulled off by the U.S. airport caterer. Even when the flights are leaving the U.S., the food on many Asian airlines can be delicious.
ANA Ramen
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