I earned elite status with United Airlines in 1997 after graduating college in 1996. Lunch was served in courses on the first time I was upgraded, on a Los Angeles to Washington Dulles flight. I had an almond dusted shrimp plate as an entree and dessert.
I remember the controversy about the cheeseburger being served at lunch on frequent flyers when United made cutbacks in their inflight catering spend. It was a substantive burger, not what customers think of as an onboard burger today.
Before the US Airways merger, there was an American Airlines dinner on the Washington National - Miami flight.
That was before US Airways started meal service on American. Less than a year later, the airline started investing more in its meals. I stopped eating.
United Airlines tried to eliminate meals on flights under 4 hours. After two weeks, they rolled that back.
Airlines want to spend less on food.
Especially after the losses of the Pandemic-era.
But what if they don't have a real revenue opportunity?
Nine years ago, American introduced the ability to pre-order meals. You pre-selecting what they would have otherwise on board and assuring you get your meal choice. Special meals were higher quality than the rest of American's domestic meal service. The Muslim meal was recommended by me. The meals were worth it even if the government thought you were a terrorist.
United raised first checked bag prices before the Pandemic, but didn't do anything for customers in return. Look for ways to earn more money and add more value.
Paying for first class on airlines is a good idea. Pre-order a premium meal and get extra money. 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 for infrequent leisure flyers traveling in coach.
I would happily spend money on a meal that was good on the flight. The only worry is that airlines would cut more meals. It is possible, but certainly not necessary, and how much worse could they get?
The American Airlines meal in September of 2021.
I would rather have a meal that cost me something than a meal that didn't. Good food can be found at the U.S. airport. Even when the flights are leaving the US, the food on many Asian airlines can be quite delicious.
Ramen in ANA.
Thermidor from Singapore Airlines.
The salmon biryani is from the plane.
Singapore Airlines is Dim sum.
This is doable. Austrian Airlines introduced paid pre-order meals nine years ago.
It should be.
It's easier to do this in first class.
Since customers would prefer a cheaper meal, the airline could invest more in food at a lower price.
Raising more money for airlines by delivering a better product to customers is a better and more sustainable business model in a competitive industry than trying to charge more for the same or lesser product.
Should airlines make this change? Would you buy a meal in first class?
The August 2015 meal service at American was an improvement over the pre-merger standards, but still not up to pre-merger standards, but a huge step forward after norming catering with US Airways in September 2014). The new meal service was supposed to start.
April 8, 2017).
"General"
Bob Crandall, the former CEO of American Airlines, saved $40,000 a year by removing olives from first class salads. All airlines have small savings that add up. carriers are very careful with their money In the spring.
January 22,
"Airlines"
Competition gets more intense with airline profits up. Airlines are more focused on promoting wine and other soft product areas. It's an expensive game, and one which US airlines are likely to lose.
April 15, 2015.
"General"
