US Air - food service

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

I'll be flying US Air for the first time next week. Route is Oakland to Orlando, through Phoenix. I found that there will be meals for purchase on the Phoenix to Orlando leg. My question is.........has anyone purchased their meals? Are they decent? Am I better off trying to find something at the Phoenix airport to take on, assuming I have time?

TIA

[dolly1504 Member Find all posts View Profile Close dolly1504]

Airlines Food Service

I don't know about US Air, but on American now the food service is almost nonexistent. We went to Hawaii from Virginia and returned last week. We were offered a sandwich wrapped in Saran for $5, and the only other items were M&Ms, chips, or a snickerdoddle cookie for $3. On the way back we had an overnight flight from Honolulu to Dallas/Fort Worth. We were offered these same items soon after departure, and a drink or juice. There was no food or beverage service for the rest of the eight hour flight---no soft drinks or water or coffee. The airlines should be able to cut the number of stewards and stewardesses on all flights.

We didn't buy a sandwich so I don't know how good they are. We had a layover both ways and ate in the airport. There are usually lots of choices there now.
Joyce

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I bought the chesse and fruit tray for $5. As a last resort it is OK but I would rather bring my own food if I could.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Thanks. I was asking specifically about US Airways since I know the offerings, and sometimes food quality, can vary from airline to airline. For example Southwest only serves peanuts and Jet Blue a variety of "snacks". Neither of those airlines offer anything close to a meal. I'm familiar with what United offers for sale, but not US Airways. I'm leaving home at 4:15 a.m. so even if I were organized enough to pack a lunch ahead, I probably won't be doing that. I might have a tight connection in Phoenix, so I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't starve if I didn't have a chance to pick up something in the Phoenix airport. The fruit plate looks very similar to what United provides. Not great, but not terrible.

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

Many moons ago (1976) when I went on my first ever COMMERCIAL FLIGHT, meals were an option. Cost was around $12 about the same as a meal in one of the nicer restaurants in the SF bay area. We opted to pack a gourmet picnic. We had shrimp cocktails served in avocado halves, imported assorted cheeses, french bread slices with tapanade, Greek olives, homemade brownies. Those around us who had purchased the airline meal were very envious as they munched their ham sandwiches. Then for years a little toy meal (looking much like a weight-watchers frozen dinner) served with little toy utensels was included with the price of your cramped accomodations in coach. Things have come full circle. Meals are no longer included. Once again your choice is an overpriced day old ham sandwich, fritos & a cookie OR bring it yourself. We must return to the days of planning our flight as part of the vacation complete with gourmet picnic brought from home.

[basham Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close basham]

Julie,

Were you the one who posted on another thread somewhere about CA air travel and then someone else came in and gave somewhat of a history of the initial rise and fall of the discount airline industry. Was a fascinating read, wish I counld remember better as to where and when.

The same year, 1976, I was flying from Australia to the east coast of the US. The international flight included meals and drinks. Drinks were unlimited, I probably had a number of Johnny Walker blacks. Hot towels to refresh. Food was OK airline food is airline food. Domestically, food and movies were provided. Drinks consisted of beer and soft drinks.

Even then we joked about cattle car travel, never imaging what it could become.

[gophish Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close gophish]

Generally speaking, now days, I would say you are better off buying something in the airport and taking it on the plane with you or eating at airport. Once in a while you still get supprised with a meal, but you can't count on it at all.
We flew US Air to Houston on our way to Mazatlan last year and they gave us what they called a snack. It was a pretty decient turkey sandwich on a crossoint and some cookies and chips, not bad. But again, don't hold your breath waiting for it unless you know for sure it is coming.

Aside to Frank: When you went to Italy what airlines were you on and was there any foo service there? We are flying to Milan end of April on Alitalia and we leave at 11:50PM so I am assuming if we want to have anything to munch on during the flight we should bring it with us.
Drinks are the thing that really bug me now, as some of the airlines don't give much and on many flights you still can't bring even water which I always used to do. It is my understandng that on the international flights you can't bring water or any drinks??