What can a passenger expect on a flight of one hour or less in North America? There is virtually no meal service on short haul flights in any class of service whether you have to pay for it or not. In Europe (and indeed most of the civilized world), there is often a meal offered at no extra charge in economy as well as premium classes - even on flights of less than one hour’s duration. Don’t believe it?

Here’s the proof.

Wood smoked salmon over a vegetable and potato salad, including a chocolate dessert, a selection of wines, coffee etc. served with lunch at no charge. Meal is served on china plates, metal utensils, glassware for beverages and linen napkins.

This meal was served on a British Airways 40 minute flight (actual time aircraft was in the air) between London and Amsterdam. Class of service was discounted business class round trip purchased in advance was $382.00 including tax. An Atlanta to Tallahassee flight is approximately the same flight duration. First class is not offered on this flight - advance purchase economy class is $331.00 round trip. Snack not provided on flight.

It is absolutely ridiculous that on a journey of two or three hours, the majority of North American carriers provide either nothing, or an extremely poor quality meal service. Only a churl would complain about airline catering (when provided) although he could be forgiven for not eating it.

The meal service on British Airways was as pleasant as dining in a restaurant and better than many of them! One must ask one’s self why the domestic airlines in the USA are either not willing or incapable of anything close to this level of service, even (and especially) in first class? The traveling public is being subjected to less comfort with a constant reduction of amenities and services, yet prices continue to rise.

Savvy travelers purchase their meals before boarding, but in this day and age why should this be necessary? Why have the airlines trimmed the product to such an extent that personal comfort and the most basic hospitality are not included in the price of your ticket? The fact is that people do look for the lowest price, but prices are increasing at the same rate as services disappear. Realistically most folks don’t care if a meal isn’t served on a short haul flight, but on longer journeys the availability and/or standard of catering is pretty appalling.

Airlines that should be included in your good food guide:

• British Airways
• Iberia
• Japan Airlines
• Air Malta
• Finnair
• Cathay Pacific
• Emirates
• Qantas