USAir Offering Premium Meals For A Price

Anyone flying domestically in the U.S. knows that if they want to eat something at 30,000 feet they either have to bring it on board themselves or buy whatever is offered. And the pickings are usually slim.

However, on international flights, we still get served complimentary food considering the length of the trip and how much we paid. But don’t expect that meal to get any better. Especially now.

USAir has just introduced their new Dine Fresh option. For $19.95, you can get a “premium” meal. Supposedly of better quality, the meal must be ordered in advance. No “on a whim” purchases.

USAir is the first U.S. airline to offer this but I have a feeling it’s going to be adopted by others.

I can just picture it. You have a choice of two meals: the premium option or a bowl of gruel. And, of course, reminiscent of “Oliver,” some passenger will take his bowl, go up to a flight attendant, and say: “Please, miss, I’d like some more.”

Not only will that passenger not get any more, but he’ll probably be met upon landing by the police and charged with interfering with the flight crew.

After reading what they consider to be a premium meal, I think I’ll stick with what’s served for free, and supplement with my own goodies.

Comments

[Ralph]

Doesn't seem that great and especially since USAir doesn't really have that many transcontinental flights, and anyway their Envoy isn't the best. Maybe if you need to fly out of CLT or PHL airport would you take USAir transcontinental. Otherwise a "better" meal isn't worth it. On a different airline such as SQ or transpacific I might do it.

[Jay]

I think United was testing the same concept. From what I understand they just loaded a Business class meal. I don't think I go for it unless I knew I wouldn't have time to bring/buy food (e.g. tight connection or in terminal restaurants closed).

If you're flying for business and stuck in back you'd probably be able to expense it, though I'd rather get food on the ground instead.

[Calder]

I'm confident I'm in the minority here as I fly only for leisure, but I don't have a big problem with airline service. And allow me to apologize in advance if my views are overly-influenced by happy hour!

I see flying as mass transit, and would never think about complaining about the amenities on a bus or the subway. As such, complaining about the free food and drink, or the cost of the 'premium' fare, would just not occur to me. I wonder whether the views of some flyers aren't colored by the "good old days" of business travel before deregulation: the company picking up the tab, planes 3/4 full, no jostling with the huddled masses [i.e., me].

Many airlines are having trouble making a profit, and as a capitalist I understand their responsibility to their shareholders. We sometimes check bags(!) filled with backpacking or diving gear. I may not like the additional expense, but I understand it.

Again, I may not represent the average poster here. With the advice of Frank and the regulars here my wife and I one-bag it for our "civilized" trips. But bemoaning the cost of food, or the quality of the freebies, on a flying bus just doesn't make my radar screen.

[flpab]

I just went Phl to Paris and the meal was so horrible I took a couple of bites and left it. Coming home we went Gatwick to Charlotte and the meal was much better. 1200 rt tickets. It might have been catering in Philly that was bad. Lufthansa always has great food from Germany. I say they can keep their food. I can pack something.

[Esther]

Ever since I started getting the vegan meal when flying overseas, it's much better than what's normally offered.
Looking at US Air's site, they don't even offer a premium vegan option--just something for the ovo-lacto vegetarians. That leaves me out.