Not too long ago . . .

Summer was when we all began to make our travel plans. In the past we could look forward to getting something to eat on an airplane trip. Quoting, for example, from the June 2000, Family Circle, "Eat Light In Flight:"

Although airplane food will never get Michelin Guide ratings, airlines keep trying to please. Included on TWA's menu, for example, are low-sodium, low cholesterol and low-cal vegetarian meals. Air France's nine special menus cover almost every dietary requirement. American Airlines' recently revamped American Traveler Menu features "Heart-Healthy Meals." Surprisingly, some air travelers still ask "Where's the beef?" "We tried offering light meals," says Ruth Hickman, administrator of menu plans for TWA. "The passengers didn't go for them." Most airlines require 12 to 24 hours' notice, so call ahead if you want to eat light in flight.

This summer the travel and meal situation is a stark contrast to those halcyon days at the beginning of the 21st century.

• Air France today: Economy Class meals,(from FlyerGuide.net). The Air France U.S. website did not have information that I could find about the meals.


• American today: Economy Class meals (zilch). The American Airlines website says that a snack will cost you $3, and that you cannot get potato chips until after 10:00 AM. The flight duration must be more than three hours for you to be able to purchase a Fresh Light meal for $5. On flights of two hours First Class passengers get a complimentary meal; all others can buy something at the airport and carry it on board.


• According to the Airline Equality Forum overall reviews, American is a "Three Star Airline." Air France gets four stars.
• TWA was purchased in 2001 by American Airlines. Yesterday American Airlines made news headlines at the International Herald Tribune,"American Airlines to cut flights and charge bag fee." To quote from the story:




American Airlines, the largest U.S. air carrier, said Wednesday that it would begin charging $15 for many passengers to check their first bag, eliminating a free service that passengers in the United States have come to expect during the modern jet era.

. . . At the same time, American said it would take up to 85 aircraft out of its fleet, including jets and commuter planes, by the end of the year, one of the biggest cutbacks since the airlines culled their fleets after the September 2001 attacks.

. . . The reductions will translate to an 11 to 12 percent cut in service during the fourth quarter, American officials said. They said the airline would eliminate some jobs, but did not give specifics.

My topical post today at South by Southwest and The Reaction is about politics.

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