Kansas City Food Blog

​Nobody flies for the food. But while we're in the air, well-fed customers are happier customers. And as airlines continue to search for additional revenue streams, they've turned once again to refreshing in-flight menus in the hopes of winning over fliers.

The Wall Street Journal argues that this move is different because it's about significantly upping the quality of the food served in coach: sushi (bento boxes on Hawaiian Airlines), premium ice cream (Ben & Jerry's on Delta), and celebrity chef-inspired dishes (Delta partnered with Todd English). 

It's debatable whether this represents the new normal for in-flight meals or just the latest trend. Airline food was supposed to take a giant leap forward in 2003. Wolfgang Puck had signed a deal with airline mega-caterer LSG Sky Chefs. And LSG began rolling out boxed lunches and dinners based on signature dishes from restaurant partners like Einstein Brothers and T.G.I. Friday's. Yesterday's T.G.I. Friday's is today's Boston Market -- which is American Airlines' new partner. 

But by 2006, consumers were pushing back against the snack boxes, angered that airlines were moving away from serving whole meals in coach. (If you're feeling nostalgic for the airline meals of old, you can view the historical offerings at AirlineMeals.net. And now that they're no longer available, it's safe to watch this episode of How It's Made, which covers the construction of airline meals.)

It stands to reason that in 2014 we'll be reading about how the airlines have stopped experimenting with ice cream and sushi, and that we can now order new-and-improved snack boxes from vending machines in the backs of seats.
 
The catch is that if you're not happy with your meal today, you might have some trouble lodging a complaint with the manager. You won't be able to call American Airlines, United or Delta -- all three airlines only offer customer support via e-mail and mail.

[Image via Flickr: jetalone]