In Flight Meals - Do you eat them?

[YSSY]

I wonder whether I'm alone in almost totally avoiding in flight meals. Whether in economy or business I tend to avoid eating the meals, even on a 14+ hour flight. I will eat in the lounge or a restaurant before or after the flight, and might get a snack such as a chocolate bar from the galley. But I often find even the smell of the food in the ovens puts me off eating them, and also the timing of the meals is out of kilt with when I normally eat.
I have actually been badgered by staff (particularly in business on long haul) when I decline the meal, and sometimes even try leaving snacks on my table 'just in case'. One QF steward on the A330 actually recognises me and greets me at the door with "will you be eating with us this time Mr YSSY?" on the rare occasions we come across each other.
But I have noticed that a lot of people eat the meal, regardless of the fact it could be a ridiculous time in the morning or the food is something in another situation they wouldn't eat.
I do like airlines who have an anytime dining option such as a steak sandwich (EY) as that can be okay if I get peckish. But honestly, I often just prefer to eat in the lounge/restaurant in a dignified way at a time that suits.

Anyone else with me? Should airlines stop serving meals and just have a galley full of snacks and sandwiches available anytime.?

 

[TomVexille]

While I doubt you're totally alone, I would think you're in the minority. For some reason being on a plane seems to make me hungry so I usually eat what's on offer.

 

[blackcat20]

While I doubt you're totally alone, I would think you're in the minority. For some reason being on a plane seems to make me hungry so I usually eat what's on offer.

Boredom....

 

[RooFlyer]

While I doubt you're totally alone, I would think you're in the minority. <snip>

Agree

I loath the full meal service airlines usually do after, say a 11pm departure (noise etc when trying to sleep). But on the other hand, the hours prior to a departure around meal time might be quite hectic with no opportunity to have a meal so I'm happy to scoff away. And of course US airlines tend to be very accommodating of the OP's position

 

[TomVexille]

Boredom....

Probably. But then again, I really like eating...

 

[blackcat20]

Probably. But then again, I really like eating...

I've noticed

 

[serfty]

I generally eat anything and everything proffered.

Only once in recent memory could I not eat what was on offer and that was a roll filled with some sort of goop in CX economy TPE-HKG. Even then I had a bite ...

 

[TomVexille]

I generally eat anything and everything proffered.

Only once in recent memory could I not eat what was on offer and that was a roll filled with some sort of goop in CX economy TPE-HKG. Even then I had a bite ...

No point in letting something go without making sure that it's not delicious

 

[MEL_Traveller]

...

But I have noticed that a lot of people eat the meal, regardless of the fact it could be a ridiculous time in the morning or the food is something in another situation they wouldn't eat.

...

Anyone else with me? Should airlines stop serving meals and just have a galley full of snacks and sandwiches available anytime.?

As you say, most people eat the meal.

I don't think a galley full of snacks (chips, chocolate bars and cookies) is healthy for a 14 hour flight. There are elderly, diabetics, children and others on board who need something of reasonable sustenance.

I think most other people would be ready for a hot meal in 14 hours.

As for meal timings... they can be a little bizarre.. we had 'breakfast' at 9pm last month. But I suggest it's a pretty far-fetched notion to think anyone's stomach can tell the difference between breakfast, lunch or dinner. Food is food. If I get served an omelette at 9pm rather than a souffle I reckon an egg is an egg and wouldn't make the slightest bit of difference.

 

[Pleb Status]

I always eat all meals, particularly when travelling in upper classes. Even something that looks a bit suspect generally tastes OK.

 

[boomy]

In First and Business - always eat the meal. I see it as an integral part of the premium cabin experience.
In Economy domestic - usually eat the meal unless I had something really special in the J lounge (almost never happens).
In Economy international - not if I had enough time to eat (and drink) in a decent F lounge somewhere. I will probably have the second meal if it's a long flight.

 

[DElliott]

Eat everything thats put in front of me ! Emirates is particularly good .

 

[Hvr]

I flew MEL-BKK on J* in their J class yesterday and didn't eat either meal. I worked all night and finished a 12 shift just prior to boarding so had eaten a lot and with a meal in the F lounge sleep was essential.

The crew were magnificent and didn't wake me as per my request.

I've previously flown LAX-MEL QFi J and not eaten, needed to sleep the first few hours and the breakfast was decidedly unappetising.

However, I have previously been told that not eating on long flights from certain countries may increase the possibility of a Customs inspection in case you've swallowed drugs and are waiting to pass them on arrival.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

However, I have previously been told that not eating on long flights from certain countries may increase the possibility of a Customs inspection in case you've swallowed drugs and are waiting to pass them on arrival.

like bangkok!!

i suspect Viet Nam is also on that list.

Having a good brekkie would at least mean you're not hungry while being filmed for border securitah!

 

[Fifa]

If it's a late departing flight (eg. QF SYD-NRT) I enjoy dinner in the Flounge and go to sleep as soon as the seat belt sign is off.

Otherwise I make the most of whatever is on offer .

 

[AIRwin]

However, I have previously been told that not eating on long flights from certain countries may increase the possibility of a Customs inspection in case you've swallowed drugs and are waiting to pass them on arrival.

Oh does that mean the cabin crew will tip off the authorities about their observations?

 

[dajop]

When I've taken 11pm-midnight flights from SIN to MEL (or v.v) in business certainly don't eat, but otherwise I usually will. SQ actually only offer a choice of one meal to J pax - either supper or breakfast - on these flights (which some do criticize) and I notice very few take the supper option. If it was a longer flight departing for Europe at the same time (which is really meal time at the destination) I would, but wouldn't eat dinner that night except a little food in the lounge.

As for shorter flights often if one is busy, or with tight connections, it might be the only opportunity to eat .

 

[Hvr]

Oh does that mean the cabin crew will tip off the authorities about their observations?

Yes, they'll notify them about any suspicious actions that may warrant further investigation.

 

[AIRwin]

Yes, they'll notify them about any suspicious actions that may warrant further investigation.

I'm boarding an MH flight from KUL to BNE soon so I'd better not fill myself up too much at the Golden Lounge lest I can't eat later (and I do want to try the famous satay which has been talked about on AFF!)

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Yes, they'll notify them about any suspicious actions that may warrant further investigation.

i wonder what the legal position is surrounding that.

personally I don't think it is the place of cabin crew to become involved in this unless there is an immediate danger to the passenger.