If you are taking off this summer on a much-needed family vacation you might want to pack some extra dough. In a series I dubbed “To Eat or Not to Eat at 35,000 Feet” I have been detailing the menu options available on major airlines that service the United States. If you are traveling on a budget I would suggest packing your own meals and snacks (especially if you are flying with young children), but if you are flying solo and need a few calories to keep your stomach quiet until you land you might consider the following options offered by these carriers:
Southwest
On flights less than 600 miles (about 1 – 1.5 hours), Southwest serves peanuts or pretzels. On nonstop flights between 601 and 1,270 miles (about two hours), the airline offers boxed snacks. Southwest Airlines does not serve sandwiches or meals on any flight. Complimentary beverage service is offered on all flights, with beer, wine and cocktails available for $4.
Spirit
Spirit doesn’t serve meals, but snacks (muffins, candy, chips) are offered for $2 – $4. Spirit also charges for all drinks, including soft drinks and water ($3). Energy drinks are $2. Alcoholic beverages are $5.
United
The airline offers complimentary meals in coach on international flights. You will be offered a meal option on North American flights (including flights to the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico) of two hours or longer. Complimentary snacks (pretzels) are provided on those flights as well. On flights over three hours, a variety of boxed snacks are available for $5. On flights over five hours, you are given the option of purchasing a sandwich or salad from the Fresh Food Menu for $5. On all flights, non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
US Airways
US Airways offers an In-Flight Cafe on most flights longer than 3.5 hours, taking off between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. Meals are priced at $7, and snack boxes are available for $5. Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary on all flights, with wine, beer and cocktails available for $5.
Related Articles:
To Eat or Not to Eat at 35,000 Feet–Part 2
To Eat or Not to Eat at 35,000 Feet
How Healthy Are Airline Meals?
In-Flight Meals–What You Will (Or Won’t) Be Getting
No Such Thing As A Free Ride… Or Free Pretzels
New Menu Options at 35,000 Feet
First-Class Eats at 35,000 Feet
Meals Most of Us WON’T Be Dining on at 35,000 Feet