How do airlines decide meal times?

Generally, on long-haul flights food is served shortly after start and then again shortly before landing. As a rule, the higher the class, the closer to takeoff/landing the food will be served. Because there are less people in higher classes, it's faster to go around with the drinks first.



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For commercial airline catering, each airline has a team of culinary professionals that are in charge of selecting what food and beverages they'd like to offer on their flights.

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flights under 2 hours: a snack. flights over 2 hours: a main meal. flights over 7 hours: a main meal and snack. flights over 12 hours: two main meals and a snack.

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flights under 2 hours: a snack. flights over 2 hours: a main meal. flights over 7 hours: a main meal and snack. flights over 12 hours: two main meals and a snack.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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How long does a flight have to be to get a meal? Meal service is determined by time of day, flying time and mileage, but in general, food is served on flights of approximately four hours or more than 1,750 miles. Meals and snacks are available for purchase on domestic flights longer than 3 1/2 hours or 1,550 miles.

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Complimentary meals are included with all our long-haul flights. Menus vary depending on your destination and flight time, and all meals are followed by a hot drink. We'll also pass through the cabin with complimentary bar services offering soft, hot and alcoholic drinks of your choice.

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Your senses get a bit confused. Flying in cramped cabins at high altitude changes your sense of taste and smell. The dry air and pressure change makes food taste less salty and sweet and blocks and dries out your nose, making your meal less smelly and therefore less tasty.

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Checked Bags: Yes Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

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Flight Attendant Food Options Flight attendants may receive a free meal or light bite depending on the airline, contract, and destination.

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Can passengers reasonably ask flight attendants for a second hot meal? Or a third? And what about a few more bags of nuts while you're at it? Having spoken to a handful of airlines, the answer is a resounding yes.

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In general, flight attendants will be happy to give you the extra meal after the service is done, because they know it will be thrown after landing anyway. Out of experience, there are always some extra meals, at least one or two.

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What is the longest flight in the world by distance? The longest flight in the world by distance is New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) on Singapore Airlines clocking in at 9,537 miles. What plane can fly the farthest in the world?

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Long haul flights: You'll get a main meal and light refreshment offered before landing, both included in the price. Your main meal will be served with a complimentary soft, hot or alcoholic drink. You can select what type of meal you need when you're booking your holiday.

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In the U.S., trials have been ongoing, but the 3-1-1 liquid rule remains in place. Only those with TSA Pre-Check can pass through security while keeping their liquids and electronics in their bag and belts.

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Airliners can descend over 8,000 feet per minutes if needed. A descent from 35,000 feet at that rate would have you down to 11,000 feet in 3 minutes or less. John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.

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Why was the 3-1-1 rule created? The TSA initially banned liquids and gels from carry-on bags in 2006 when British authorities reportedly thwarted a plot to blow up planes bound for the United States with liquid explosives. The rule was later revised to allow small quantities of liquids in carry-ons.

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Most airports have restaurants with good menus, so while waiting, one can quickly fill in one's belly in one of these restaurants, so one will not have to worry too much about the tiny food offered during the flight.

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Since the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, airlines have been doing whatever they can to cut costs and stay competitive. Free food was an easy perk to nix. Today, you won't find a lot of food on most domestic flights anymore. If you do, you're likely to be paying for it, or it's just a snack.

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