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.

The move away from free meal service on domestic and short-haul flights was driven primarily by deregulation and the need for cost-cutting to remain competitive with "Low-Cost Carriers" (LCCs) like Southwest or Ryanair. Before the late 1970s, airline prices were government-regulated, and carriers competed on service luxury rather than price. Once the industry was deregulated, the focus shifted to providing the lowest possible base fare. Airlines realized that by removing the cost of the food itself, as well as the logistical weight and fuel consumption associated with ovens and catering carts, they could significantly lower ticket prices. Furthermore, modern safety protocols now frequently halt service during the increasing instances of clear-air turbulence to prevent burn injuries or spills. In 2026, while "Legacy" carriers have brought back snacks or buy-on-board menus to improve the passenger experience, full complimentary meals are now largely reserved for long-haul international flights where the fare structure and flight duration justify the expense.