Once upon a time, you could expect a meal around normal meal times, but that is no longer the case. Airlines have been reporting dramatic increases in special meal requests over the past 2-3 years. Clearly people are now more conscious of their diet, but many passengers are also seeking to improve their selections during the flights. Almost 60 percent of special meals now ordered are vegetarian or fruit plates. However, ordering special meals generally requires 24 hours notification and is never guaranteed.
Some flights have chocolate chip cookies baking on board, served just before landing.
Coach passengers are being served more food on more flights and are offered 8-ounce bottles of water. This is the largest upgrade for a carrier in the past ten years. American Airlines redesigned 90 percent of the food service last year as well. Weight Watchers entrees are now available on nonstop, transcontinental flights. Alaska Airlines has become creative, adding Alaskan wild berry jams and reindeer sausages on its breakfast flights from Chicago to Anchorage.