There's no free lunch at 40,000 feet: How you are paying for airline food

Airlines are bringing back complimentary meals as you pay for them in other ways

Back in 2010, Continental Airlines was the last carrier standing, offering passengers in cattle class a free snack while rivals, desperate to cut costs, had begun to charge for that cheeseburger. Then it too succumbed, and travellers began to incorporate the pre-gate sandwich purchase into their itinerary.

Seven years later, financially robust airlines are starting to sniff around the idea of returning “free” food to the masses. This spring, Delta Air Lines Inc plans to serve a complimentary meal on longer, mostly transcontinental routes. Options will include fruit-and-cheese plates, a breakfast sandwich, and wraps.

Delta already offers free alcoholic beverages