Food Tester at Cruising Altitude
Flight Attendant: "Welcome to American Airlines. Care to hear our specials of the day?"
Me (playing a passenger): "Why, of course. I have only eaten an Annie's pretzel in the terminal and am ravished."
F.A.: "We have three new sandwiches that will rinse that salty party mix taste right out of your mouth: roasted chicken with havarti on a bratwurst roll (available through Nov. 4), smoked turkey and Swiss on wheat (Nov. 5-11 ), and a turkey croissant with chutney-infused cream cheese and Monterey Jack cheese (Nov. 12-18 )."
Me: "Hmmm, that doesn't sound like the usual processed school cafeteria fare airlines typically serve. I might even get some nutrition on this flight. What's the damage?"
F.A.: "Five bucks. Cheaper than the airport or . . .Cosi!"
Me: "Anything to wash it down with? Maybe a Starbucks doubleshot espresso and cream, FUZE green tea or Vitamin water power-c?"
F.A. "How did you guess?"
Me: "I know my beverage cart. And for dessert?"
F.A.: "CLIF Bar chocolate brownie energy bars. Gives you that extra pep, in case we are stuck on the tarmac for five hours."
Me: "So, not to be suspicious, but why are you being so nice? Why are you feeding us real people food and not dressed-up Dumpster meals?"
F.A. "It is part of a new test pilot (sorry, no pun intended) in which we are trying out new food items in economy class, select routes only."
Me: "So, in a way, my dining decision today could impact fliers of 2008. In the future, we might arrive at a destination sated and in good spirits, not cursing from hunger."
F.A.: "Exactly. Think of it as your public duty."
Me: "Well, put it like that and I will try one. And take one for yourself; charge it to Seat 23B."
Epilogue: AA's food-for-purchase pilot program will end Dec. 23. If you try a sandwich, be vocal about your likes and dislikes--or even express what you'd want to see on the menu. I would love to never have to see or smell a club croissant sandwich again. What would you like to see delivered to your airplane seat tray?
By Andrea Sachs |
October 30, 2007; 6:55 AM ET
| Category:
Air Travel
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Andrea Sachs
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Dining
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Posted by: Kerri | October 30, 2007 7:42 AM
I second Kerri. There are never any vegetarian options -- creative or otherwise.
Posted by: Amy | October 30, 2007 9:17 AM
Yes, I'd love to see vegetarian options too.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 30, 2007 10:04 AM
oysters on the half shell and a flute of moet...
seriously though, something high in protein that is savory, is my choice!
Posted by: mandy | October 30, 2007 10:07 AM
I also agree - a nice vegetarian option would be good. Or make a small, healthier "snack box" like they offer on NWA with more emphasis on crudite and less fattier contents.
But you know what I would REALLY love to see on the beverage cart? Diet Ginger Ale.
My stomach can get upset when I fly, and ginger ale is always a go-to solution for me. Except I'm diabetic, so I won't/can't drink regular soda.
How hard would it be to stock some diet on the plane?
Posted by: Chasmosaur | October 30, 2007 10:20 AM
If you know you are going to want a diet giner ale, you can bring your own. That's one of those drinks that isn't worth carrying for the chance that one person on the flight might want it.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 30, 2007 12:12 PM
Heh. I'll bring my diet ginger ale with me - next to a sippy cup, and full sized containers perfume and shaving cream, and throw a cigarette lighter on top because it's so easy to get all that stuff through security now ;)
Seriously - can't bring it from home now because of the stupid liquid rules, and I've yet to seem it sold at airport concessions.
It's just a pipe dream anyway ;)
Posted by: Chasmosaur | October 30, 2007 12:56 PM
If there's not enough of a demand to sell it in the airports, there sure isn't enough of a demand to have it on the planes.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 30, 2007 3:29 PM
I hate this nickel and diming. I prefer Continental, which is the last airline still offering free meals.
Posted by: Folger | October 30, 2007 4:21 PM
There's not a single item available that someone on a gluten-free diet can eat, and I don't expect that they'll be offering one anytime soon. I bring my own food, but have to use a bag of frozen veggies to keep it cool since the TSA ban on "liquids" (which includes gel cooling packs).
Posted by: celiacinpa | October 31, 2007 10:32 AM
I second most of the above. The sandwiches sound like a great idea but please consider the vegetarian celiac (Me), and have a no bread or other gluten, no meat, no chicken, no fish option. I always crave diet ginger ale and it's never been an option on any planes I've used.
Posted by: Celiacveggie | October 31, 2007 6:19 PM
What the heck is a "bratwurst roll"? A fancied up name for a hot dog bun, no doubt.
Posted by: Larry | November 5, 2007 12:02 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
I'd like to see at least one creative vegetarian option offered.