Thanks Clipper and Seat 2A regarding the caviar; am surprised it lasted even as long as that on US carriers, but to have the last of it just a little sprinkled over some cream cheese -- well that sounds like it went out not with a bang but with a whimper! The full service you describe Clipper however sounds quite impressive. At that time, perhaps more of the PAX were actually paying cash for their F seats rather than miles, and so the American lines could justify the cost as just keeping up with the Joneses so to speak -- I do know TWA spared no effort to stay even with AF for example in its glory days -- and not so bad if it did indeed create the right atmosphere in the top cabins and contributed to loyalty of that most valuable market segment. Today, it might be a nice touch on LH and a few others, but really how much loyalty does that one item bring today? LX seems to get along fine without it, and there are other "luxury" items that might not cost quite as much such as fine smoked salmon or cold lobster -- which are also beyond the reach of most of the US carriers it would seem, even in int'l F. Anyhow it does seem like the ultimate romantic vestige of a more elegant travel age, nice to have memories of it!