Originally Posted by shefgab

Obviously not having a meal loaded is inexcusable, and doesn't make for a pleasant flight, especially on a full J fare.

That being said, 5000 Avios will buy you quite a lot from the Buy on Board menu (should it happen again, and there is actually catering loaded), and is nearly enough for a o/w J ticket (off peak start at 7750 Avios o/w as far away as Milan or Prague), so a fairly decent settlement I think given that the catering cost of a meal is certainly no more than £5.