Originally Posted by PeteM01

I can't help with meals out of LAX, but I have found the a la carte meals out of CDG are a significant improvement on standard Y meals. Indeed, on one of my early AF flights in Y, I bought an alc ('Tradition') meal with miles and was served ahead of everyone else my vicinity. This caused much dismay in the crusty old French gentilhomme sat next to me. His dismay became even greater (and louder) when the FA suggested a wine from Business and brought it for me in a glass. I think that I was converted to an AF fan on that flight!

If you are flying in PE, the enhanced meal that you often get makes the price for an alc meal not worthwhile and the loss of your (very small) chance for an upgrade also disappears.