Originally Posted by
carlosdca
I think the issue is not the $5.
On business trips one is always running out of time. Making time to be able to eat something can be a challenge.
A 2 hour flight can mean 5 hours travel time, which, personally, is a long time with an empty stomach.
An expected F meal saves time and gives me piece of mind I won't starve before getting home.
I know there is Starbucks and CPK at the airport, I know there are cafes on the first floor of the building where my meeting is at, but sometimes there is just no time.
I get what you are saying. But once in a blue moon there's going to be a catering issue and the flight is going to need to leave without proper catering. Particularly Eagle flights with insane short turns. Ideally AA would send you a voucher (and yes AA pays far less for a meal than you would at the airport). If they don't you can ask and will probably at best get some miles thrown at your. If you want a voucher ($$) then you will need to badger AA or threaten to sue AA in small claims court. I guess I'm lucky I set the agenda with clients and always give myself time for the AC and/or being able to eat a proper meal. Even if upgraded I still put something in my stomach.