I would like to beg to differ with the characterization that encore is an inferior product. On the transatlantic flight the meals are great - the Kinkeads crab cakes I had on the CLT-LGW flight in November were super - and the meal can be of fine restaurant quality. It is snobby to say the multiple wine and champagne choices aren't adequate for most people, and there is more than enough food on the flight to gain a few pounds (the (fancy type) nuts aren't heated - give me a break). The best part, however, is the entertainment system on the A330, this beats the competition by a long shot. I have flown other carriers long distance transpacific and transatlantic, and you must watch movies on their schedule. The A330 allows for watching on your own schedule which makes the entire experience more user friendly. I know there are those of you that eat 4 star food daily, drink $100 wines, and drag along your own DVDs and players, but for the rest of us the encore service is a treat and quite comparable to other carriers, better than some.