After Midwest Express, American has long been the leader in food & beverage spending per passenger. In 2000, AA spent roughly $8.00 per passenger (across all cabins, all flights, NOT an average per coach meal). Of course, spending in 2002 will be down substantially.

This is not an average cost per MEAL, it is computed by dividing the total dollars spent on food & beverage by the total number of passengers boarded that year.

Premium, First and Business meals are much more expensive - the average for those may be more like $20-$40 each while the coach snacks and meals may be only a couple of bucks.

Won't find me complaining about AA's front cabin meals. Don't want yours, I'll eat it.