For the exception of CO, all major US airlines no longer provide complimentary meals in domestic coach (this generally also includes the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada). Buy on board menus vary by airlines. Airlines like USAir have a fairly good selection of buy on board food while others offer mainly junk food. A few airlines like Southwest offer no meals, either complimentary or for purchase. Alcoholic drinks must be purchased.

In F or Business domestic, there is generally a hot meal provided at meal hours and for flights over a couple of hours. Some airlines may only offer cold food. The menu and service again can vary quite a bit by airline and the route being served. Alcohol is complimentary.

On International, meals are typically complimentary to destinations in Europe, Asia, and South America in coach. Some airlines will have two meals while some only one. Again, the type and quality of service varies by airline. Alcohol is generally not complimentary.

In F and Business international, the menu is always much better than domestic and as expected alcohol is complimentary.

The general rule is that for the exception of CO, if traveling in coach (J) only expect the non alcohol beverages to be complimentary.