Economy cabin fare on international flights consists of a choice of main course (usually one meat and one chicken), which is served with salad, crackers, dessert and mineral water. On foreign carriers expect cuisine from the native country. For example, Air Jamaica may serve curry goat, while Alitalia may serve pasta primavera.
Business class and first class passengers are offered a more extensive dinner menu than those traveling economy class. It usually consists of choice of wine, appetizer, salad, entree (one to four choices is the norm), cheese, frui, and dessert. Entree choices consist of meat, fish, pasta/rice and a variable option. Breakfast and lunch, although smaller, also always offer a choice of cereals, fruit, eggs and the like, sandwiches, salads and a pasta course.
Snacks and drinks are offered on long-haul international flights with foreign carriers providing a glass of wine or beer in coach. In business class and first class, alcoholic drinks are free.
Many people have decided to take matters into their own hands and bring food and drink with them on board. Some airport vendors have caught onto this trend and now sell prepared foods in portable packaging designed to be easily eaten on board.
