Food Flight

THOSE friendly skies are feeling a little less friendly these days. Not long ago, a McDonald's commercial portrayed a passenger who so craved a breakfast sandwich that she took it aboard her flight to eat instead of airplane food. Those who've flown lately know that airplane breakfasts are usually a thing of the past.

There's often no longer an airplane lunch or supper, either. Some passengers have now taken to bringing their own food aboard: Life imitates commercials. It doesn't help that the timing of flights often precludes getting a meal before or after. Nor are airport concessions very helpful: They're often closed when passengers most need them.

(Memo to the airlines: When we complained so much about airplane food, getting rid of it was not what we had in mind.)

The airlines are trying to keep costs down in a fierce competitive struggle. Competition keeps everyone on their toes and keeps air travel affordable. Eventually, travelers will reward those airlines that give them the best service for the best price The others will pay for their false economies.