P.S. If you order a special meal, you're usually served about 15 minutes before everyone else.

George: I don't know if you are correct regarding the "boom" years, but your attitude like it is us against the airlines isn't productive. Even if you have special needs, I don't think you should get special treatment (so long as the "treatment" is within your reasonable control). Thus, I agree with ADA measures, but don't agree with requiring special meals. I've been accused here of being kind of cheap, but the same criticism goes for those people trying to get that extra little something out of the airline. And we all know that a lot of little somethings add up! Even if my position is a little extreme, there are several examples here where the special meals are being requested due to preference, not need. Thus, people are basically trying to see how they can get a better, unique or quicker meal than the guy next to them. That is a bit selfish. There are a lot of examples in life where opportunities are there for the taking, but to take them just shows how piggish we really are. And though few want to admit it, there is a cost associated with such opportunities. Those costs are ultimately bourne by the consumers. The travesty here is that the few grabbing special meals, to my knowledge, aren't paying an additional amount for their salmon, etc. Thus, the costs of someone else's health issues or frivolity are being bourne by all of us. Kind of socialistic on a relatively small term basis, isn't it.

Seeing as how the airlines are being bailed out by my tax dollars, I think I deserve a little treat on them.

Geez louise sounds like one unlikeable broad. And she has a serious case of verbal diahhrea. Go boss your husband and kids around and leave us alone!

On second thought, I agree with Geez Louise. The next time the passenger next to me asks for a second pack of pretzels or another free glass of wine -- poweee, I'll smack him right in the kisser.

I guess if we all ordered special meals, they wouldn't be so special. I know, I know, that's deep! Realistically, I suspect the special meals are an accomodation and, if abused, may become restricted or non-existant. It probably won't bankrupt an airline, but those of you grabbing special meals without good reason (other than personal preference), could make it harder on those people who need special meals for health reasons.

If you can figure out how to get yourself to Europe (assuming you have done this planning independently) -- you should be able to figure out how to feed yourself. No kidding. But if special in-flight meals is your biggest concern... well need I say more?