Some airlines are starting to offer really good food - to first and business class passengers on really long flights. If you fly coach, like most of us do, your choices are much more limited. On the long flights, you may have the option to buy some food, maybe even the same as being served for "free" up front. Christopher Elliott, in this MSNBC article, lets you in on some of the airlines "dirty secrets behind in-flight meals."
What airlines don't tell you about in-flight meals - Christopher Elliott - MSNBC.com