[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

As to domestic air travel: If one can go, from Point A, to Point B; arrive within an hour of the scheduled time; within an hour following arrival, get all of one's checked baggage; and not, once, be the recipiant of sarcastic/nasty remarks, threats of arrest, or similiar comments; THEN you've had a FANTASTIC flight!

Some experts have cited Southwest's technique of "lowering expectations" as one, of a few, reasons for its success and decades-long profitability. No first class, no entertainment (unless you bring your own.) A "biggie" would be a "snack box" on a long-haul flight. Indeed, in more than one Southwest advertisement, a photo of a bag of peanuts is featured as the only in-flight "food service."

Regardless of what the information, on-line or over the phone, says one should NEVER assume there will be functioning audio or video entertainment, or even any kind of food service (purchase or otherwise) on board. With all the cut-backs in maintenance, entertainment systems, along with food service equipment, are probably on the bottom of the list of priorities, with safety/FAA-mandated items being first. As to food service: Some cities, usually the major ones, have good catering services. Internationally, a different standard, most likely applies. Major hub cities may have the best catering. Beyond that, it's probably hit or miss.