Must admit I returned recently from a trip around the world with the OneWorld alliance and flew cattle class in Cathay, British,
Aer Lingus, American and QANTAS. Admittedly the flights with American were domestic but some observations for what it is worth:
- Aer Lingus CHARGED for food on LHR/DUB (90 minutes on a 737) - I thought I was flying Virgin Blue. Soft drinks "served with their compliments".
- American gave you, at best, a packet of pretzels on a near 4 hour flight (DC9). Disgusting. If you wanted more food (it was actually lunchtime) you couldn't even buy it. At least QF feed you on domestic legs - even if it is a ham and cheese sandwich (or today's flavour of the month)
- Flew QF across the Pacific and had was pleasantly surprised to receive the best service on the whole trip - particularly in light of the fact that the route is capacity constrained and every seat was filled. It can't be much fun with a 747 jam packed for near on 13 hours but they kept smiling.