Food used to always be free on airlines, but more and more are starting to surprise customers by not revealing that crucial piece of information. Find out before to save hassle later.

When flying first class over a great distance, like taking flights from Pittsburgh to Rome you can be sure that you'll be served fairly high quality food and beverages on board without having to pay. You should be able to drink as much as you like, and perhaps even champagne when seated in the first class portion of the aircraft. But for other people it's not so simple.

The food that you get served on domestic flights from New York to Halifax or flights from Oakland to Miami may be something you have to pay for. It's important to find out exactly what the food on-board will cost, because if it isn't free then it's likely to be quite expensive. A better option may be to eat in the airport instead of eating on the plane. So call up the airline to find out whether the food will be served on board.

You can also go on the Internet and find out what sort of food is available from the airline and at what prices. This way you can be sure that you're well prepared for any eventualities. By checking comparison sites and forums where passengers review airlines you can also find out whether you'll have to pay for food, or whether you can eat as much as you like when on board without having to pay. By contacting the airport you are also able to find out what currency or credit cards they accept. Credit card purchases made while in the air may also incur a further surcharge, so it may again be better to eat while you're on the ground.