In the old days the food was really good and now days the food is terrible. Many times you don’t even get food unless it is long flight.
And planes where very roaming in the old days. There was lots and lots of airline companies to choose from and now there is only about 5 airline companies to choose from today.
Redstone
Money. It is all about the money. The management that runs the airlines are trying to wring out as much revenue from each flight as possible. Food and leg-space was the easy thing to squeeze out.
Plus a number of airlines was subject to either mergers or bankruptcy. (I remember when there was still PanAm, Eastern Airlines, TWA, Braniff, etc.)
D.E.B.S.
The food has been horrible for 40+ years in my experience. The domestic flights who offer meals to purchase has 100 times better food than the old 'free' stuff. Airlines shouldn't be in the catering business and they realized it. Bringing your own food much smarter.
Joseph
You want inexpensive air travel? Then you'll have to live with no legroom and a pack of peanuts with half a can of soda for your in-flight meal. Or you can buy a first class ticket and enjoy a private suite with a lay flat seat and a steak dinner.
Billybean
Money. Plain & simple. You want to pay as little as possible so in return the airlines give you as little as possible.
Notoversmart
It was okay I guess . Life is too short to be this alone and sad