Is your last stop before boarding a plane stopping to buy a meal to eat during your flight? You're not alone if you've rejected the meals and snacks available for purchase on planes nowadays, and opt to carry-on.  According to a new Wall Street Journal report, several airlines are now trying to compete for your meal dollars with a variety of new offerings.

While first class passengers often get free meals, coach travel is a food free-for-all, with most carriers only providing a complimentary soft drink. Even the small bags of pretzels are mostly gone (one big exception is Jet Blue, still providing a range of snacks).

Importantly, your new sky-high purchases are pretty closely matched to what you'd pay on the ground.

So what's new? Airlines have gone the celebrity chef route (Delta has foods designed by Todd English), while others have opted for the name-brand option (American has partnered with Boston Market), or choice meals (United's caprese sandwich and yogurt parfaits).

Hawaiian Airlines has a meal-upgrade program. A basic meal is free, and a surcharge ($10) for a "fancier" meal. You've got to love an airline whose best-seller is a sushi bento box with California rolls, edamame, and teriyaki chicken.

What's your experience with airline food? Thumbs up or down?