Like you, I've flown a lot, and with both the expensive airlines and the cheaper ones. Ryanair is the first thing that comes to mind, they offer great value fares around Europe which is good, they tend to be on time more than other airlines, but there the positives end. Their customer service is shockingly bad and they will do their best to extract as much cash as possible for minor oversights, such a bag being slightly over weight or a tiny bit too big for carry on. I've seen many people so stressed argueing with their staff over the years and eventually having to cough up €80-100 fines and board their flights stressed and red faced.

I do my best to avoid them myself but certain destinations leave no other options.

And as for plane grub, I must say I've never been a fan, it's fine, but in very small doses..