First-class fliers, rejoice: Hot meals are returning to cross-country US Airways flights.

Airline food has long been grist for late-night comics. But many of US Airways' most frequent travelers weren't laughing when the airline, citing problems with a food vendor, pulled hot meals from long-haul domestic flights in February.

In their place came In-flight Cafe boxes, filled with the same sandwiches available for purchase in coach.

"We've certainly heard from our customers that they want hot, plated meals back," spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said.

On Aug. 1, hot meals will return to first class aboard transcontinental flights, Kudwa said. For breakfast: fresh fruit, a choice of two hot entrees and breakfast breads. For lunch and dinner: fresh salad, choice of two hot entrees and dessert.

There are no changes planned to coach food, or to food service on international flights. Charlotte is the airline's largest hub.

On Internet chat boards, frequent fliers celebrated.

"Seriously, this is great news!" exclaimed one. Others wondered if the airline would soon bring back real silverware in place of plastic utensils, and if the lunch dessert might be a warm cookie.