The answer to both questions is a qualified yes.

“These are positive gestures toward healthier cabin environments and experiences, though somewhat behind the times,” said Charles Platkin, the executive director of the Hunter College New York Food Policy Center and the editor of DietDetective.com, a website that rates and ranks the healthiness of in-flight snacks and meals. “But I wonder if the airlines are just jumping on the P.R. bandwagon to earn bragging rights and stay competitive.”

As for successful outcomes and results, Stephen Simpson, the academic director of the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Center, who oversees Qantas Airways’ wellness efforts, echoes other doctors involved with airlines.

“We don’t have enough scientifically rigorous evidence yet to submit to peer review for professional journals,” Professor Simpson said. He expects the results of a 2,000-passenger Qantas study, currently underway, in less than six months.

Although several websites rate airline meals, seats and on-time records, none rate in-flight health and wellness programs. Nor are there studies or published reports that correlate the availability of such programs to increases in bookings. Airlines do not release their own passenger satisfaction surveys to the public.

Geoffrey Thomas, the editor in chief of AirlineRatings.com, said, “We have been looking to add a separate rating for wellness offerings, as it’s an important and emerging issue” that will affect travelers’ choices.