The Complete Guide To Airline Food

On longer flights, particularly international routes, airlines typically serve hot meals. These usually consist of a main course, side dishes, a bread roll and dessert. The quality and variety of these meals can vary significantly between airlines and cabin classes.

Airlines are constantly improving their in-flight dining options, with some now offering restaurant-quality meals even in economy class. From gourmet dishes created by celebrity chefs to specially curated wine lists, the best airlines are transforming airplane food from a mere necessity into a highlight of the journey.

For many travelers, in-flight meals are an essential part of the journey. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or simply looking to make your flight more enjoyable, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of airline cuisine. From economy class to first-class dining, we'll explore which airlines offer the best food, what's on the menu and how to make the most of your in-flight dining experience.

Types of airline food offerings

Airlines offer a range of food options to cater to different preferences and flight durations. Let's explore the main categories:

Hot meals

On longer flights, particularly international routes, airlines typically serve hot meals. These usually consist of a main course, side dishes, a bread roll and dessert. The quality and variety of these meals can vary significantly between airlines and cabin classes.

For example, Emirates is known for serving high-quality meals even in economy class. They offer regionally inspired dishes that change seasonally, ensuring passengers experience a taste of their destination or origin.

Drinks and snacks

Most airlines provide a selection of complimentary beverages, including soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee. Alcoholic beverages are often complimentary in premium cabins and available for purchase in economy on many airlines. Some airlines offer complimentary wine and beer in economy class.

Snacks vary widely, from simple offerings like pretzels or peanuts on short-haul flights to more substantial options on longer journeys. For instance, JetBlue is praised for its generous snack baskets in economy class, allowing passengers to choose from a variety of brand-name snacks.

Meals for special diets

Airlines have become increasingly accommodating to passengers with dietary restrictions or preferences. Most major carriers offer options such as:

• Vegetarian and vegan meals
• Gluten-free options
• Kosher and Halal meals
• Low-sodium or low-calorie meals
• Child meals

It's important to note that special meals must usually be requested in advance, typically at least 24 hours before the flight.

What makes airline food good or bad

Several factors contribute to the quality of in-flight meals:

• Ingredients:The best airline food uses high-quality, fresh ingredients. Some airlines partner with local suppliers to source seasonal produce and regional specialties.
• Preparation: How food is prepared and packaged affects its quality when served at altitude. Airlines that invest in proper cooking and packaging techniques tend to offer better-tasting meals.
• Variety: A diverse menu that changes regularly keeps frequent flyers interested and caters to different tastes.
• Presentation: Attractive plating can significantly enhance the dining experience, even at 35,000 feet.
• Taste at altitude: Our taste buds function differently at high altitudes, with our perception of saltiness and sweetness reduced by up to 30%. The best airline food is specially formulated to account for these changes.
• Cultural relevance: Many top-rated airlines offer cuisine that reflects their home country or the flight's destination, providing passengers with an authentic culinary experience.

In-flight food: A comparison of major airline dining offerings

Air France

Air France is renowned for its commitment to French gastronomy, even at 30,000 feet. In economy class on long-haul flights, passengers are treated to a main course, cheese, dessert and a bread roll, often featuring French-inspired dishes.

The airline truly shines in its premium cabins. Business and first-class passengers can indulge in multi-course meals created by top French chefs. The airline regularly partners with Michelin-starred chefs to create special menus, ensuring a gourmet experience in the sky.

Air France also takes pride in its wine selection, with sommelier Paolo Basso curating a list that includes some of France's finest wines and champagnes.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong's flag carrier, is known for its high-quality in-flight dining, which showcases Asian and international flavors. The airline strongly emphasizes using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients where possible.

In economy class on long-haul flights, passengers can typically choose between Asian and Western main course options. Cathay Pacific is particularly noted for its Hong Kong-style milk tea, a popular beverage that the airline has successfully adapted for in-flight service.

The airline truly excels in its premium cabins. Business and first-class passengers can enjoy restaurant-quality meals designed by top chefs. Cathay Pacific's "Hong Kong Flavours" menu celebrates the city's culinary heritage with dishes like wok-fried lobster in premium cabins.

Cathay Pacific also stands out for its beverage program. The airline offers a carefully curated selection of wines, including those from boutique vineyards, craft beers and premium teas.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines embraces its island heritage with a menu that showcases local flavors. In economy class on international flights, passengers can enjoy dishes like teriyaki chicken or island-style curry with rice. The airline also offers a "Pau Hana" snack cart service on North American flights, featuring Hawaiian snacks and cocktails.

In business class, Hawaiian Airlines takes it up a notch with a menu designed by acclaimed Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs. Passengers can savor dishes like miso-glazed cod or Hawaiian-style short ribs paired with wines selected by a master sommelier.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has gained a reputation for offering some of the best in-flight dining experiences, especially in economy class. The airline's "Flying Chefs" program, where professional chefs prepare meals onboard, has set a new standard for in-flight catering.

In economy class on long-haul flights, passengers are treated to a menu that reflects Turkey's rich culinary heritage. Meals often include Turkish mezze (appetizers), main courses like grilled kofte (meatballs) or stuffed eggplant and traditional desserts such as baklava. The airline also offers a variety of special meal options to cater to different dietary requirements.

Business class passengers enjoy an even more elevated experience. Multi-course meals are served on stylish tableware, with dishes that blend Turkish and international cuisines. The airline's careful attention to presentation and use of fresh ingredients has earned it numerous awards for in-flight dining.

How do economy, premium economy and business-class food compare?

The quality and variety of in-flight meals typically improve as you move up through cabin classes. Here's a general comparison:

Economy Class

• Usually, one main meal on long-haul flights.
• Limited choice (often two options for the main course).
• Meals are served in disposable containers with plastic cutlery.
• Snacks and basic beverages are included.

Premium Economy

• Sometimes the same as economy meals, sometimes an enhanced version of economy meals
• Often served on real dishware with metal cutlery
• More menu choices
• Better quality wines and additional snacks

Business Class

• Renowned chefs often design multi-course meals.
• Extensive menu choices, sometimes with à la carte options.
• High-quality ingredients and sophisticated cooking methods.
• Meals served on fine china with proper cutlery.
• Premium wines and champagnes.
• On-demand dining on some airlines.

Tip: The gap between economy and premium cabins has been narrowing on some airlines. Carriers like Japan Airlines and Turkish Airlines are known for offering high-quality meals even in their economy class.

What to do if you don’t like airline food

If you're worried about not enjoying the in-flight meal, consider these options:

• Pre-order a special meal: Many airlines offer a range of special meal options that might suit your tastes better. A bonus is that if you pre-order your meal, you’ll typically be served first.
• Bring your own snacks: Passengers can bring their own food onboard as long as it complies with security regulations.
• Purchase a meal onboard: Some airlines offer buy-on-board options with a broader variety of choices.
• Eat at the airport: Have a meal before your flight, especially if it's a shorter journey.
• Research your airline's menu: Some airlines publish their in-flight menus online, allowing you to plan ahead.

Can you take food through airline security?

The rules about bringing food through airport security can be confusing and can vary by country and airport. Here's a general guide:

• Solid foods are usually allowed through security checkpoints.
• Liquids , gels and aerosols must follow the 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, all containers must fit in a single 1-quart clear plastic bag and each passenger is allowed only one bag.

What are the rules around taking food on a plane?

Once you're through security, the rules about what food you can take on the plane are generally more relaxed. However, there are still some restrictions:

• Respect other passengers: Avoid bringing strong-smelling foods that might bother others in the confined space of an airplane.
• International flights: Be aware of customs regulations at your destination. Many countries restrict the import of fresh fruits, vegetables and meat.
• Temperature: Consider how well your food will keep at room temperature until you’re ready to eat.

How is airline food prepared?

Airline food preparation is a complex process that starts long before the flight:

• Menu planning: Airlines work with chefs and nutritionists to design menus that taste good at altitude and meet various dietary requirements.
• Preparation: Meals are typically prepared in large kitchens near airports, often by catering companies specializing in airline food.
• Packaging: Once prepared, meals are carefully packaged to maintain freshness and meet strict hygiene standards.
• Loading: Meals are loaded onto the aircraft shortly before departure and are stored in refrigerated compartments.
• Final preparation: On board, flight attendants heat and plate the meals before serving.

How is airline food cooked at altitude?

Cooking food at cruising altitude presents unique challenges due to lower air pressure and humidity. Most airline food isn't actually cooked from scratch on the plane. Instead:

• Meals are pre-cooked on the ground and then chilled or frozen.
• On board, meals are reheated.
• Certain dishes, like salads or cold appetizers, are simply plated without heating.

It's worth noting that the lower pressure at altitude affects our taste buds, making food taste blander. This is why airline food often seems more heavily seasoned than what we're used to on the ground.