The first inflight food was served almost a hundred years ago, on a London to Paris flight, and today the best airline food can be found on carriers like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Delta, Korean Air, and Qatar Airways. This article covers five airlines that offer notable dining experiences, though recent rankings place the strongest current names elsewhere.
However, with the advancements in air travel, people travel more frequently and for a variety of purposes. The best airlines have tried to catch up with their client’s expectations. The standard of inflight foodservice has come a long way. Onboard meals have graded up from processed food to culinary delights.
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But first…
Do you know why inflight food is so important in a journey? It’s not all about taste buds. When on a flight, passengers lose 30% of their taste sensation, due to the high altitude. So not every food and recipe works wonders at 30,000 feet, even for the best airlines. One way to compensate for this is by adding more spices. This, however, isn’t a healthy entrant into any airline policy. The other is by using stronger herbs, which enhance the taste without disturbing the digestive system. Only a few best airlines go for the latter and offer variety in their cuisine besides signature dishes and optimal hospitality. As they say, ‘happiness is good food and good company’, it’s one essential step of your journey that is not worth neglecting.
Another saying goes that you get what you pay for, which translates into the fact that if you buy expensive tickets, you will get lavish food in flight. True, but that’s not always the norm. So, to give you an idea, here’s a list of five airlines that provide good food, even in economy class.
Best Airlines to enjoy good food in flight
1.
Etihad Airways - The one with good food repute
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UAE based Etihad Airways offers complimentary in-flight meals across all classes of cabins. You’ll get to choose from three meals, besides an elegant bar service replete with wines, beers, and spirits. You can also satiate your hunger on snacks and beverages. Brace yourself to relish Emirati cuisines in addition to their international recipes.
In April 2019, Etihad Airways introduced a new in-flight meal concept, which entails larger meals by excluding salads and appetizers for economy class riders. Passengers will now be served the main meal, following gourmet beverages like tea and coffee with their new airline policies. On a short route, you’ll get desserts right after the main meal. You can also buy additional branded snacks on board.
2.
Turkish Airlines - best airlines for Mediterranian delights
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Turkish Airlines offers ultimate inflight foodservice. The meals you get served depend on the duration of your flight. You’ll get more to choose from on a long haul flight. Their quality and variety of food are top notch, and you will relish every bite. If you book your flight with Turkish Airlines, you’ll be pampered with Turkish delights, including Mediterranean sandwiches, satay chicken with grilled zucchini and tomato, greek coffees and much more.
As per their airline policies, they maintain the same exquisiteness across every flight. Their meals are better than those offered by other airlines at the same price level. Another point to note is the generous amount of food served on your platter, while quality, taste, and freshness are collateral.
3.
Cathay Pacific Airways - best known for exotic noodle soups
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Treat your taste buds to exotic Hong Kong cuisine, with the signature noodle soups, which is their main highlight. Cathay Pacific Airways is another bet for good food during your air voyage. They claim to be the first airlines to have cooking equipment onboard to cook and serve fresh and hot food in flight. They are always considered one of the best airlines and allow passengers to pre-book their meals for a personalized experience.
Specialities have always been the main trait of Cathay Pacific. You can ask for Hindu meals or Halal certified meats, in addition to Vegan, child meals, or diabetic and gluten-free food in flight. They serve the best airline food that’s hard to beat in terms of taste and freshness. With one of the premium airline policies, you’ll be treated nothing less even in economy.
4.
Singapore Airlines - the best variety in cuisine
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Singapore Airlines know how to get fliers excited before landing in their country and is always popular as the world’s most award-winning airline. Singapore Airlines is always considered the best airlines for in-flight food. Their variety in food such as low fat, baby meals, etc are easily counted among the best airline food. They have collaborated not with regular inflight food operators, but with two Michelin star chefs, for designing and preparing their culinary treats.
For exquisite inflight food, you can reserve your meals beforehand by using their ‘book the cook’ service, for Suites, First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy. For economy people, potato salads with baby shrimp and wok-fried chicken, plus bamboo shoots in sesame oil are great delicacies.
Embrace yourself for a world-class gourmet food experience, with their ultimate airline policies with respect to food.
5.
Lufthansa Airlines - international beverages and delicacies
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The world-renowned German airline, Lufthansa is known for in-flight dining. Popular for serving visually appealing food in flight, they offer a great culmination of European and Mediterranian cuisines. Expect to be served crispy croissants, Bavarian beers and much more. Their food is also rich in tastes and nutrients.
They are all ears for special inflight food needs for diabetics, vegetarians and those with allergies. You can pamper yourself to international cuisines like Mediterranean, Japanese, and many more. They have partnered with one of the best inflight food operators, which helps them deliver fresh and hot meals on the go.
For the best airline food, just reserve your seat with one of these airlines and see the difference they make to your journey. Bon Voyage!
Related travel guides: How To Cancel A Reservation On American Airlines, How To Book A Stopover On United Airlines, and How To Make A Stopover With American Airlines.
