5 Expert Tips for Enjoying Airplane Food Like a Pro

Airplane food gets a bad rap, and it’s not hard to see why. Much of it is prepared hours before your flight and then reheated in a galley oven—not exactly gourmet territory. If you’re a frequent flyer, knowing what to order can save you from a nasty surprise.

Ben Shlappig, a travel writer, has some solid tips for eating well at 30,000 feet. He’s a “lazy pescatarian,” primarily enjoying fish and vegetables, but he also advises thinking of airplane meals like leftovers. Imagine what you’d like to reheat at home—this can guide your choices in the sky.

Consider What Reheats Well

Opt for dishes like soups, curries, and Asian vegetarian meals. These options tend to maintain their flavor even after a long wait. Shlappig loves Indian food and notes it tastes just as good the next day. Signature selections, like chicken satay on Singapore Airlines or Arabic mezze on Emirates, are usually safe bets too.

Beware of Fish

Anthony Bourdain once cautioned against ordering seafood on Mondays due to freshness concerns. The same applies in the air. Etiquette coach Jamila Musayeva shared that fish can smell up the cabin and carries risks if not stored correctly. While Shlappig sometimes orders fish due to his diet, he admits it’s tricky to serve well in-flight.

Skip the Entrée

Many premium cabins serve more food than you can handle. Shlappig often fills up on appetizers and desserts instead of forcing down a reheated main dish. Airlines like Lufthansa offer mezze and soups that often taste better than the bigger entrees.

Avoid the Burger

Burgers are usually a letdown. They struggle in the reheating process, typically made from lower-quality meat, and buns often become soggy. Unless you want a gray patty between damp bread, skip the burger.

Keep It Simple on Domestic Flights

With tighter budgets, food on domestic first-class flights might fall short. Shlappig recommends sticking to simple options like grain bowls or bringing your favorite food from the terminal. Just remember, space is limited, and your choices affect those around you.

In-flight dining might not be fantastic, but you can make the experience better. Stick to meals that heat well, avoid the duds, and save your culinary adventures for when you land.

Additional Insights

Recent surveys reveal that around 60% of travelers rate airplane meals as unsatisfying, leading many to skip onboard dining entirely. Interestingly, social media trends show that travelers love to share their in-flight food experiences, often leaning toward humor in their critiques.

In the age of evolving airline industry standards, some airlines are taking steps to improve food quality by partnering with celebrity chefs or focusing on local flavors. According to a 2023 report from the International Air Transport Association, higher-quality meals can enhance the travel experience, making it more memorable.

For more on the evolution of airline food, check out this IATA report. By staying informed and making wise choices, your flying meals can be much more enjoyable.

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