Flight Food: Everything You Need to Know About Eating on Planes

September 12, 2024

by SKYreol

with 104 comments

Tips and Hacks

When boarding a flight, many travelers often wonder what to expect when it comes to the onboard dining experience. Flight food, while essential for long-haul journeys, has gained a reputation over the years for being either an unexpected delight or a source of dissatisfaction. Whether you’re flying in economy or first class, understanding how food is prepared, the challenges faced by airlines, and how to make the best of your inflight meals can greatly enhance your overall travel experience. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating on planes, from the science behind flight food to tips for getting the most out of your meals.

How Flight Food is Prepared

Behind-the-Scenes Look at Catering

The preparation of flight food is a complex operation that takes place in high-tech catering facilities near airports. These facilities operate under strict hygiene and safety standards to ensure the food remains safe for consumption at high altitudes. Meals are designed and prepared long before they reach the plane, with chefs carefully crafting menus that are both flavorful and safe for storage. The cooking process typically involves preparing the meals to be slightly undercooked, as they will later be reheated onboard the aircraft.

Once cooked, the meals are rapidly cooled to maintain freshness and then packaged into containers. Every meal is labeled and stored according to its serving time and class designation (e.g., economy, business, or first class). The attention to detail in preparing flight food ensures that passengers can enjoy a fresh, hot meal even after hours of flying.

How Meals are Stored and Served Onboard

After the meals are prepared and packaged, they are transported to the airport in temperature-controlled trucks. Upon arrival, the flight food is loaded into the aircraft’s galleys, which are equipped with specialized ovens and refrigerators. Depending on the flight’s duration and service class, meals are stored either chilled or frozen until they are ready to be reheated and served to passengers.

Flight attendants use built-in ovens to warm the meals to the appropriate serving temperature. These ovens are designed to heat the food evenly without overcooking it, ensuring that the meals taste fresh. Meals are then plated (in premium cabins) or handed out in pre-packaged trays to economy passengers. The challenge of serving hot, tasty food at high altitudes has led airlines to develop efficient systems for storing and reheating flight food during flights.

Why Flight Food Tastes Different

flight-food eating on plane — flight-food

Ever notice how flight food tastes different than what you might expect on the ground? This isn’t your imagination. The cabin environment, particularly the lower air pressure and reduced humidity, affects our senses of taste and smell. At 30,000 feet, your taste buds become less sensitive to sweet and salty flavors, and your sense of smell, which plays a big role in how we experience food, is also dulled.

To counteract this, airlines modify their recipes by adding stronger seasonings or umami flavors, which tend to be less affected by altitude. In some cases, meals are prepared with more salt and spices than usual to ensure they don’t taste bland once served at cruising altitude. Additionally, the dry cabin air can further affect how we perceive flavors, making the challenge of creating palatable flight food even more complex.

Different Classes, Different Meals

One of the most significant factors that influence the quality of flight food is the class you’re flying in. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each class:

1. Economy Class

Economy class meals are often mass-produced, with limited options. You might receive a tray containing a main dish, a side (such as salad or fruit), a bread roll, and dessert. The food may not be as elaborate, but airlines still try to accommodate various dietary preferences by offering vegetarian, vegan, or kosher options. While budget airlines often don’t include meals in the ticket price, many full-service airlines provide complimentary meals on long-haul flights.

2. Business Class

In business class, the food experience is elevated. Meals are served on proper dishes with real cutlery, and the selection is broader, often including multiple courses and options such as gourmet cheeses, salads, and dessert. Business class passengers might also have access to a wider range of beverages, including premium wines and liquors.

3. First Class

First class dining is a luxury experience. In addition to high-quality ingredients and more refined presentation, some airlines even offer dine-on-demand services, where passengers can order food whenever they like. First-class menus often feature dishes created by world-renowned chefs, and airlines take pride in offering locally sourced ingredients and a variety of international cuisine options.

Flight Food for Long-Haul and Short-Haul Flights

The type and quantity of flight food you’ll receive largely depend on the length of your flight. On short-haul flights, especially those under two hours, you might receive a small snack or a drink, though some airlines have eliminated free snacks altogether on shorter routes. For flights over two hours, a more substantial meal is typically served, which might be a cold sandwich, salad, or a hot meal.

On long-haul flights, particularly international ones, passengers are usually served multiple meals throughout the journey. The longer the flight, the more elaborate the meal service. You can expect a full dinner, followed by breakfast or a light snack before landing. Airlines also provide additional snacks between meal services, particularly on flights lasting over eight hours.

How to Pre-Order Flight Food

Many airlines now offer the option to pre-order your flight food online before your flight. This service ensures you get your meal of choice, as popular options can sometimes run out, particularly in economy class. Pre-ordering is especially useful for passengers with specific dietary requirements or preferences, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or halal meals.

To pre-order, simply visit the airline’s website or mobile app, enter your flight details, and select from the available meal options. Most airlines allow you to choose your meal at least 24 hours before departure. This service is typically available for both economy and premium cabins, giving all passengers a chance to customize their in-flight dining experience.

Can You Bring Your Own Food on Planes?

If you’re not keen on the flight food provided or have very specific dietary preferences, you’re welcome to bring your own food onboard most flights. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Liquids and semi-liquid foods like soups, yogurts, or sauces must comply with TSA liquid restrictions if you’re flying from the U.S. Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and snacks are generally allowed.

Keep in mind that food brought from home won’t be reheated onboard, so make sure to bring something that can be enjoyed cold. Additionally, be mindful of strong-smelling foods, as other passengers may find the aroma disruptive in the confined space of an airplane cabin.

Tips for Enjoying Flight Food

Despite the challenges of eating at high altitudes, there are several ways to improve your inflight dining experience. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Pre-Order Special Meals

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, ordering a special meal can be a good strategy. Not only will you get a meal that caters to your needs, but special meals are often served first, so you can eat earlier than the rest of the cabin.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water during your flight. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of discomfort when eating on planes, so avoiding alcohol and caffeine can help improve your overall experience.

3. Pack Your Own Snacks

If you’re flying on a budget airline or have a long layover, packing your own snacks can be a lifesaver. Fruits, nuts, energy bars, and sandwiches are great options that will keep you full and satisfied.

4. Choose Your Seat Wisely

If meal service is important to you, selecting a seat closer to the front of the cabin can increase your chances of getting your preferred meal option before it runs out.

5. Go for Protein and Fiber

Meals high in protein and fiber can help keep you full for longer. This is especially important on long-haul flights where meals may be spread out over several hours.

Flight food has come a long way, and while the experience can vary depending on the airline, class, and route, understanding the unique challenges of dining at 35,000 feet can help set realistic expectations. Whether you’re in economy or first class, a little preparation and a good mindset can turn inflight dining into a pleasant part of your journey.

Enjoy your next meal in the sky!