Let’s be honest, airline food doesn’t have the best reputation in the culinary world. But in all my travels around the world, I’ve had my fair share of both good and bad experiences with airline cuisine. In this personal review, I’ll give you a rundown of the best and worst meals I’ve had on flights, along with some tidbits to help you make the most of your in-flight dining experiences.

Virgin Atlantic 🍴✈️

Virgin Atlantic is known for its excellent service, and its food is no exception. I’ve had several great meals on Virgin Atlantic flights, but the standout dish was definitely the beef cheek with horseradish mash. The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the mash was creamy and had just the right amount of zing from the horseradish. The dish was also beautifully presented and didn’t look like typical airline food at all.

On the downside, I’ve also had a disappointing breakfast on Virgin Atlantic. The eggs were rubbery and flavorless, and the hash browns were greasy. However, the fruit salad that came with it was fresh and juicy.

Food tray on a plane

Qatar Airways 🍴✈️

If you’re a foodie, I highly recommend flying with Qatar Airways. Their meals are top-notch, and even the snacks are impressive. One of the best dishes I’ve had on a plane was the lamb stew with couscous. The lamb was tender and rich, and the couscous was perfectly cooked and full of flavor.

On the other hand, the breakfast on my last flight with Qatar Airways was lackluster. While the croissant and coffee were decent, the omelette was dry and tasted like it had been sitting out for too long.

Qatar Airways meal tray

American Airlines 🍴✈️

American Airlines’ meals aren’t terrible, but they’re also not anything to write home about. The best dish I’ve had on American was the chicken Stir Fry, which was pretty tasty for airline food. The vegetables were crisp, and the sauce was flavorful but not overpowering.

On the other hand, I had a forgettable sandwich on a recent flight, which was dry and had hardly any filling. The chips that came with it were stale and unappetizing.

American Airlines food tray

Singapore Airlines 🍴✈️

Singapore Airlines is known for having some of the best airline food in the world, and I have to agree. I had an amazing chicken teriyaki dish on one of my flights that was restaurant-quality. The chicken was cooked to perfection, and the teriyaki sauce was sweet and savory. It was served with fragrant rice and steamed vegetables, which were also great.

The only downside was the selection of pre-packaged snacks they offered during the flight. They were all pretty basic and not very exciting.

Singapore Airlines meal tray with champagne

United Airlines 🍴✈️

Unfortunately, my experiences with United Airlines’ meals have been mixed. On one flight, I had a really delicious tomato soup that was creamy and had a nice kick of spice. However, on another flight, I had a disappointing chicken pasta dish that was bland and overcooked.

On a positive note, United Airlines does offer some unique snacks that are worth trying. I had a tasty S’mores bar on my last flight with them, which was a fun treat.

United Airlines meal tray

Tips for In-Flight Dining ✈️🍴

  • Make a special meal request: If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, don’t hesitate to make a special meal request ahead of time. Most airlines are happy to accommodate.
  • Bring your own snacks: If you’re not a fan of the airline’s snacks or want to save money, bring your own snacks from home.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These can both dehydrate you, which is the last thing you want on a long flight.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the flight to combat dehydration and jet lag.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for more: If you’re still hungry after your meal, ask the flight attendant for more food. They may have extra on hand.

Person enjoying a gourmet airline meal with a glass of wine

In conclusion, airline food can be hit or miss, but it’s always worth trying something new. And with a little preparation and know-how, you can make the most of your in-flight dining experiences. Bon appétit!

A collage with all the airline meal trays mentioned in the blog