In-flight dining presents a stark contrast between airlines, with some offering gourmet experiences while others serve meals that leave passengers underwhelmed.
SWISS First Class flights feature a special 'bastardo' hot dog, a collaboration with gourmet takeaway Frau Hund. This creation includes a Swiss sausage topped with coleslaw, apple chutney, sour cream, and roasted walnuts, served on a Swiss multigrain roll. The airline promoted the dish as a summer treat, emphasizing its First Class presentation.
Turkish Airlines has been recognized for its consistent quality, winning the APEX Best Food and Beverage Europe award for five consecutive years. Business Class passengers can expect diverse options such as lamb chops, homemade Italian pasta, pancakes, and poached eggs.
Japan Airlines is noted for its elaborate dining, with some first-class passengers recalling meals of five to 13 courses. These have included soup, beef, seafood, egg custard with caviar, and dumplings. Edible sea urchin, or uni, has also been featured, with one traveler comparing its quality favorably to that found in Tokyo.
Delta Air Lines collaborated with Shake Shack to offer its cheeseburgers on select flights. The 100% Angus beef cheeseburger, served on a toasted potato bun, is available to First Class customers on routes over 900 miles for lunch or dinner. Passengers can pre-select their entrée via the Fly Delta app up to 24 hours in advance.
American Airlines offers an 'All Day Roast' in its premium cabins, which can be a classic pot roast or an Asian-inspired version. While not available on all flights, the dish has received positive mentions for its red meat preparation, with some comparing it favorably to other airlines' offerings.
AEGEAN Airlines highlights Greek cuisine, with menus designed by notable Greek chefs. Offerings include baked feta in filo pastries and meatballs, complemented by local pastries and wine selections.
Criticisms of In-Flight Meals
Conversely, some airlines face criticism for their meal quality. Ryanair has been cited for serving what passengers describe as the "worst plane food ever," including a disappointing ham and cheese panini. One passenger reported returning the sandwich after showing cabin crew a picture of what was advertised.
Virgin Atlantic also received negative feedback from a vegan passenger who was served a sandwich with what appeared to be mouldy vegetables. Another passenger described a "monstrous" mac and cheese topped with shrimp and "slimy" mushrooms as their worst meal experience, documented during a long-haul journey.
These experiences highlight the significant disparity in culinary offerings available to passengers across the airline industry.