The global recession hit the aviation industry hard, and since all airlines pretty much fly the same planes, it occurred to someone that the best way to compete for first-class passengers would be to offer up food that was not only barely palatable, but actually delicious.
Most airlines are getting on board with this idea and the six biggest US airlines that fly internationally have increased their spending on food by 8.5% - the biggest increase on anything other than fuel.
To put things into perspective, serving up great airline food is very possible - it’s just a matter of putting some special thought into it. For instance, the problem of frequently dry and over-cooked steaks can be remedied by simply buying cuts that are twice as thick and half as long, and then cooking them rare so that the reheating process won’t make them tough.
British Airways
We’ve got to give it British Airways for putting in a lot of effort towards improving their in-flight food – so much so in fact, that they’re rapidly becoming well respected for their meals.
Your most basic BA meal is now made up of a fresh Greek salad, complete with Feta cheese, as well as chicken served with boiled carrots and potatoes. You can even kick it up a notch with “Club” meals whose ingredients are even fresher, and let you take your pick from a snack bar packed with sandwiches, wraps, salads and even on-request hot meals.
Thai Airways
All food on Thai Airways is reportedly very good – even if you’re just flying coach. First-class passengers get their choice from 22 different meals, which they can select online before the departure of the flight and are prepared to their specifications.
Coach passengers, while getting less variety are still treated to the savory likes of shrimp in Thai dressing with asparagus or beef Rendang with white rice and peas.
Virgin Atlantic/America
If there’s one thing that billionaire Sir Richard Branson does right it’s extravagance, and it’s no different on his airline. Virgin Air seemed to have gotten on board with the idea of great food on their flights long before anyone else, and they have been consistently voted No. 1 by their passengers when it comes to in-flight eating.
It’s the kind of airline that doesn’t just give you a bagel with cream cheese, but a bagel with raspberry cream cheese along with a tapas dish or a turkey Caprese sandwich. And just to show off, you place your order on the touch-screen menu on the seat in front of you.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines really went all out in trying to add some credibility to their food. They’ve actually hired seven top-tier and celebrity chefs, including even the likes of Gordon f****ing Ramsay to prepare their in-flight menu.
If you ever find yourself on one of their flights, it comes highly recommended that you try their nasi lemak – it’s a Malaysian-style dish made with coconut rice, spicy prawns, peanuts, dried anchovies, grilled fish cake, egg, and fried chicken, finished off with sambal chili.
Had a great or terrible experience with airline food? Let us know!