This is a change that has been seen even by economy class customers. Today, many airlines use seasonal ingredients, feature destination-inspired menus, and employ onboard chefs.
This article will present ten airlines that feature fantastic meals and snacks, enhancing the flying experience.
1 Delta Air Lines
Delta's signature Biscoff biscuits sweeten the deal
Delta's inflight dining offerings are re-imagined every season, giving some variety for regular travelers. The airline has formed partnerships with farmers to obtain locally sourced ingredients, even down to the tea served onboard, which is provided by Thrive Farmers.
Savory snacks are also complimentary, reducing stress and keeping passengers occupied. The signature Delta Biscoff biscuits are also a welcome treat for Biscoff fans.
Delta One customers can also enjoy dishes made with fresh regional ingredients made by culinary experts. A complimentary beer, wine and liquor service is also offered to these customers, leading to a very relaxing experience.
2 ITA Airways
A varied menu assembled by Italian culinary masters
ITA Airways passengers may enjoy a meal service carefully curated by top Italian chefs, with both traditional and sophisticated options.
There are also considerations regarding those with dietary requirements, with options for vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free, gluten-free, diabetic, low cholesterol and low salt diets. Religious meals are also catered for on ITA Airways.
The inflight menu is very varied, as the culinary offering of each flight reflects the cuisine of the destination. As advertised in the video below, and documented by AvionTourism, the airline also features a traditional menu curated by five-star Michelin chef Enrico Bartolini.
3 Cathay Pacific
A refreshing menu and wellness tonic revitalize passengers
The dining menus on Cathay Pacific flights are curated with exceptional detail. The airline uses in-season and sustainably sourced ingredients wherever it can, and the result is a fresh and delicious range of culinary offerings.
Options include traditional cuisine and popular brands from Hong Kong, such as Jing Tea, but they also feature dishes made using international recipes.
Cathay Pacific's inflight menu has an emphasis on wellness, meaning its dishes are designed to nourish the mind, body and soul.
Before the second meal, flights also offer a revitalizing wellness tonic, which is a cold-pressed juice containing ingredients to stimulate metabolism.
4 Korean Air
A reputation for serving the best inflight food in the world
A few sources, such as The Sun and Cake X, name Korean Air as having the best inflight food in the world. Its dining service features seasonal meals made with fresh ingredients for all classes of passengers.
The menus typically consist of expertly prepared traditional Korean dishes. The Prestige and first class offerings, meanwhile, are more elaborate and varied.
Long-haul flights also include a snack service, and options for these items range from sandwiches to muffins. These tasty treats should keep passenger energy levels up for the longer flight duration.
Up until 2024, Korean Air offered cup noodles as an alternative meal. As reported by Falstaff, these were quite popular before their removal due to safety concerns.
5 Air New Zealand
A touch of Maori hospitality
The dining experience offered by Air New Zealand is curated to reflect local cuisine. Meals served to all classes of passengers are warm, fresh, and carefully prepared.
New Zealand wines are also offered with the meal, making for an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
6 United Airlines
Familiar American brands, but only longer flights get them for free
United Airlines offers drinks and snacks made by big US brands, such as Coca-Cola, Minute Maid, Undercover Snacks, and That's It.
These offerings are complimentary for economy passengers, but only on flights over 300 miles in length. United also offers a wide variety of snack boxes and alcoholic drinks for purchase.
Hot and cold meals are also available for purchase on flights over 1,190 miles through the fresh Bistro menu, which changes depending on when the passenger orders.
Breakfast offerings include breakfast burritos, cinnamon buns and bagels, while lunch and dinner options include designer burgers, lasagna and fruit and cheese trays.
There are also plenty of other options to choose from depending on the origin of the flight, such as the Canadian maple croissant.
7 Emirates
Cake and champagne for celebrating special events at 30,000 feet
First-class passengers can select from an exceptionally first-rate menu, and may also experience a complimentary platter of bite-sized items with a chef's selected amuse-bouche selection.
Customers from any class may also take advantage of a fairly cheap champagne and cake package for celebrating birthdays and other special events during the flight.
Have you ever wondered how airlines prepare inflight meals? Read this article for a comprehensive guide!
8 Singapore Airlines
Tested in a pressurized environment to ensure the best taste possible.
Singapore Airlines has assembled an International Culinary Panel of five internationally recognized chefs to test and develop its dishes.
Culinary offerings are taste-tested in pressurized environments to better match the environment of a flight. This process ensures that food is as tasty as possible in flight.
The creations on the menu are exceptionally delicious and high-quality. Passengers in premium economy and above may also reserve their main course for all meal services online 15 days in advance, ensuring that they get exactly the meal they envision from their flying experience.
The airline also offers meals for babies and children, alongside the usual religious and dietary variations.
9 Air France
One of the best meal services available for inflight dining.
In addition to the wines selected by big-name sommelier Xavier Thuizat, customers may choose from several meals prepared by an array of world-recognized professional chefs.
Offerings are based on travel class and destination, but all are top-class. By all accounts, Air France's food lives up to its host country's reputation for gastronomical mastery.
Self-serve snack buffets are available on longer flights, allowing passengers to graze at their leisure, and specially made organic meals are available for young passengers.
Onboard all long-haul flights, the airline offers the option to choose between at least one hot dish, with vegetarian options available, but there are many more choices available in the La Première and Business cabins.
10 Turkish Airlines
Delicious meals have earned the airline numerous culinary awards.
Customers of all classes may even reserve and tweak their main course 48 hours before their flight.
Business class passengers receive a welcome drink, and may select from a wider range of dishes, including homemade omelets, regional Turkish appetizers, and grilled kebab items. Fewer carbohydrates and more vitamin and protein-rich food also make this a healthier dining experience.
In summary: the great economy-class offerings are a good thing to see.
Whilst a gourmet experience can somewhat be expected after upgrading, it was interesting to see several airlines on this list that have fantastic main course meal options and complimentary snacks and drink offerings, even for economy customers.
Korean Air, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines are stand-outs in terms of catering to economy customers. However, the United offering is perhaps a little stingy with the freebies, despite the lovely items offered.
