Top 18 Airlines With The Best In-Flight Food
Airplane food is notoriously terrible. I remember a red-eye flight I had years ago from Los Angeles to New York. I was crammed in the middle seat, squished between a chatty woman and a guy who seemed to want to go to the bathroom every 30 minutes. The only saving grace, I thought, was the promise of dinner.
A few minutes later, it arrived. It was a silver tray that looked like it had survived a bumpy ride. Inside was a limp, flavorless chicken breast and slimy green beans in a mystery sauce. That was my cue to partake in my emergency backpack protein bar for dinner instead.
Economy-class airplane food has gotten a bad rep for years, but not all airlines are scraping the bottom of the barrel for meal service anymore. Some companies are taking in-flight dining to new heights (literally) with restaurant-quality meals, curated wine lists, and even dishes prepared by celebrity chefs.
Think Michelin-starred meals with farm-to-table ingredients, global flavors, and even bar service on long-haul flights. Check out these airlines for the best in-flight food and what they have to offer.
Delta Air Lines

With Delta, you’re not just flying—you’re dining on seasonally inspired menus crafted with fresh, local ingredients. They work with local farmers and artisans to bring you exciting dishes that reflect the region you’re flying to.
Craving something more decadent? First Class passengers on long-haul flights enjoy gourmet dishes like ginger beer-braised and barbecue beef short ribs alongside legendary desserts like strawberry rhubarb and pretzel tart.
And let’s not forget it consistently ranks high for on-time arrivals and happy customers with top marks for on-time arrivals and low number of complaints.
Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines, frequently ranked among the top airlines in the US, might be the choice for you if you’re looking for good food and reliable service. On flights over 670 miles, travelers can enjoy fresh, West Coast-inspired meals and snacks, with options for vegetarians and special diets.
First Class offers dishes like braised beef and jerk chicken, and regional treats like Salt & Straw ice cream and Ellenos Greek yogurt. Coach passengers can pre-order meals and enjoy popular items like the Signature Fruit and Cheese Platter with Tillamook cheddar and dark chocolate truffle!
Lufthansa

Looking for an airline with an award-winning travel experience? Lufthansa, a German airline, isn’t just known for getting you there; it’s known for getting you there in style and with a delicious meal to boot. Enjoy gourmet dishes on fine china in First and Business Class, like Hokkaido pumpkin with crème fraîche and roasted pike-perch.
Savor a range of hot and cold drinks, special meals for dietary needs, and regional cuisine on international routes. Plus, there are colorful, tasty meals for kids. You won’t be disappointed!
Emirates

Emirates is known for its luxurious cabins, award-winning entertainment systems, and amazing service, but the food is a big perk, too. Think about flying at 40,000 feet, but instead of airplane food, you get a gourmet meal served on luxurious china! That’s what Emirates offers across all classes.
They have a huge variety, from regional dishes like paneer makhani (a spiced Indian cheese curry) to vegan options like jackfruit biryani—all from fresh, seasonal ingredients. They even have classic comfort foods and rich desserts like chocolate truffle cake.
In First Class, you can pretty much order anything you want, anytime you want, served in your private suite!
Turkish Airlines

Guess how many times Turkish Airlines has won the “Best Airline in Europe” award? Nine times! They’re known for their delicious meals that are more like restaurant quality than airplane food. In Economy, you can try gourmet hot sandwiches with unique flavors.
Business Class offers an even wider selection, including regional Turkish appetizers, grilled specialties like Adana kebab, and even homemade pasta. Special meals cater to dietary needs, and Business Class on long-haul flights offers Dine on Demand, letting you eat whenever you want to adjust to time zones.
What more could you want?
Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is loved not just for its friendly flight attendants but also for its delicious food. Economy gets tasty hot meals, Premium gets fancy plated meals, and Upper Class gets a luxurious four-course dining experience. They even have a special tea service with scones!
Depending on your flight time, you might enjoy special brunch service with choices like Eggs Benedict, Chicken & Waffles in Upper Class, or Pumpkin Spiced Sweet Potato Muffins in Premium. They sometimes offer birthday cake in June, too!
Qatar Airways

You’re flying across the globe, but instead of feeling cramped and hangry, you’re relaxing in your own private suite, complete with sliding doors! That’s not just some wild imagination; it’s Qatar Airways’ Business Class–but it comes at a cost!
They serve up delicious, gourmet meals designed by the best chefs. Fresh ingredients, perfectly seasoned dishes, and an on-demand menu mean you can eat whenever you want, be it a fancy cheese plate at takeoff or a juicy lamb dinner at two am. They even have a variety of plant-based options for vegan travelers!
Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is based in a beautiful island nation in Southeast Asia. This means they have a great network of flights to explore Southeast Asia and beyond, with layovers at their modern and award-winning Changi Airport (known for its amazing butterfly garden!). But what’s the food like? They don’t joke around when it comes to in-flight dining.
They test meals in a simulated cabin to ensure flavors pop at 30,000 feet. Enjoy a variety of dishes, from Singaporean satay to French pastries, and in Premium cabins, you can pre-order special meals with Book the Cook.
Plus, you can preview your in-flight menu online up to eight days before your flight.
Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, flies to major destinations like Chicago, San Francisco, and New York. Their top-notch in-flight dining is really one of the best, with authentic Hong Kong flavors and international dishes.
No worries if you have special dietary requirements! Cathay Pacific caters to vegetarians, people with allergies, and other needs. Just let them know in advance. Flying First or Business Class on a long-haul flight?
You can choose your meals ahead of time from their Choose My Meal option so you get exactly what you want on your flight. They even have a special selection of Cathay Signature dishes on some routes!
La Compagnie

Flying business class with only 76 seats on the plane feels more like a private jet than a crowded airplane. That’s what La Compagnie offers! They focus on creating a comfortable, intimate experience, especially for those who love good food.
La Compagnie serves up a four-course meal designed by a French chef, Christophe Langrée. We’re talking classy cold starters, a choice of two hot dishes, a cheese plate, and decadent desserts.
If you’re flying overnight from New York to Paris, they serve a lighter meal to help you sleep soundly. But don’t worry; they will wake you up with a full breakfast before landing.
Air France

Stepping on an Air France plane is like entering a world of elegance— comfy seats, elegant amenities, and service that makes you feel like royalty. And their food does not disappoint! Air France partners with Michelin-starred chefs to create gourmet meals for Business and First Class passengers.
Depending on where you fly from, you might be treated to creations from chefs like Dominique Crenn or Glenn Viel. They also offer a curated wine list chosen by their very own sommelier, so you can experience the perfect pairing with your meal, all served on beautiful tableware for a true fine dining experience.
Korean Air

Korean Air consistently ranks high for in-flight meals, winning Best Airline Cuisine in 2023! They focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and local flavors, especially Korean classics like Bibimbap (a rice bowl with veggies, meat, and a spicy sauce you can mix yourself!) and braised mackerel.
But that’s not all; they also have other Korean specialties and even a new vegan menu inspired by Korean temple food. Even in economy class, Korean Air offers more exciting meals than your average airline fare.
Their Airbus A330-200 planes have wider seats and more legroom, making the whole flying experience more comfortable.
Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand consistently ranked among the world’s safest airlines, with a super young fleet of shiny, new airplanes. On top of that, they focus on keeping you comfy and well-fed with delicious meals.
Peace of mind and tasty treats—what’s not to love? Enjoy fresh New Zealand cuisine with Asian and Mediterranean flavors and a great selection of New Zealand wines, even in Economy. First-class passengers enjoy a decadent feast with customizable options and quick bites on night flights.
On some domestic flights, you can experience Koru Hour, which includes New Zealand wines, beers, and snacks – perfect for a delightful mini-flight food party!
Oman Air

This airline is a favorite among travelers, and the food is a BIG reason why! Even in economy class, you get a complimentary three-course meal with choices that change depending on how long your flight is and where you’re headed.
In long-haul flights, you might be served dishes like seared chicken with pesto sauce, braised lamb with tahini sauce, or apricot crumble for dessert. The economy might not be caviar dreams, but you get a real meal, which is more than some airlines can say!
Business and First Class get the special treatment with sophisticated menus and even amuse bouches (French for a little bite to start things off).
All Nippon Airways

Craving amazing in-flight food, especially Japanese cuisine? All Nippon Airways (ANA) delivers top-notch meals crafted by world-famous chefs. Economy passengers can choose between Japanese or Western meals.
First Class offers a multi-course feast designed by celebrity chefs, and there are special meals for vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies. Ask about the CONNOISSEURS menu for an extra-special dining experience. Economy passengers can even upgrade their meals for a small fee!
Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the United Arab Emirates national carrier, is famous for its award-winning customer service and delicious in-flight meals. They focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, sourcing from local farms to bring you food that practically just leaped from the ground to your tray!
You’ll get complimentary meals and snacks in Economy, while Business and First Class offer an à la carte menu. There’s also a special menu just for kids. They even cut down on plastic use, use recycled materials, and trial plant-based water bottles!
Ethiopian Airlines

No need to worry about getting stuck on a plane with the same old airplane food with Ethiopian Airlines. They serve delicious and unique meals, giving you a taste of traditional Ethiopian cuisine.
Who could resist flavorful spiced stews, colorful vegetables, and a unique sourdough flatbread called injera? I know I couldn’t!
Instead of a tray, you get a basket overflowing with injera rolls and bowls of delicious stews like doro wot (a spicy chicken stew) and veggie sides. It’s a fun and delicious way to experience a new culture, even if you’re just passing through.
Hawaiian Airlines

On Hawaiian Airlines, you’re not just flying but enjoying delicious Hawaiian-inspired meals above the clouds! Named the favorite domestic airline in 2023, they’re known for friendly service and amazing in-flight food.
First Class offers restaurant-quality meals with Hawaiian twists and decadent desserts, while you can pre-order hearty meals and snacks for longer flights.
They also provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and child meals on international flights if requested 48 hours in advance.