Bowman’s Travel Brief: Is Airplane Food Really That Bad?

by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 9:45 AM ET, Mon August 19, 2024

Image: Braised short rib meal on Delta Air Lines (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)

Airplane food isn’t bad, you’re just in the wrong seat.

This is one thing travelers learn once they’ve had a meal in first class.

The problem is, majority of travelers, myself included, don’t travel in first class that often.

I got upgraded last week on my flight home from Virtuoso Travel Week. My braised short ribs and mashed potatoes meal was delicious.?

Comparing that with the chicken and mashed potatoes meal I had in economy on a transatlantic flight three weeks ago and well, there is no comparison. I couldn’t even finish that chicken.

Why such the stark contrast?

The mass quantities of meals needed to serve such a large plane, with a not so big kitchen, results in a hit or miss experience on taste.

But here in 2024, surely we can do better…right?

Like with most things, it’ll come down to price.

If the stigma wasn’t so high around airplane food being awful majority of the time, I think people wouldn’t object too much about the price being higher. If you’re guaranteed a tasty meal, you’ll be in a better mood while 35,000 feet in the sky.

Once again though, like with wanting more comfortable seating, I may be asking too much of the airlines. A guy can dream though, right?

How do you feel about airplane food?

Let me know your thoughts and follow me on social media: @EricBowman_

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Eric Bowman

Editor-in-Chief

Eric Bowman is the Editor-in-Chief of TravelPulse. A graduate of The University of Georgia, Eric has been working in online media, radio and TV for over a decade. He currently lives in Georgia with his wife, daughter, and son.