The Meal High Club: The Good, Bad & Ugly of Airline Food

Food for thought

Each year food waste is buried in landfills and dumped in the world’s oceans, a problem that’s gone sky high – literally. According to The Guardian, in 2016 airline passengers created 5.2 million tonnes of waste, a number that’s predicted to double over the next 15 years. Plastic and glass waste, food containers and miniature wine bottles, for example, make up a significant amount of the total pollution; but leftover and uneaten food also plays a big role.

Airline food: tasty or tasteless?

Commercial airlines have to contend with several factors in their quest to serve delicious yet cost-effective inflight meals, including reduced air pressure, recirculated air and altitude. At high altitudes where humidity is low, our taste buds dry out and flavors weaken, so historically airlines have served extra salty and spicy food to counteract this loss of taste.

While airline food often has a reputation for being bland and unappetizing, the world's biggest airlines are working hard to better satisfy their passengers’ taste buds. Virgin Airways recently employed celebrity chef Luke Mangan to revamp the plane food on its Australian wing, while a number of other airlines have turned to Michelin Starred chefs to improve their inflight culinary offerings.

Private jet charter cuisine

As well as their luxurious interiors and reduced journey times, private jet charters are known for offering passengers an elevated dining experience, both literally and figuratively. Private jet flight attendants go to great lengths to prepare meals and snacks to accommodate their discerning clientele, including researching dining trends and guest preferences.

Private jet passengers can choose delicious, high quality food from a tailor-made menu that caters to all needs – so whether you’re gluten, lactose or dairy intolerant, vegan or vegetarian, you can still delve into your favorite Italian, French and intercontinental dishes while in transit. Popular choices include meat boards, fruit trays and sushi, all paired with the perfect glass of wine, Champagne or soft drink.

The growth of the aviation industry and private jet travel has led to an inflight cuisine renaissance in recent years. Dining has become such an integral part of the private jet charter experience that many customers today request an onboard chef to freshly prepare their meals. On flights where a chef can’t be present, detailed instructions are left for trained flight attendants to replicate the gourmet creations.

Air Charter Service can accommodate a range of catering requests for our clients. Whether you want a celebratory banquet or an exotic delicacy, contact us and one of our dedicated account managers will arrange a bespoke private jet charter accompanied with the perfect inflight meal.