9 Airlines With the Best In-Flight Food

Whole lobster, stuffed squab, or filet mignon? During the golden age of aviation, this was all in a day’s dinner for in-flight diners. But following airline deregulation in 1978, those marvelous, guaranteed meals for every passenger went the way of paper tickets. That said, there’s still great grub to be had at 35,000 feet. Unfortunately, you won’t find much of it when flying on U.S. carriers. “U.S. airlines generally run far behind the pack when it comes to top-notch in-flight dining,” Julian Kheel, founder and CEO of the expert travel website Points Path, shares in an interview. “You’ll inevitably find the best dishes on international carriers such as Singapore, JAL, and Emirates.” With that in mind — and in no particular order — here are our top picks for fine dining in the sky. Bon appetit!

Turkish Airlines

Grilled delicacies like kebabs, toothsome canapés, and elaborate breakfast spreads — including fresh cheeses, olives, and breads — are just some of the hallmarks of in-flight dining aboard Turkish Airlines. As with most of our picks, menus change frequently, but on Turkish Airlines, they will usually include a mix of traditional Turkish flavors along with destination-focused culinary offerings. And the fine food isn’t just for the front of the plane — economy-class passengers rave about the airline’s delicious gourmet sandwiches and plentiful snacks. Turkish Airlines has also launched an initiative called “Fly Good, Feel Good,” which features wellness tips along with a selection of teas to boost immune function, improve digestion, and reduce flight-induced swelling. 

Korean Air

Bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish of rice, pepper paste, vegetables, and proteins is a must-try when flying Korean Air. But if that bowl doesn’t bowl you over, there’s still a world of flavor to be found in the sky. The airline just underwent its largest rebranding in four decades, including a new livery and improved dining options with updated menus. First-class options might include delicacies like scallop carpaccio and watercress bisque, and there’s an award-winning wine program to pair with the cuisine. Economy also features a fun new mid-flight snack: corn dogs!

Japan Airlines

Japan’s flag carrier offers a variety of elevated dining options in all flight classes. Business- and first-class passengers can preselect meals from Japanese, international, or international (non-beef) menus, all carefully prepared and beautifully executed. Japan Airlines (JAL) really shines when it comes to accommodating dietary needs with a menu of no fewer than 26 special meals, offering everything from low-dairy, low-salt, and low-fat options to colorful meals specially designed to appeal to children.

Emirates

You might want to fly Emirates just for the food alone — the Dubai-based airline has long been known for its outstanding dining options in every category. First class will of course have Champagne and caviar, and on Emirates your options for bubbles will include Dom Perignon. Vegans can expect entrees such as zucchini tart, jackfruit biryani, and vegan mapo tofu, while omnivores will delight in Australian Angus beef and fine Italian cheeses. Economy-class passengers also receive well-presented, multicourse meals, with dishes such as pizza, paella, and caramel apple tart.

Singapore Airlines

Another standout when it comes to in-flight cuisine, Singapore Airlines goes the extra mile. Cabin pressure affects the taste of food, so the airline’s culinary test cabins simulate that pressure, ensuring that every bite tastes right at altitude. Then, there’s their acclaimed “Book the Cook” program. Offered in the airline’s suites, first class, business class, and premium economy class, it gives passengers the opportunity to select dishes that aren’t available on board unless ordered ahead of time, and includes creations from the airline’s International Culinary Panel. Singapore’s menus change frequently, but the signature chicken satay with spicy peanut sauce is a perennial favorite.

Air France

Air France collaborates with the country’s finest chefs for their in-flight dining program, which features fresh local products, vegetarian options, and 100% French meats. Gastronomic standouts include duck breast, steak, and, of course, unlimited warm French bread with artisanal butter. Finish with a luscious cheese course or a delicious dessert such as vanilla chou craquelin (or both!).

Cathay Pacific

The flavors of Hong Kong are front and center on Cathay Pacific’s extensive in-flight offerings, which include dishes such as congee, dim sum, soup noodles, and irresistible egg tarts. In addition, there’s an excellent selection of international entrees like roast pork and roasted mushroom ravioli. Flyers will also love the fluffy eggs and crisp bacon at breakfast and coffee drinks from an onboard espresso machine. Cathay Pacific even offers a pale ale specially brewed to be enjoyed at altitude.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airway, based in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, recruits its chefs from the finest Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. All meals are halal (and kosher with advance request), while special kid’s menus are also available. The business class a la carte menu allows passengers to dine whenever they wish, while first class pulls out all the stops with a broad menu of both Emirati specialties (think camel kofta and mezze) and continental delights such as caviar and steak frites.

Qatar Airways

Arabic specialties and international offerings are always on point on Qatar’s flag carrier. Expect dishes such as coconut waffles with mango curd maple syrup and fresh berries at breakfast, and classic mezze, chili prawns, burrata salad, Gulf-style chicken biryani with cashews and raita, or herb-crusted lamb rack with Espagnole sauce during other mealtimes. An on-demand a la carte menu is available at any point for first- or business-class passengers.

Bonus Bites

These days, a number of onboard partnerships are also bringing restaurant favorites to the friendly skies. For instance, on select flights, first-class flyers on Delta can now enjoy burgers from Shake Shack, while passengers in the front on United flights can snack on Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding wafer cookie bits. And on some of JetBlue’s flights, peckish passengers in Mint business class and Core economy class can dig into vegetable-forward favorites from local New York City eatery Dig Inn.