Elevated Eats: Decoding the Delights and Dilemmas of In-Flight Dining

Author: Tima Maherali, Senior Content Creator

Embark on a culinary journey above the clouds as we unravel the tantalizing world of in-flight food and drink choices. Gone are the days of peanut packets and simple sarnies; today's airlines are raising the bar, offering refreshing options to elevate your travel experience.

Whether you’re bringing your own snacks and drinks, buying goodies on board, or prebooking a gourmet menu, we’re here to guide you through the culinary maze of the skies, navigating the restrictions and policies of in-flight dining, ensuring you savour every moment of your trip. 

Airlines around the world are now vying to tantalize your taste buds with a diverse array of culinary creations. Whether you're craving a hearty gourmet meal or a light and healthy snack, there's something for every palate at 30,000 feet.

However, it’s essential to understand food and drink restrictions before you embark on your next airborne adventure and familiarize yourself with the options offered by airlines. It may be useful to pack your own essentials for the flight, but certain items may not be allowed. And while some carriers offer complimentary meals and beverages as part of their service, others may require you to purchase food and drinks on board. Additionally, certain dietary restrictions and allergies may impact your in-flight dining options, so it's crucial to plan ahead and communicate your needs to the airline. 

How about food through airport security?

Although it’s fine to take most food through airport security, it’s important that it fits inside your carry-on bag and that you take out all food and snacks from your carry-on to be screened separately. So what items are not allowed? Many fresh fruits and vegetables are restricted due to the risk of spreading plant pests. Soft cheese is also not allowed on a flight, whereas hard cheese is mostly fine. If you’re set on bringing home an authentic pot of olives from the Med, you’ll have to check in a bag to take them with you, whereas honey is another sweet story.

It’s important to realise that some foods are classed as liquids and therefore must adhere to the 100 ml restriction, although if it’s for special dietary requirements, essential medical purposes or if you’re travelling with babies or younger kids the case could be different. Watch out for these:

• Creamy cheese 
• Liquid chocolate
• Gravy and soup
• Honey and syrup
• Hummus
• Ice cream 
• Jam and jelly 
• Oils and vinegars 
• Peanut butter
• Salsas and sauces 
• Yoghurt

Remember the decision always remains with security as to confirming whether an item is authorised through the checkpoint. Duty free items must be sealed and hang onto that receipt! Different countries have different rules about importing food and drink, so be smart and check with your relevant airline and destination airport before travelling. 

What about airline policies?

Each airline has its own restrictions, but some rules are applicable across all airlines. Let's take a closer look at some of the leading airlines' food and drink options and policies to help you make informed decisions about your next in-flight dining experience:

Sun Express: From pre-ordering meals to their Sun Café assortment, the Sun Express experience includes sandwiches, hot meals and nibbles, as well as a variety of beverages. The selection of food and drinks on offer varies according to your flight. The airline emphasises that they are unable to provide any snacks that are specifically suitable for passengers with food allergies or who have special dietary requirements.

Corendon: Corendon Fly Café includes an A La Carte service on board, although all hot meals must be pre-ordered up to 36 or 72 hours before departure (depending on the flight route). Pricing of their products also depends on the route. Passengers with food allergies must inform cabin crew when boarding the flight, and a public address will then be made informing other passengers and advising that no related products will be sold onboard. A firm no to bringing your own hot drinks or alcohol on board.

Pegasus Airlines: With Pegasus there are four different fare levels which may or may not include airline food in the price of your ticket. Lucky passengers booking “Advantage” fare levels can currently enjoy a complimentary meal. The airline also offers a buy onboard menu and an extensive range of pre-order meals that must be purchased 24 hours in advance of departure. Most solid food can be brought in your carry on, but liquid restrictions apply.

TUI: Snacks and drinks are available to buy onboard and a main meal comes with long haul flights. Your own food can be enjoyed during the flight if purchased after the customs checkpoint in the tax-free zone at the airport, but passengers are not allowed to drink alcohol that they didn't buy on the plane. Where allergies are concerned, let the airline know when booking so your own prepared meal can be brought on board with your medical certificate.

Ryanair: Ryanair sells an interesting variety of hot snacks and sandwiches to quench your appetite during your flight and is also pretty laid back about passengers bringing food and soft drinks onboard. However, alcoholic and hot drinks are a no-no. The airline states: "In the interest of safety we cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks or consume their own alcohol during the flight."

easyJet: easyJet sells a handy range of food and drinks on board and allows food into the cabin, including hot drinks, providing they are covered with a lid. The airline doesn't allow customers to bring meat or dairy products, as these could be snatched away upon arrival in the EU. It's strictly forbidden to drink alcohol that’s not been purchased on board and those found consuming their own alcohol may face prosecution.

Jet2: Jet2 is pretty cool about bringing your preferred snacks on board, however their guidelines state: "You may not bring hot food or hot drinks onboard the aircraft." But passengers are reassured that there will be food and drinks available for purchase during their flight. From Kids meals to all day breakfasts, you can pre order or buy your meal selection on board.

British Airways: Most long-haul British Airways flights include complimentary meals. With overnights breakfast is also often provided. They say bringing sandwiches and biscuits into the cabin is fine, but are firm about not serving or allowing peanuts on board due to allergies. Their rules also reveal that restrictions for fluid foods, such as drinks, sauces and jam are similar to those for liquids, so double check before you fly. Note that there are no facilities to warm or refrigerate anything that you bring onboard.

Emirates: Renowned for its luxurious onboard experience, Emirates offers a diverse menu of gourmet meals, complemented by an extensive selection of wines and spirits. Passengers can also pre-order special meals to accommodate dietary restrictions. Most dry foods that emit minimal odor are generally acceptable to be brought on board.

Delta Air Lines: Delta takes pride in its commitment to providing fresh and locally sourced ingredients in its in-flight meals. From premium cabin dining to snack boxes available for purchase, Delta offers a range of options to satisfy every craving. Most solid foods are perfectly acceptable to be brought on board.

Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines allow most food items to be brought into the cabin that emit minimal odor in respect to fellow passengers. Their "Book the Cook" service, allows passengers to pre-order their selected meals from an extensive menu of international dishes. From sumptuous seafood to delectable desserts, Singapore Airlines ensures an exciting culinary experience that’s difficult to beat.

Tips for Enhancing Your In-Flight Dining Experience

Plan ahead: Most budget airlines don’t include complimentary meals. Research the airline's food and drink options according to your flight, including baby provisions, allergy specifics and it's worthwhile considering pre-ordering special meals to ensure they meet your dietary preferences.

Pack your own snacks: Bring along your favourite snacks and drinks to supplement the in-flight offerings and keep hunger at bay. Avoid nuts and hot drinks and keep packets sealed until you’re safely on board.

Stay hydrated: Drink lots of of water throughout your flight to stay hydrated and combat the effects of altitude. Bring your favourite reusable water bottle that you can fill up after the security check point.

Indulge in moderation: While it's tempting to delve into all the culinary delights and alcohol mixers available onboard, remember to enjoy them in moderation to avoid discomfort during your flight. 

As you embark on your next airborne adventure, let your taste buds soar to new heights with the fresh in-flight dining options available on many of the airlines we fly with. From gourmet treats to refreshing gin and tonics and zen green teas, airlines around the globe are becoming increasingly committed to ensuring your journey is as delicious as it is memorable and instagram friendly! Click here to hop on board your next flight! Bon appétit and happy travels.