13 Oddly Compelling Facts About the Food You’re Served on Airplanes

Ever wondered about the mysteries of airplane food? Why it tastes so unique? Here are 13 interesting facts about your in-flight meals.

Science Has Proven That Food Tastes Worse in Airplanes

Food tastes different on airplanes due to dry air and low cabin pressure affecting our taste buds. Airlines use more salt and spices to compensate for this flavor loss.

All the Food Is Made on the Ground

Airline food isn't prepared in the sky but mostly catered by on-ground companies. They make thousands of meals daily and use special packaging for freshness during flights.

Food Used to Be Cooked on Planes

Historically, flight attendants cooked meals on planes, but due to safety concerns and technology advancements, food is now pre-cooked and reheated.

There Are No Microwaves Onboard

Airplanes don't use microwaves to heat pre-cooked meals; flight attendants use convection ovens for safer, more efficient warming.

Some Airlines Offer Premium Meals Like Sushi and Steak

Surprisingly, airlines offer sushi and steak on their first or business class menus. Prepared by top chefs, these premium meals can cost hundreds of dollars.

Tons of In-Flight Meals Go to Waste

Countless in-flight meals are wasted daily, resulting in over 200 million pounds of food discarded by airlines yearly. Some airlines are combating this by donating unused meals to charities.

There’s a Black Market for In-Flight Meals

In-flight meals have a black market. Some people collect and sell rare, limited-edition airline meals online, which can go for hundreds of dollars.

Lufthansa Tests Their Meals in Hyperbaric Chambers

Lufthansa uses hyperbaric chambers to test their in-flight meals at simulated high altitudes, ensuring flavors and appearance meet standards before serving passengers.

Airlines Have Special Meals for Dietary Restrictions

Airlines now offer meals for different dietary restrictions like vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, and kosher. These meals must be requested 24 hours prior and are carefully prepared to prevent cross-contamination.

Scandinavian Airlines Serves Ancient Sake

Scandinavian Airlines offers premium Japanese meals, including the 14-year aged, rare Juyondai sake for a luxurious onboard dining experience.

There Are Severe Consequences for Employees Who Steal Leftovers

Airlines strictly forbid employees from taking home leftover food. Consequences for violations are severe, including termination and prosecution.

A Bad In-Flight Meal Gave Passengers Cholera

In 1992, Aerolineas Argentinas Flight 386 served contaminated shrimp, causing a cholera outbreak. This affected at least 5 passengers and tragically led to one woman's death.

There’s an Airline Food Critic

Did you know there's an airline food critic? Nik Loukas, founder of “Inflight Feed”, has tasted thousands of in-flight meals to rate them and offers dining tips for flyers.

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