Airline meal

Airline meal is a type of meal served to passengers on board commercial airline flights. These meals are prepared by specialized airline catering services and are designed to be consumed at high altitudes. The quality and quantity of airline meals can vary greatly, depending on the airline company and the class of travel.

History

The first airline meals were served by Handley Page Transport, a British airline, in 1919. These meals consisted of pre-packaged sandwiches. The first hot food served in the air was on a United Airlines flight in 1936.

Types of meals

Airline meals typically come in pre-packaged trays, with different compartments for the main course, side dishes, and dessert. The type of meal served often depends on the time of day, duration of the flight, and the class of service.

• Economy class meals: These are usually simpler meals, often a choice between a meat dish or a vegetarian option.
• Business class meals: These are more elaborate, often with multiple courses and a wider range of choices.
• First class meals: These are the most luxurious, often prepared by renowned chefs and served on fine china.

Special meals

Many airlines offer special meals for passengers with dietary restrictions. These can include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher meals. Passengers usually need to request these special meals in advance.

Challenges

Serving meals on an airplane presents unique challenges. The dry air in the cabin can dull the sense of taste, so airline food is often heavily seasoned. Space and weight are also considerations, as is the need to prepare food that can be reheated without losing its quality.

See also

• In-flight entertainment
• Aircraft cabin
• Airline ticket