Airplane food has long been the punchline of travel jokes, but the world’s top airlines have evolved far beyond the stereotype.
Today, carriers invest in seasonal ingredients, regionally inspired menus, and collaborations with world-renowned chefs to elevate meals served at 30,000 feet.
10 Best Airlines with In-Flight Food
Based on expert nominations and reader votes, these are the 10 best airlines for in-flight food in 2025 as reported by USA Today— each offering a culinary experience that rivals restaurants on the ground.
Photo: Hawaiian Airlines
10: Hawaiian Airlines (HA)
Hawaiian Airlines delivers island hospitality through its Hawaii-inspired cuisine, featuring ingredients, flavors, and beverage partnerships from the islands themselves.
Curated by top chefs and a master sommelier, the airline’s in-flight dining is built around fresh local touches, from Kona coffee to Maui craft brews.
Hawaiian Airlines In-Flight Food Highlights
FeatureDetailsCuisine StyleIsland-inspired meals and drinksPartnershipsLion Coffee, Maui Brewing Co., Ko Hana RumSpecial TouchesCurated menus from local chefs and a sommelier
Key Points
Island-inspired dishes designed to highlight Hawaii’s culinary heritage
Locally sourced coffee and alcoholic beverages
Chef-crafted meals that bring Hawaiian flavors to the cabin
Photo: Air France
9: Air France (AF)
Air France offers one of the most refined dining experiences in the sky, drawing from France’s deep culinary heritage. Passengers enjoy menus designed by acclaimed chefs and wines handpicked by sommelier Xavier Thuizat.
From organic meals for kids to self-serve snack buffets on long-haul flights, the airline brings premium French gastronomy to every cabin.
Air France In-Flight Food Highlights
FeatureDetailsCulinary InfluenceFrench cuisine with gourmet focusWine ProgramCurated by award-winning sommelierSpecial MealsOrganic children’s meals, class-specific menus
Key Points
Rotating menus crafted by renowned chefs
Wine list selected by top sommelier Xavier Thuizat
Snack bars available on long-haul flights
Photo: Delta Flight Museum
8. Delta Air Lines (DL)
Delta Air Lines continually reimagines its in-flight meals using seasonal ingredients and regional specialties sourced from local farmers and artisans. Delta One passengers enjoy multicourse, restaurant-quality meals paired with complimentary beer, wine, and spirits.
Delta Air Lines In-Flight Food Highlights
FeatureDetailsMenu StyleSeasonal, locally sourced ingredientsPremium Cabin PerksDelta One multi-course mealsBeveragesComplimentary beer, wine, and liquor
Key Points
Fresh dishes created with regional ingredients
Seasonal menus changed throughout the year
Complimentary alcohol offerings enhance dining experience
Photo: Singapore Airlines – X
7: Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Singapore Airlines collaborates with its world-famous International Culinary Panel — a team of five global chefs — to craft meals that retain flavor and texture even in pressurized cabins. Premium Economy and above passengers can reserve main courses in advance through the airline’s acclaimed “Book the Cook” service.
Singapore Airlines In-Flight Food Highlights
FeatureDetailsChef PanelFive globally renowned chefsMeal TestingSimulated cabin pressure environmentsPre-Order Feature“Book the Cook” starting in Premium Economy
Key Points
Meals engineered to taste exceptional at altitude
Award-winning culinary team behind menu design
Early meal selection for Premium Economy and above
Etihad A380 First-Class; Photo- Etihad
6: Etihad Airways (EY)
Etihad Airways focuses on fresh, seasonal dishes that reflect regional flavors. Economy passengers enjoy hot meals with fresh-baked rolls and desserts, while Business and First Class customers indulge in an elevated à la carte dining experience with gourmet preparation.
Etihad Airways In-Flight Food Highlights
FeatureDetailsMenu StyleSeasonal, destination-inspired cuisineEconomy PerksFresh rolls, desserts, full beverage rangePremium DiningÀ la carte menu in Business and First
Key Points
Multiple meal choices across all cabins
Seasonal menus inspired by destination cities
High-end dining in premium cabins
Photo: Turkish Airlines
5: Turkish Airlines (TK)
Renowned for some of the best food in aviation, Turkish Airlines serves menus updated frequently to reflect seasonal ingredients and modern culinary trends.
Select long-haul flights even include “flying chefs,” who prepare dishes onboard. From artisan sandwiches on short flights to multi-course meals on long journeys, the airline excels across all routes.
Turkish Airlines In-Flight Food Highlights
FeatureDetailsSignature FeatureFlying chefs on select flightsShort-Haul MealsArtisan bread sandwichesLong-Haul DiningMulti-course, chef-designed menus
Key Points
Seasonal menus with Turkish and international flavors
Onboard chefs enhance meal presentation and freshness
Exceptional consistency across long-haul flights
Photo: Cathay Pacific
4: Cathay Pacific (CX)
Cathay Pacific’s dining program is known for its thoughtful menu design and commitment to sustainably sourced, in-season ingredients. Passengers enjoy Hong Kong–inspired dishes alongside international favorites, all crafted with meticulous attention to flavor and presentation.
Cathay Pacific In-Flight Food Highlights
FeatureDetailsCuisine FocusHong Kong classics + global dishesIngredient StandardIn-season and sustainably sourcedMenu ApproachCarefully curated, detail-oriented
Key Points
Hong Kong flavors featured prominently
Balanced mix of Asian and global recipes
Sustainable ingredient sourcing where possible
Photo: Korean Air
3: Korean Air (KE)
Korean Air offers flavorful, traditional Korean dishes made with seasonal ingredients, with premium cabins featuring even more elaborate selections. Long-haul routes also include a variety of snack options — everything from sandwiches to freshly baked muffins.
Korean Air In-Flight Food Highlights
FeatureDetailsMenu InfluenceTraditional Korean cuisinePremium CabinExpanded and refined menu optionsSnacksSandwiches, muffins, and more
Key Points
Authentic Korean flavors in all classes
Seasonal ingredients used across meals
Generous snack service on long-haul flights
Photo: Air New Zealand
2: Air New Zealand (NZ)
Air New Zealand emphasizes local New Zealand cuisine and Māori hospitality in its dining program. All long-haul cabins feature fresh, warm meals paired with quality New Zealand wines, showcasing the country’s culinary identity.
Air New Zealand In-Flight Food Highlights
FeatureDetailsCuisine StyleNew Zealand-inspired dishesWine ProgramLocal NZ wine selectionCabin ExperienceWarm meals in all long-haul cabins
Key Points
Menus rooted in New Zealand traditions
Strong emphasis on hospitality and warmth
High-quality wine pairings available in all cabins
Photo: JetBlue
1: JetBlue (B6)
JetBlue tops the ranking with its mix of complimentary snacks and elevated dining on longer flights. All passengers enjoy free snacks and drinks from recognizable brands, while transatlantic travelers can purchase farm-to-table meals and premium alcoholic beverages.
JetBlue In-Flight Food Highlights
FeatureDetailsComplimentary SnacksGoldfish, Pepsi, Dunkin’Premium OptionsAlcoholic beverages, curated snack boxesLong-Haul DiningFarm-to-table meals on transatlantic routes
Key Points
Generous free snack selection
High-quality dining offerings for long-haul passengers
Mix of comfort snacks and premium paid options
Photo: Singapore Airlines
Bottom Line
The 10 airlines on this list prove that in-flight dining has become a defining part of the modern travel experience.
Whether it’s chef-designed menus, regionally inspired dishes, or creative snack programs, each carrier showcased here brings something unique to the table.
From JetBlue’s generous snack selection to Turkish Airlines’ onboard chefs and Singapore Airlines’ precision-tested cuisine, travelers today have more high-quality options at 30,000 feet than ever before.
As airlines continue investing in better ingredients, more global flavors, and innovative culinary partnerships, the future of in-flight food looks more exciting — and more delicious — than ever.
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Dining and Cooking