Airplane food is a topic that sparks a wide range of opinions among travelers. Some people enjoy the convenience of having a meal served to them while flying, while others are wary of eating anything that has been precooked and reheated in the air. But have you ever wondered how the flight attendants, who are responsible for serving these onboard meals, feel about the food they serve? HuffPost recently spoke with three flight attendants to get their insights on the airplane meals they would never eat midflight, as well as those they would actually recommend.
One interesting fact that was shared during these conversations is that most airplane food is prepared at a handful of catering companies and then trucked over to various airports. This means that the meals served on different airlines may actually come from the same source. Additionally, many flight attendants opt to bring their own food to work, packing items like meat, yogurt, salads, fruits, and more in large insulated lunchboxes.
When it comes to the food and drink items that flight attendants tend to avoid while working, water is at the top of the list. While bottled water is generally safe, tap water should be consumed with caution, as it may not be as clean as one would hope. Tap water is also commonly used to brew coffee and tea on airplanes, which can be a cause for concern, especially on international flights where regulations may not be as strict.
Alcohol is another item that flight attendants recommend avoiding while flying. The combination of alcohol consumption and high altitude can lead to dehydration and other negative effects on the body. The lower barometric pressure in the cabin of a plane makes it harder for the body to absorb oxygen, which can result in passengers feeling more intoxicated than they would on the ground after consuming the same amount of alcohol.
Entrees like steaks and fillets are also on the list of foods that some flight attendants steer clear of while working. These dishes are often overcooked due to the limitations of the ovens on the plane, which can affect both the taste and safety of the food. Additionally, dishes that are high in sodium, such as pasta, soups, Indian meals, and deli sandwiches, may not be the best choice for passengers looking to stay hydrated and feel their best during a flight.
Cheese trays are another item that flight attendants advise against ordering on a plane. Most of the cheeses served in the air are processed and do not require refrigeration, which means they may not be as fresh as one would expect. In general, anything that needs refrigeration may not be the freshest option when served on an airplane.
While all foods served on planes go through a regulatory process to ensure safety, flight attendants‘ firsthand experience with onboard meals makes their advice valuable. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, it’s worth considering their recommendations when choosing what to eat and drink while flying.