Delta reveals the secrets to ordering a great meal on an airplane

Although in-flight meals have largely disappeared on domestic flights, they are still alive and well on board international flights.

And to be honest, airplane food has not always had the best reputation.

There's a good reason for that.

Fresh ingredients are cooked, packaged, transported to the plane, and then reconstituted mid-flight in a convection oven, Delta Air Lines general manager of product development Dan Mord told Business Insider in an interview.

"We are essentially torture-testing food here," Mord added. "A lot of things that work in a restaurant may simply do not work on board a plane."

The low air pressure and dry atmosphere of an aircraft pressurized to mimic the conditions at 8,000 feet of altitude also numb our ability to perceive a food's taste and texture. That explains complaints about dry and bland dishes.

But there are certain dishes and characteristics to seek out if you want a pleasant dining experience on a flight.

"Moisture in the air is what transfers the flavor and airplane air is dry," Mord said. "So dishes with heavier and sweeter flavors work well at altitude."

In addition, the reheating process also threaten the moisture content and the overall texture of the food.

Dishes such as curries, braised short ribs, lamb, and pasta are good choices because their flavorful sauces help preserve the taste and texture of the meal, Delta's director of on-board services, Brian Berry told us.

If you are in the mood for a steak, Berry and Mord both recommend a filet mignon because of the relatively lean cut's good fat consistency.

The airline recently pulled a rib-eye from its menu because the high fat content of the cut made the texture too tough when reheated.

One course that always works is dessert.

According to Berry and Mord, the sweetness of the dishes translate well to in-flight service and make them relatively fool-proof. Plus, people like to indulge when they are on-board, especially if they are in first class, Berry added.

Popular choices include apple crisps, mini pies, tiramisu and ice cream sundaes. While warm desserts such as bread pudding proved to a successful offering for winter flights.

So there you have it. A few pointers to go by the next you order an in-flight meal.