The best and worst foods to eat on a plane, according to an airline meal expert
Loukas’ favorite foolproof plane food is curry because it maintains its flavor.
Ice cream is another safe bet.
“Ice cream is really good,” he said. "It tastes the same in the air as it does on the ground.”
Avoid foods that don’t usually jive well with the human digestive system, like beans.
Airlines usually won’t serve them, anyway.
To combat the bloating that can sometimes result from flying, stay away from carb-loaded baked goods and stick with salads, fresh fruit and lots of water.
Meat can be hit-or-miss.
“It just really depends on the way it's been cooked and the way it's been handled,” he said.
Seafood is also a gamble. If it’s overcooked, there’s no way to save it, but Loukas said it’s usually decent in more prestigious areas of the plane.
“Most seafood I've come across has been generally quite good, but I've been lucky to be in premium cabins,” he said.
For the best food regardless of class, Loukas recommended flying Turkish Airlines.
“Best meals, way past everyone,” he said. “They have a great caterer. It's like having a normal meal.”
That doesn’t mean that you’re stuck with the economy meal that comes with your economy seat. It costs money, but you can request an upgrade.
“It's not going to be the business class meal that they're serving, but it would be an upgraded meal, a better standard of quality food, a lot more well thought-out.”
Above all, go with your gut.
“If it doesn't look too good, maybe don't eat it,” he advised. “There is refrigeration on the aircraft, but you just never know.”
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