Recent rankings of global airlines for in-flight meals have placed Aegean Airlines at the top, surpassing well-known carriers. The survey, conducted by Canstar Travel Insurance, analyzed over 125,000 passenger reviews, emphasizing regional cuisine and hospitality as key factors. Aegean Airlines scored 7.82 out of 10, with its menu inspired by Greek philosophy of 'filema,' reflecting love and kindness through food.
Asian airlines dominated the top positions, with South Korea’s Asiana Airlines and Korean Air, along with Japan’s All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, securing multiple top spots. Smaller airlines such as Kuwait Airways and Garuda Indonesia also ranked highly, indicating that size is not necessarily an indicator of meal quality.
U.S. Airlines and International Performance
In contrast, American airlines like JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines, Delta, American, and United scored lower in the overall rankings, with JetBlue placing 18th. However, U.S. carriers showed better performance in first and business class, with JetBlue ranking seventh and tenth in these categories, respectively.
"Airplane food has been the subject of jokes for years, but major airlines now understand that the flight experience matters greatly in such a competitive market," said a spokesperson.
International airlines such as Qantas, British Airways, and Air France did not appear in the higher echelons of the rankings, highlighting regional differences in in-flight catering standards. The study also noted that experience can vary depending on routes, with some flights featuring regional cuisine and upgrade options to enhance passenger satisfaction.
Overall, the ranking demonstrates that quality in in-flight meals continues to evolve, and airlines are increasingly prioritizing culinary experiences to differentiate themselves in a competitive industry.
