30 Incredible In-Flight Meals That Will Change How You See Plane Food

"Interesting" is perhaps the best word for some of what we have ingested on our journeys through the skies and sometimes that word is just a polite way of saying something that isn't actually that polite. Sometimes, however, if you're very lucky, it can be positive. So, without further ado, here are 30 in-flight meals we wish we could have had! [post_page_title] #1 When Three Decisions Become One Super-Feed  [/post_page_title] A fry-up-style brunch? Some fruit and yogurt for something sweet or a little continental? When you have time to make breakfast let alone decide which way to go, it can often be a toughy. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BvHD4RmjWh1/ [/MediaContent] Boxes ticked. This in-flight meal bridges all three and not only boasts plenty of choices but as mile-high-meals go, it's pretty balanced. And so begins a list of tasty, tasty, imagery. [post_page_title] #2 Good Food, EXCELLENT Presentation [/post_page_title] Now this one may look impressive via its ingredients and given the context of where it's being served, it's top-notch. But! That's not why it stands out. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BvEfEV7j0He/ [/MediaContent] Look at that crockery? The clear, black or foil containers are nowhere to be seen nor are the flimsy plastic cutlery. There's even a REAL NAPKIN. This meal was brought to you by the Aero-Restaurant service, dine a mile-high in style. [post_page_title] #3 Presentation [/post_page_title] This is another that does the job and has enough nutrients, but admittedly, it is a little simple. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BvB6RzlAtH6/ [/MediaContent] Personally back before going veggie, I'd had no issues eating this but again, presentation really makes the cake or tosses the salad or whatever. Look at that dinner tray! Swish. [post_page_title] #4 Bridging Cuisines and... More Excellent Presentation [/post_page_title] Why settle for simple themed meals set around a single locale? Why even bother with courses? Why not send it all at once? [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_VfCQg76b/ [/MediaContent] That's exactly what this flight crew did, it's certainly a tray-full and a little messy, but this is certainly a meal and a half! One that is yet again adorned with a napkin rolled for royalty.  [post_page_title] #5 Sometimes, They Just Out-Do Themselves [/post_page_title] I can't say I've had my own fair share of high-class, first-class, business-class meals on flights. Although I can absolutely say that I've never had an in-flight meal that DIDN'T hit the spot as it were, my experience bar a few sneak-peaks into the world beyond standard-class is very limited. However, this list is opening my eyes. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_VfCQg76b/ [/MediaContent] Imagine if this person was off on holiday somewhere nice, looking forward to the local cuisine only to arrive and be utterly disappointed with an unquenchable longing for what they had high in the sky, imagine that. [post_page_title] #6 It's The Little Details... [/post_page_title] We talked about courses earlier and how they weren't strictly possible or rather carried no real use. Well, perhaps, they are possible, just minutely, via a few excellent little details. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu6L_KnBhm_/ [/MediaContent] Shiney, well-polished cutlery in order of each course set for a simple, quality lunch. Sorted. But where is the posh-napkin? Tut-tut. [post_page_title] #7 What Time Zone Are We In? Who Knows? But It's Breakfast Time [/post_page_title] I don't know about you but, the constant change in time zones that I went through on two or three-part journeys while traveling on very little sleep was utterly tiring. Expensive airport food was what it was, ok and pricey, and in-flight meals such as the next one were the stuff of dreams. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu3sxhWhDgG/ [/MediaContent] The stuff of dreams, indeed. Tired and weary, this would be an excellent wake-up call, although, let's face it, you probably weren't actually asleep. [post_page_title] #8 And Why Aren't Restaurants EXCLUSIVELY On Planes?  [/post_page_title] Again, another entry entered for obvious reasons, entirely justifying its entry upon entering in such an enigmatic manner. Words. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu1DHVPBCXe/ [/MediaContent] Hats off to Japan Airlines and their international first class. You win, take it, TAKE IT ALL. ...don't fret, it isn't actually a competition, and I have plenty more plates for your perusal. [post_page_title] #9 I Love Lamp [/post_page_title] Much like Mr. Brick Tamland, I also love lamp, especially more so after seeing this in-flight feed. I have twenty-one more of these to show you, I've just eaten a gargantuan amount of food in order to fuel my brain for maximum word-work, and I suddenly want to bin-this all off, book a flight and chow-down. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuykY3qDSsY/ [/MediaContent] "Hello, yes, Emirates [...] yes, that's the one, one of those, please! Oh yes, my apologies and a seat on the plane. Where? It doesn't matter." [post_page_title] #10 From Sea To The Sky [/post_page_title] There you are, tired out of your mind, eagerly awaiting your in-flight meal and the one-time you managed to sleep you missed the announcement on what the food was and the cabin crew didn't want to wake you. You have no idea what you are going to get and you really, really hope it's not something disappointing. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuwAIwXhn8R/ [/MediaContent] Ten-thousand and more feet up and you're dining on lobster. Boom! Face! I bet you didn't see that one coming, did you? [post_page_title] #11 Air-Food May Surprise You [/post_page_title] On some flights I've taken, the food on offer was often exactly what you would expect from the region from which the plane either took-off from or rather the airlines' origin. It's a relatively common occurrence but that's not always the case, and you should really never resign yourself to that theory for more than a few resolute seconds. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Butbkamh5GN/ [/MediaContent] Air Canada has absolutely annihilated that theory with this selection and again, if this was a competition, this could easily win it, even despite that crappy plastic spoon. That's right spooney, I see you. [post_page_title] #12 Consistency Is Key [/post_page_title] Reputation for airlines is paramount, and it goes without saying that the food served on those long-haul, first-class cabins needs to be nowhere near any sort of culinary compromise. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Buq2Xizhd64/ [/MediaContent] Emirates knows this all too well. [post_page_title] #13 You Know You Made The Right Choice When... [/post_page_title] ... it doesn't look, feel or taste like it was preprepared back on the ground. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuoRXofBwj-/ [/MediaContent] "Hello, yes, everything is fine with my meal. I was wondering if I could stay on after we land. Yes! just stay here, the food is utterly divine." [post_page_title] #14 Soup Of The... Skies? [/post_page_title] If you're in want of a simple meal, one to warm the gut as much as your soul after a long day, sat down, not really moving, then Qatar Airways have your back. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuluPb9h421/ [/MediaContent] This looks lovely, to be honest, and there isn't really much more I can say. It's tough sitting down all the time in comfy luxury seats with all that legroom, I'd need some tasty, soul-warming sky-soup too. [post_page_title] #15 Going The Extra (Vertical) Mile! [/post_page_title] On my travels, I saw examples from either end of the spectrum when it came to parenting and/or the behavior of young children. Admittedly, any flight can be distressing for a child full of boundless energy and constant needs of nurturing. This next example via AirAstana has the remedy for such an instance. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BujHoTkgNG9/ [/MediaContent] What excellent service this is, really. [post_page_title] #16 10,000+ Feet Up Is No Excuse...  [/post_page_title] ... to compromise quality. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BugotUMl81M/ [/MediaContent] If this list is teaching anything, it's that crappy, sub-parr culinary displays are not only lazy up there on the cusp the heavens but need-not exist at all! This champion of such an ethos itself striving for quality, at least from the context of this list, is unambiguously food hailing from and themed around the continent of Asia. I mean, JUST LOOK AT IT! [post_page_title] #17 Holiday Prep? Or Holiday Ruination? [/post_page_title] I say the latter half of that title in jest but still! You often go away to find culinary delights and on the way, simply eat to sustain yourself before true relaxation starts. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuWPooKDK_q/ [/MediaContent] I made the joke earlier of sorts but really, I'd never leave the plane of I was being fed this well! [post_page_title] #18 AeroFoodPorn [/post_page_title] Now we've seen some true edible imagery on this list thus far, and if the NOT-competition had a sub-NOT-competition focussed around the presentation and yet another sub-focus on restaurant-likeness, then this would be a clear forerunner NOT-winning. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuRGE2zjfVP/ [/MediaContent] Triangular plates. On a flight. "Hello, yes, everything is fine and dandy over here, this food is excellent but I wish to ask you a question... Can I pay you for these plates? I simply MUST have them". [post_page_title] #19 Eating Better Than Usual [/post_page_title] I like to think I cook well, it takes a little time but gathering up all the ingredients and preparing it all into a balanced, hearty yet healthy meal is something I endeavor to do as often as I can. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuOoI8xh_cD/ [/MediaContent] Actually, on second thoughts, sod all that. I'm now selling all my-worldly possessions to globe-trot across the airways and sample the stratospheric kitchen of wonder. [post_page_title] #20 I Did Napkin-See That Coming [/post_page_title] That's right, my within-the-context-of-the-list obsession with napkins is back, this time accompanying combination of the good, the healthy and decadent. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuL8ghljckn/ [/MediaContent] Joking aside traveling such great distance via THE SKY was something human beings were never meant to do, yet we do and that's that. What's also "that" is how double-plus-ungood it can make you feel. This tray-full of delight chucks a few nutrients at you in a more than satisfactory manner and even throws you a little treat while it's at it. Cheers, United Airlines. [post_page_title] #21 Size Matters [/post_page_title] Size does matter when it comes to a famished stomach and salivating mouth. Some in-flight chow-times can be quite minuscule and in truth, that can be just right but then hunger hits and the grump begins, a sizable plate is required to satiate such a feeling. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuL8ghljckn/ [/MediaContent] That's why this one was chosen from the hundreds of examples I have on my screen, anyway. A full belly is a happy one, no matter how many feet in the air. [post_page_title] #22 Adorable AND Edible [/post_page_title] Said title speaks for the image inserted. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt569_RFkOq/ [/MediaContent] Said title continues to speak for image inserted. [post_page_title] #23 Calories Are Calories... [/post_page_title] This example, this far down this list of unambiguous tastiness prompted me to chuckle. Calories are calories. Nothing, bar water, is calorie-free, remember that! [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt3ZOgggheE/ [/MediaContent] Now, because I am indeed a massive nerd (and a lead-bartender) I decided to work out, based on the assumption that these bottles are 5oml, how many calories this "meal" would be. The answer is: 1080. Now that is a sizable "meal". And that isn't counting the tasty, tasty, addictive carton of pringles behind it all... [post_page_title] #24 Healthy In-Flight [/post_page_title] This next one is another excellent example of the quality available and why you shouldn't just settle for packaged sandwiches, crisps, and adorable booze. The above example exempt, of course! [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BtTTlN5B-6G/ [/MediaContent] Once again, we have another high-quality set of plates set to restore the healthy body and mind of the weary traveler! Air Canada, expect some inquiries from me! [post_page_title] #25 The Only Way To Fl-EAT  [/post_page_title] This next image is what it is. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BtJGq6PAfvh/ [/MediaContent] And that is pure excellence. Just gaze upon it, that has nearly every major craving and food-group covered and even a few bits to make you feel less guilty about tall those tasty carbs. [post_page_title] #25 The Only Way To Fl-EAT V2 [/post_page_title] So far down this list, if you are anything like me, you will be close forsaking going out to eat ever again. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BtLreQZgvYZ/ [/MediaContent] "So what are we doing for dinner tonight?" they ask. "Pack your bags, we're going on a plane," I reply. [post_page_title] #26 From Full-Craving to Full-English [/post_page_title] The English breakfast is world-renowned for obvious reasons, so much so that you can find it in just about every country around the world in some form or another and in huge diversity within its own place of origin. It's one of those things that people just crave when they have rumbling belly and/or a stonking hangover. Don't lie now! I saw that nod! [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3FPxWlzdG/ [/MediaContent] Now, this may not be the prettiest or the greatest quality, but by ye gods, it is on here by its own right. [post_page_title] #27 Simple And Filling Wins The Stomach [/post_page_title] Sticking with a little simplicity after a list of overt displays and grandiose recipes we have this simple approach to stomach-filling. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BsOkRuNlP-C/ [/MediaContent] What more can you really say? It looks as if it does the job until the next time he cabin crew wakes you ahead of your next feeding time. [post_page_title] #28 Comfort In What You Know [/post_page_title] Beer and burger, burgers and beers, beers and burgers. It never gets old and neither should it! It's such a versatile, please-all combination that no matter where you are, it satiates most. Why should this be any different up in the air? [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BrFvmBBDfnI/ [/MediaContent] It shouldn't, and as a result of simplicity, this entry is one of the best on this list - buns down. [post_page_title] #29 Just Desserts [/post_page_title] I'll be honest, although I've stated more than once that not all air-nums are sub-par and boring, I've still been surprised into knee-jerk reaction salivation more than once on this list. And well, this next example... [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BrIXBjtD4OK/ [/MediaContent] Need I say more? [post_page_title] #30 Wined, Dined and Fly-ned? You Get The Idea [/post_page_title] To close these thirty courses of food I wish I was eating right now, we have more than one mouthful. Off somewhere on a business trip? Traveling on your own to discover yourself and the vibrant world around you? Well then, while on the plane quaking in your seat or realizing how much you're going to miss your loved ones and the dog, home-cooking might just be the closure you need. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BrIXBjtD4OK/ [/MediaContent] A hearty meal to bolster a heart of adventure! How poetic! Sustenance for a stomach that is empty, how fortuitous! Right, I bid you adieu. I'm all packed and ready to get fat on the tastiest of journeys.