By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
During long-haul flights, it’s inevitable that you’ll need to eat on the plane. Most people have negative impressions of airline meals, such as small portions or poor taste. However, studies have shown that when people are in a low-pressure environment, like inside an airplane cabin at high altitude, their sense of taste becomes less sharp than usual. This is one of the reasons why food may not taste as good. Some foreign travel websites have offered several suggestions for choosing airline meals. Next time you take a long flight, you might want to try these methods to make your journey more comfortable.
Most people have negative impressions of airline meals, such as small portions or poor taste. (Image source / travelchannel)
1. Choose Your Meal Online
If you have special meal requirements, most airlines allow you to pre-select your meal through their website. Options include vegetarian meals, fruit meals, seafood meals, or meals prepared for specific religious diets. If you have any needs or favorite flavors, remember to request them from the airline in advance.
2. Go for Rice
Airline meals are usually prepared in a central kitchen beforehand and then reheated on the plane before being served to passengers. Typically, rice can retain a moist texture even after reheating, and its flavor doesn’t change much. On the other hand, pasta tends to clump together after reheating, which can negatively affect the taste of the dish.
Rice and chicken are top choices for airline meals. (Image source / cnn)
3. Choose Chicken
At high altitudes, beef and pork tend to become dry and tough after reheating, and seafood may also suffer in freshness. In comparison, chicken is better at retaining its moisture and is generally a better choice.
4. Sauce Adds Flavor
Since your sense of taste is less sensitive in a low-pressure environment, choosing meals with sauce can help maintain moisture after reheating, and stronger flavors can also help stimulate your appetite.
The easiest way to choose an airline meal is based on your departure location. (Image source / thealternativedaily)
5. Consider Your Departure Location
If you’re still unsure how to choose an airline meal, the simplest method is to base your decision on your departure city. Airline meals are usually prepared in the kitchen of the departure city. If you’re flying from Asia, Asian food is a safer bet. Conversely, if you’re departing from Europe or America, Western cuisine tends to be more enjoyable.
If you’re still hungry, you can also ask the flight attendants for snacks or drinks. (Image source / UNITED)
6. Snacks and Drinks
In addition to meal boxes, airplanes also offer snacks, cookies, and even instant noodles. Alcoholic beverages like beer, red wine, white wine, and champagne are also available. If you’re still hungry, you can politely ask the flight attendant—they’ll be happy to provide you with something extra.