Why does airplane food always seem bland? Where does all the leftover food go? These are questions many frequent flyers have wondered. While most passengers simply accept airline meals as part of the flying experience, few know what really happens behind the scenes.
Thanks to a feature from HuffPost, we now have a clearer look at what goes on in the airline catering world—from how meals are made to what happens after they’re served.
Why Does Airplane Food Taste Worse Than It Should?
The truth is, it’s not the food itself that’s bad—it’s our perception that changes. Airline chefs still put in significant effort and follow rigorous recipes, but the environment on a plane alters the way we experience flavor.
At cruising altitude, the cabin’s humidity drops by around 15%, drying out your throat and significantly dulling your sense of taste and smell. A study from Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics found that our ability to detect salty flavors drops by up to 30%, and sweet flavors by 20%—similar to eating with a bad cold.
So even well-seasoned food can seem bland, not because of poor cooking, but due to your own dulled senses in the sky.
>> Travel Alone: How to plan for the trip
Who Actually Prepares the Food on Airplanes?
Surprisingly, many airlines don’t cook their own food. Instead, they outsource meals to professional in-flight catering companies.
The largest of these is LSG Sky Chefs, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, which prepares over one million meals per day. LSG partners with over 300 airlines and operates in 191 airports worldwide.
Other major players in the industry include:
- Gate Gourmet – the world’s largest independent airline catering company
- Emirates Flight Catering – primarily serving Emirates and Dubai International Airport
- Servair – a French company working with many European airlines
- Chelsea Food Services – popular in North America
These providers follow strict food safety protocols and deliver pre-cooked meals that are reheated onboard.
What Happens to Leftover Food?
Airlines, especially in North America, Europe, and Australia, are bound by strict food disposal laws. Leftover meals are not allowed to be taken off the aircraft. In some cases, employees caught with uneaten meals can even face job termination. And if ground staff are found with unopened alcohol or tobacco, they could be accused of smuggling.
Some airlines do allow leftover food to be distributed to airport-based personnel—like technicians or maintenance teams—but under the condition that it stays within the airport grounds. Only food specifically designated for donation or charity can legally leave the premises.
>> 10 Reasons for Traveling Light
Are In-Flight Meals Ever Cooked Fresh?
On certain long-haul routes, premium airlines may offer personalized onboard dining, usually reserved for business or first-class passengers. Some airlines even have “flying chefs” onboard to finish off meals or present them nicely.
However, due to space and safety limitations, real cooking isn’t possible. There are no open flames, sharp knives, or full-sized stoves. What looks freshly made is actually pre-cooked on the ground and gently reheated using steam ovens or pressure units. Chefs might adjust seasonings or plating, but the main cooking is done long before takeoff.
The Future of Airline Dining: Can It Get Better?
Airlines are constantly experimenting with new recipes, improved packaging, and scientific ways to enhance in-flight flavor perception. But for now, the unique environment inside an aircraft makes it nearly impossible to replicate the dining experience of a good restaurant.
Still, as airlines invest in better food quality and passenger experience, we can hope that the future of in-flight dining will soar to new heights.
>> The world’s smelliest fish: A dish that dares you to taste it
Fly Smarter with Us
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, understanding the truth about airline meals can help you set better expectations and even choose your seat (and airline) more wisely.
For more fascinating travel insights, secrets from the sky, and honest destination reviews—follow our blog. We bring the sky closer to you, one story at a time.
