Long haul plane food
Discussion
I got back from 5 days in Vegas on Wednesday, we went Virgin Atlantic (1 stop both ways but majority of the flight on a Virgin plane)
We bid for an “upgrade” to Economy Delight - never even knew that was a thing
The meal was utter utter garbage. Is this just the new norm in these trying times?
Last time I went to Vegas I actually looked forward to the meal - not expecting 5* quality of course, but my god this was tripe.
Crap hot thing, bread roll and butter. No salt and pepper. No cheese block and biscuit. Not even the old school orange juice with the foil lid.
Hoping this was a one off but I’m guessing not.
We bid for an “upgrade” to Economy Delight - never even knew that was a thing
The meal was utter utter garbage. Is this just the new norm in these trying times?
Last time I went to Vegas I actually looked forward to the meal - not expecting 5* quality of course, but my god this was tripe.
Crap hot thing, bread roll and butter. No salt and pepper. No cheese block and biscuit. Not even the old school orange juice with the foil lid.
Hoping this was a one off but I’m guessing not.
'Economy Delight' is still economy, it's not even 'premium' economy. You got the same food as all of the other economy passengers.
The only way to do better is to go in business or first, and even then, you're still in a tube, 7 miles up, doing 500 MPH. It's never really going to be a great place for eats.
The only way to do better is to go in business or first, and even then, you're still in a tube, 7 miles up, doing 500 MPH. It's never really going to be a great place for eats.
rdjohn said:
I have not flown long-haul for a while, but a friend told me that the trick was always to oder the vegetarian option.
That way you get priority service and something edible.
No idea if it still works.
If I’m flying with BA I either go with the veggie pasta option or the chicken tikka masala. Never ever go for the beef, it’s always terrible.That way you get priority service and something edible.
No idea if it still works.
I’ve found breakfast tends to be woeful but the last couple of meals I’ve had on a plane were acceptable.
UTH said:
Totally agree, we knew we weren’t really any better than normal economy, but I swear the food used to be quite enjoyable pre pandemic. I’ve only ever flown business twice, so my experience is mostly based on economy.
Something else to bear in mind is that there will likely have been some 'simplification' of the food items under the guise of 'covid safety'. In short, this means they can provide a worse service, with fewer items, because they are pretending that this is somehow safer.Away from aviation, the most ridiculous example of this I have experienced is that I still can't get a pizza with anchovies on it delivered to me 'because of covid'.
Unless in first (when you might get a chef cooking you what you want) then the best advice is to eat before getting on the plane.
Airline food is just re-heated ready meals. I certainly wouldn't eat such stuff on the ground. In the air it just gets in the way.
If you're flying business eat in the lounge before you fly. If you're in economy go to one of the many restaurants & eat a decent meal, or buy something to take on-board.
Airline food is just re-heated ready meals. I certainly wouldn't eat such stuff on the ground. In the air it just gets in the way.
If you're flying business eat in the lounge before you fly. If you're in economy go to one of the many restaurants & eat a decent meal, or buy something to take on-board.
iphonedyou said:
chandrew said:
Unless in first (when you might get a chef cooking you what you want)
On what airline?
The EK First fillet Steak was always a really nice meal.
If flying cattle then I would always eat before boarding.
t they serve as airline food !paulguitar said:
chandrew said:
Unless in first (when you might get a chef cooking you what you want)
I'm pretty sure that doesn't happen.Budgets have always been tight on airlines, they also have shortages of people on the ground.
I've worked for one of the airlines mentioned here and flown upper many times, being honest food was always nice but never extravagant, you would also have a meal in the clubhouse as well to complement what you'd be eating during the flight. The nicest pat was more the inflight experience/service and constant flow of drinks.
I just think the OP got a bit over expectant with inflight experience.
I've worked for one of the airlines mentioned here and flown upper many times, being honest food was always nice but never extravagant, you would also have a meal in the clubhouse as well to complement what you'd be eating during the flight. The nicest pat was more the inflight experience/service and constant flow of drinks.
I just think the OP got a bit over expectant with inflight experience.
Virgin has 3 classes for food. Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class.
I have flown all 3 classes. The food in Economy is just the same as any other economy flight IME. Pre heated and served in a plastic tray and its generic food that all airlines use. The quality in Economy is known to be on the lower end of the scale but reviews often put it above BA and most of the American carriers.
IME the food outbound from the UK is always better than inbound. Its also better out of LHR than any other airport due to it being their home base.
I have flown all 3 classes. The food in Economy is just the same as any other economy flight IME. Pre heated and served in a plastic tray and its generic food that all airlines use. The quality in Economy is known to be on the lower end of the scale but reviews often put it above BA and most of the American carriers.
IME the food outbound from the UK is always better than inbound. Its also better out of LHR than any other airport due to it being their home base.
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