Top 10 Airlines with the Best In-Flight Meals Worldwide

The national carrier of Thailand, Thai Airways, is a top contender in the Skytrax rankings. Operating an average of 1,109 round-trip flights weekly to 80 destinations across 32 countries, the airline carried over 22.2 million passengers in 2016 with a fleet nearing 100 aircraft. Award-winning meals in economy class are inspired by authentic Thai flavors, complemented by options from around the globe.

Thai Airways serves delectable meals, inspired by Thailand's rich culinary heritage, even in economy class, along with international choices. They prioritize fresh, seasonal ingredients, sustainably sourced local produce from Thai farmers, ensuring passengers enjoy vibrant salads, fresh fruit, bread, and delightful desserts during their flight.

With a fleet of over 300 aircraft and flights to 300 destinations across 120 countries, Turkish Airlines ranks second in this list. The airline has earned numerous awards over the years, including being named the best airline in Europe. On short-haul flights, passengers enjoy sandwiches, appetizers, and olive oil-based desserts, while longer flights feature dishes from around the world, crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Additionally, they offer breakfast and sometimes snacks on select flights.

Turkish Airlines excels at impressing passengers with its culinary offerings. Their chefs, dressed in white coats like stars, welcome guests aboard as though they’re in a five-star restaurant. The onboard menu includes appetizers like artichokes cooked in olive oil and grilled beef with creamy eggplant sauce. They also provide substantial snacks and beverages, even on short domestic flights.

The French are world-renowned for their exceptional cuisine, so it’s no surprise that Air France holds high standards when it comes to in-flight dining. The elegance and refinement of their meal service, the bold flavors of their dishes, and the fine porcelain dinnerware all contribute to making the dining experience aboard Air France truly remarkable.

Long-haul flights departing from Paris feature special menus crafted by renowned French chefs, updated every six months, and the regular menu is changed every ten days to offer variety. While meals always include French-inspired dishes, passengers can also enjoy flavors from Japan, China, Korea, India, Thailand, and seafood. Meals in Air France’s First and Business Class are created by Michelin-starred chefs.

Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific operates a fleet of nearly 200 aircraft, flying to almost 200 destinations across Asia, North America, Australia, Europe, and Africa. A multiple winner of 'World's Best Airline' awards, it now ranks among the best for in-flight meals. Cathay Pacific was one of the first airlines to serve freshly cooked rice, toast, and eggs prepared by flight attendants for First Class passengers. The airline offers everything from local favorites to international cuisine, with main course options like shredded pork, braised chicken thighs, or penne pasta, complemented by appetizers, desserts, and hot beverages.

Cathay Pacific has revolutionized the concept of in-flight dining. Their menu is carefully curated and prepared by a skilled culinary team that celebrates Chinese tastes, featuring many signature dishes from Hong Kong. Premium cabin passengers can indulge in Hong Kong specialties such as slow-cooked pork with Hakka mustard, fried chicken with black bean sauce, or Hong Kong-style curry shrimp. They also offer a variety of special dietary meals, including vegetarian and low-sodium options.

Among the leaders in global travel awards, Etihad Airways never fails to impress. Whether you're a vegetarian or have special dietary preferences, the airline's chefs are always ready to meet your needs. Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad ensures that every meal served exceeds expectations, employing some of the best chefs and beverage managers in the industry, many of whom are award-winning.

Etihad Airways is committed to offering the finest chefs available for their international flights, aiming to deliver an in-flight dining experience that rivals a five-star restaurant. Their exclusive Mezzon Grille menu for First Class passengers features premium cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, and seafood, paired with carefully selected sauces, sides, and delectable desserts. Portions are generous, ensuring a more than satisfying meal for those flying with Etihad.

If you're craving a meal prepared by a Michelin 3-star chef from the Uber Fahrt Christian Jürgens restaurant in Bavaria, then a flight with Lufthansa is a must. The chefs from this prestigious restaurant are also the head chefs for Lufthansa’s in-flight meals. The menu onboard is unique, tailored to each destination. For example, on a flight from New York to Hong Kong, you’ll be treated to a pork tenderloin served with apples and pumpkin ravioli.

Recently awarded 5-star status and named the best airline in Europe by Skytrax, Lufthansa has won the hearts of many travelers, particularly with its exceptional in-flight meals, which change regularly. Each meal includes two hot entrée options, along with a fresh salad, dessert, and hot beverages—enough to make you feel like you're dining in a fine restaurant. Depending on your flight, you may even experience regional specialties from your destination.

Swiss International Air Lines offers an exceptional in-flight experience, particularly for those who love Swiss cuisine. Known as a haven for cheese lovers, Swiss International Air Lines has created a special culinary program that brings the flavors of Switzerland to life on their flights. This program features a creative blend of regional Swiss dishes, giving passengers a taste of the country’s diverse culinary heritage.

With exclusive in-flight dining experiences for First Class passengers and dishes inspired by Switzerland's finest culinary traditions, Swiss Airlines’ 'Taste of Switzerland' program is truly impressive. Their menu changes every three months, offering a selection of local wines and, of course, a variety of exceptional Swiss cheeses. And it’s not just First Class passengers who rave about the meals—Business and Economy Class passengers also rave about the delicious food served on Swiss International Air Lines flights.

Austrian Airlines, Austria’s largest airline, boasts a global network with about 130 destinations, including 35 in Central and Eastern Europe. Last year marked a record year for the airline, carrying nearly 13 million passengers, many of whom rave about the airline's food service. While it may surprise some, Austrian Airlines has elevated its in-flight dining to an art form.

With meals provided by the renowned caterer DO & CO, a company known for its top-tier restaurants and cafes in cities like Vienna, London, and New York, and their flight attendants who expertly pair each dish with the perfect wine, it’s no wonder Austrian Airlines is at the top of the list. The airline is especially popular with First Class travelers. And let’s not forget their extensive coffee selection—over 10 different Meinl coffees from Austria, ideal for helping passengers stay refreshed on long-haul flights.

The menu of Singapore Airlines is so enticing that it’s hard to find a passenger who wouldn’t want to try it at least once. The main courses include tender beef, lamb, and skewered chicken served with cucumber and bean salad. These signature dishes are inspired by Indian cuisine, and the airline’s fresh seafood offerings rival those found in any top restaurant. Singapore Airlines only serves meals for passengers flying within 24 hours.

Renowned for its culinary excellence, Singapore Airlines has long built its reputation, particularly after collaborating with award-winning chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Their famous “Book the Cook” service allows First Class passengers to select gourmet dishes up to 24 hours before departure. Meanwhile, Economy Class passengers can choose from a variety of appetizers such as shrimp potato salad or fried chicken with sesame bamboo shoots.

Meals on board Qatar Airways consistently delight passengers from the very first bite. Not only are the dishes beautifully presented, but they are also incredibly flavorful. Passengers can enjoy a selection of mezze, a traditional Middle Eastern snack, as well as a delectable dish of mustard-glazed salmon and fennel baked to perfection. For those flying on Qatar Airways overnight, the jasmine green tea is a must-try, known for its calming properties that help ease the fatigue of long-haul flights.

Qatar Airways offers an exceptional range of meals for both Business and First Class passengers. To curate their menus, they have enlisted four world-renowned chefs: Nobu Matsuhisa, Tom Aikens, Ramzi Choueiri, and Vineet Bhatia. After months of perfecting their dishes and considering how taste perceptions change at 30,000 feet, they have crafted a menu that blends bold flavors and spices to impress their guests.