You rarely meet someone who likes the food on a flight. Yet airlines do their utmost to prepare a tasty meal. The reason why the food on an airplane does not taste good has another reason, according to researchers.
The noise and the plane influence your taste experience. Cornell University in the US studied the five basic tastes in 48 people: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and savory. First they had to taste in silence, then with headphones on with 85 decibels of noise that had to simulate the hum of an airplane engine.
The researchers found that the test subjects' taste preference did not change, but that the taste experience was different. For example, it appears that in a noisy environment your ability to taste sweet decreases and the savory taste actually increases in intensity. The researchers say the test confirms that our sense of taste decreases in a noisy environment: “The sensory properties of the environment in which we consume food can influence the perception of the food.”
Earlier it appeared that a German study had shown that our taste buds function less well in an airplane due to the cabin pressure combined with dry air. At high altitudes, the salty and sweet taste experience even decreases by thirty percent. The dry air also affects the smell, which further reduces the taste experience.
Source: Time- http://time.com/3893141/airline-food-airplane
interesting finding. But I also want to say that you can hardly expect that on a flight, where most people look for the cheapest possible airline, you will also be spoiled culinary. I've actually never had really good food on a plane trip, but for me the main objective is to fly safely from point A to B.
lung addie
The difference in food is very large at the various companies.
On the long flights, the food is usually of acceptable quality to just good quality.
The variation if you have a stopover and then continue flying with the same airline is small.
often exactly the same is served.
However, given the average flight data, there is nothing to complain about. In economy class you just get a meal where you sometimes also have the choice between 2 different place settings.
At Airasia you can simply book a meal on the flights. Low price, reasonable quality.
Nok air often serves a snack with a bowl of water. The water is lukewarm so not very pleasant to drink.
A flight is comparable to a train journey, but here you can sporadically order coffee or tea from the person who delivers it. (the coffee is from Starbucks. Usually not drinkable.
All in all, I think we certainly shouldn't complain about the meals on board an airplane.
Just accept that it's not a restaurant. And when you arrive in the country there is plenty of choice.
What strikes me is that the mess is often just thrown on the floor (plastic, etc.) If you walk from economy class to the exit through business class, the mess is unimaginable.
I'm always amazed that people leave this mess like this
I totally agree that in business class they make such a mess of it, I don't know why I would rather expect it in economy class.
Hi Kees Nok -air is a budget airline, normally you don't get anything for an hour's flight, this is service from the owner, so great.
I never eat on the plane, just the sandwich
because you sit still for 11 hours and your body does not process this
when I see what other travelers gulp down, I just have to go to the toilet
It's the other way around for me, I've never been to the toilet in an airplane, not even on flights of about 12 hours, and I eat and drink everything on board.
I have flown economy for years, in recent years only business class (simply because I can now afford it after 45 years of hard work) and I like the difference with economy in terms of meals, comfort, seat.
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I used to be surprised to see what of these meals disappeared in the hand luggage, people were certainly afraid that they couldn't leave anything in the tray.
Hi Luc, the meals have been adapted to this, they never fill you up, which is not the intention.
The struggle with the limited space on the fold-out board makes me compare it to a puzzle piece, what to put where and in what order is best used..... and then I am a standard-sized person, also paying attention not to get into an elbow fight with your neighbor ! I actually wonder why an extensive sandwich meal is not served, saves a whole "clutter" for everyone, and can also approach the sandwich bar variety that can satisfy the most difficult, you already have so little space, unless you are a VIP or are business class..
Dear Ad, that is a bit of an open door. Of course everyone wants to get from A to B safely. But if you're trapped in a flying tube for almost 12 hours to AMS, the meal also serves to take your mind off things. Just got back to Thailand economy with EVA Air and I have to say the food was quite decent. In the past I also flew business and sometimes even First. Then the meal was even of a high level.
Incidentally, the observation in the article has been known for a long time. 25 years ago I already wrote a story about this in the newspaper where I worked and I was even on the tasting panel for KLM's white wine. Strong flavours, that's what it's all about in the thin air.
Well I am always happy with what I get on that long flight to Bangkok. What matters to me is that I get from A to B safely and preferably cheaply and if I get food and drink on time then I am soon satisfied.
Now it's not something I look forward to when I go flying.
In general, I think people are doing their best to make something out of it.
So I think it's all good.
I have experienced worse in certain hotels/restaurants.
Best ,
What is most important the food you get on board or being transported safely from point A to B?
What I get served is always good.... but I'm also glad that I get something between my teeth during the long flight, maybe I'm easy.
I adapt to the situation and try to make the best of everything that's the easiest, and if you don't have his and always complain about the food…. no one is saying you have to take it huh….
The meals at China-air are already very mediocre anyway, but we accept that since the flight is cheap, and the flight times suit us. You can't be in the 1st row for a dime.
Always when it comes to meals on planes I hear only whining and complaining. However, when I see the ladies and gentlemen attacking the ready-made snacks, I think it must be tasty. They barely have time to wait for you to properly remove the foil. People seem starving. There was a time when people spoke of 'We never eat at Van der Valk, we don't like that eating shed' Who did you see sitting there if you ever entered, yes, those people. Must be the same ones who also complain on the plane. Personally, I think it's great.
I seem to be one of the only people who always likes the meals on airplanes. We usually fly with China Airlines, where you can choose from 2 meals which are quite extensive including a sandwich, fruit and a dessert. And indeed there is also extra drink available in the kitchens throughout the flight (water or orange juice).
There is also a big difference between economy and business.
Yesterday I flew with Etihad from Abu Dhabi to Brussels in business. There was a very tasty cream soup as a starter. Then there was steak with mash, asparagus and carrots as the main menu and finally a cheese board. Travelers could also choose other items from the menu as starter, main course and dessert. And those meals are always delicious.
What strikes me is that the food at China Air differs greatly whether you fly from Holland to Bkk or the other way around. From Bkk to A.dam it is significantly less than from A,dam -Bkk.
I always have that feeling too. It's better on the way there than on the way back. Maybe that's subjective. In general, I like CI's meals. Especially because there are 2 menus to choose from.
I agree with you Eugeen, I have flown business several times with Etihad, from your seat there is a glass of champetter, a saucer of mixed nuts, and you can actually drink this divine drink throughout the flight. Before take-off they come and ask what you want food, to choose from their menu, when you want it served and when they may have to wake you up. There is also a choice of good wines, choice of desserts, and it's really tasty, what more could you want, of course it has a price tag, but you only live once and if you can afford it so what.
Don't worry about it anymore. One time it is best to eat and the other time it is not. Always have a few rolls and gingerbread with me and I can get through those few hours. It's often nighttime and then you don't normally eat that much, do you? Like many here, I am surprised that most passengers shove everything down to the last crumb when it seems to be inedible. Then it should be doable. In the business class, the food at the foreign airlines is fine. Only it is all much too much if you swallow all the wine and cheese boards. You really have to make choices, otherwise you will have to go to Thailand as freight next time.
My Thai wife and I departed from Schiphol on May 13 with KLM and we both really appreciated the meals. We distributed the snacks we brought along, as an alternative snack, to my in-laws upon arrival.
This is not the first time that we have eaten badly and all pots, plates, cups were empty.
I mean, didn't eat badly.
as far as I know, most meals on departure in the Netherlands come from the large factory at Schiphol and are therefore best suited to our taste, the other way around you sometimes notice a big difference.
Incidentally, KLM had a la Carte on the flight to Bangkok for a while and that was worth the extra 15 euros. I was apparently the first to have it on that flight according to the stewards and for a change it was just really good instead of ok!
Grinn so I would be happy if China airways had that if I go with fox, I am happy to pay for that bit of luxury or a little more legroom (ok business class is going too far for me).
Thirty years ago, a Skoda only reached 85 decibels when it started flying.
I just flew back with Thai Airways (BKK-BRU). A 777 300ER with 3-3-3 configuration, seat 63H. 73 decibels at cruising speed. Both dinner and breakfast are something to look forward to. It's amazing how they manage it in such a small container. If they sold that for a few euros at the supermarket, I would throw ten in the freezer.
In the thirty years that I worked as a steward at Lufthansa, I have experienced many ups and downs when it comes to our meal offering. Because I have only had intercontinental flights in the last 20 years, I can say with certainty that in most cases the food on my airline was good. The difference in quality between economy and business class was actually the choice and size of the meals. As I mentioned somewhere before, the crew usually takes what's left, from any class.
However, I already know the story about reduced taste perception and I believe that too. Especially wine tastes different on board at an altitude of 10 km than on the bottom. In addition, alcohol has a much stronger effect at such altitudes.
In my experience, those meals are not important. I think they are just there to keep you busy during a 12 hour flight. I only eat the little things I like and I don't touch the rest. More importantly, they come by regularly with drinks. Water, tea or coffee.
Eva air also comes along with a sandwich during the night. Too much food on such a long flight
bad for digestion. You will only get upset about it.
Cor van Kampen.
What many people don't know is that between meals you can get sandwiches with cheese and mustard at the galleys during the KLM flight to and from BKK. Sweets and drinks are also available.
Too bad their 777-300ER has a 3-4-3 config in economy and the flights are usually full. 🙁
Flew to BkK with Emirates a month ago, both on the outward and return flight, only received the first drink and food after 1,5 to 2 hours. Thought this was a pity because there was no sleeping because the stopover in Dubai was after 6 hours. The food was good and sufficient, then they came 1 time for a drink. Precisely because there is a dry air in the cabin, the drinks (without alcohol) should be provided more.
In business class with Emirates, just like with other airlines, you get a welcome drink before take-off, but afterwards it is often much too long to wait – an hour and a half is no exception. In the A380 you can possibly. to the bar, in the 777 not.
I've always hated the air that comes out of the container when you take the aluminum lid off.
Then it is often very dry, or dripping with water.
Give me sandwiches or sandwiches.
Then they may leave out the desserts.
I once experienced (that was many years ago) on a KLM flight that a caterpillar was crawling around in my cup of lettuce salad, the flight attendant was no longer there. Also experienced, at the Lufthansa, a stewardess stood at the airplane gangway and everyone was handed a package of bread and an apple, which was mandatory to accept. When leaving the plane there were apples and packages of bread everywhere.