Whoever you’re flying with, Business Class or Economy, chicken or fish, airplane food is somewhat of an acquired taste. Either way, those in flight meals are the punctuation marks of long-haul flights and there’s no denying that the little flourishes on your tray can make or break your experience. Here’s our rundown of the 8 best airlines for food, in reverse order.

8. Delta

Over the last few years, Delta has been upping the ante to become one of the best airlines for food. The focus is on local farmers and artisans, with a twist on Southern tradition. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q’s has designed some dishes for passengers flying out of Atlanta, USA: the short rib open-faced sandwich with sweet pickles and a side of cheddar and broccoli is not to be missed. Top it off with banana pudding for a true down-home affair. As far as luxury airplane food goes, the Biscoff and chocolate chip cookies are legendary – they come warm in a brown paper bag, making them the ultimate snack in the clouds for economy and first class passengers alike.

Credit: Mashama Bailey for Delta

7. Hawaiian Airlines

Fly from Los Angeles to Honolulu and you’ll get brunch, lunch and a late-night snack. Look out for international offerings like the coconut and lemongrass braised chicken with eggplant and Israeli couscous or the warm yuzu pound cake (by Honolulu-born executive chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka). But the island offerings are a thrill, too: there’s a Kalua pork hash on the menu, plus beers from Maui Brewing Company and custom cocktails from On the Rocks, including the celebratory Tropical Landing (gin with violet, guava, coconut and citrus).

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6. Singapore Airlines

A consistent favorite among frequent flyers, Singapore Airlines has an admirable number of options for all passengers. Premium economy dishes include garlic-roasted prawns with smoked aioli and patatas bravas, beef Bourguignon and Chor Mee (minced pork noodles). The airline has an air sommelier program, in which cabin crew can apply to become wine experts, which means they can offer passengers guidance on wine pairings.

Credit: Singapore Airlines

5. Korean Air

The bibimbap is one legendary in flight meal (and the same one is served in economy, business and first classes, just with different utensils); it’s a platter of beef, steamed rice, cucumber, mushrooms, beansprouts, spinach and pickled radish, ready to be tossed together with a tube of gochujang and a sachet of sesame oil (the pros ask for extra gochujang). On the side: pickled cucumber and seaweed soup. The snack service includes hot rice balls and cup ramen, brought to your seat with the hot water already added, and the seasoning sachet on the side.

Read next: Michelin-Star Dining at 30,000 Feet? This Airline is Making it Possible

4. All Nippon (ANA)

ANA works with various chefs to get their menus just right. Toru Okuda – a Michelin star master of kaiseki (multi-course meals) – takes care of Japanese food, while Ryuta Iizuka (who studied under Joel Robuchon) advises on French. Expect them to go all out if you’re in first or business class: Wagyu beef sirloin stew with a side of fragrant shiitake, maitake, and abalone mushrooms, sautéed in Échiré butter, for instance. But there are treats in store for the economy classes too: the likes of red rockfish teriyaki and oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl) will see passengers through, with proper miso and pickles.

 

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3. Emirates

Emirates is consistently at the top of the lists of best airlines for food, thanks to its ever-evolving menus, attention to detail and unlimited Dom Perignon for first class flyers. Every passenger gets a multi-course meal and there’s lots of choice and flexibility. Trays are jam-packed with dishes like paneer makhani, vegetable paella, sweetcorn salad and Russian salad plus alluring desserts like apple caramel mousse or chocolate truffle cake. The wines (all from Bordeaux) are excellent. In first class, there’s a movie snack menu which features boxes of popcorn and cheeseburger sliders.

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2. Etihad

This UAE-based airline is driven by farm-to-table freshness, which means salad greens harvested hours before you eat them – a true revolution as far as airline meals are concerned. Business and first class food can be eaten whenever you’re hungry, and includes steak sandwiches and eggs prepared to order, plus elaborate brunches like shakshuka and ricotta pancakes. First class mains include a seafood assiette (scallop, salmon, lobster), chicken margooga, five spiced duck breast and paneer kofta. There is oh-so-much choice.

 

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1. Turkish Airlines

Aficionados of Turkish Airlines’ long-haul flights always order the sour cherry juice, and some claim it helps them to sleep. If it works for you, you can press a button on your screen to let cabin crew know you’d like to be woken for dinner. Beyond the juice, it’s all about the Turkish appetizers, grilled fish, Adana kebabs and sesame pittas. First and business class passengers enjoy the ultimate inflight amenity: flying chefs, who work alongside cabin crew. On flights of over eight hours, those passengers can opt to enjoy chef-cooked meals by candlelight.

Traveling is an exciting opportunity to explore new cultures, meet diverse people, and experience life from different perspectives. However, understanding travel etiquette is crucial to ensuring pleasant interactions and fostering positive relationships with locals and fellow passengers alike. Whether you’re boarding a long flight or sampling local delicacies, practicing travel etiquette can significantly enhance your journey. To help you out, we’ve put together a handy guide, and two of our expert Travel Concierges share their top travel etiquette tips.

Respect for Language and Culture

Before you head off on your journey, embracing a few key aspects of pre-trip etiquette means that once you arrive at your destination you’re already in tune with local culture and customs.

Learn a Few Key Phrases: Learning basic words and phrases in the local language, such as “hello,” “good morning,” “please,” and “thank you,” can greatly enhance your trip. This effort shows respect for the local culture and often fosters friendlier interactions. In many places, locals appreciate your attempt to communicate in their language, which can lead to more attentive and kind service from servers and others you encounter.

Research Local Customs: Each destination has its own unique customs and etiquette that can sometimes surprise travelers. For example, in Japan, tipping after a meal is often considered rude, while in many Asian countries, showing the soles of your feet is seen as disrespectful. In India and the Middle East, eating with your hands is customary, but using your left hand can be viewed as impolite.

Consider Local Religion and Sensibility When Packing: Clothing plays a vital role in demonstrating respect for local customs. In many regions, especially in Muslim-majority countries, it’s advisable to cover your arms and legs to ensure comfort for both yourself and the locals. Additionally, when visiting temples in Asia or churches in Italy, it’s important to make sure your shoulders are covered.

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Don’t Expect Things to be the Same as Home

When traveling, it’s essential to embrace the differences you’ll encounter rather than expecting things to mirror your home environment. Be open-minded and patient; understanding that others may have distinct ways of life will enrich your experience.

“A huge part of cultural expression is seen through the cuisine of a destination. When you visit a new country part of the joy is embracing their food and ways to prepare it,” says Travel Concierge Dom, who specializes in Iberia. “In fact, it is these differences that bring the country alive through your taste buds.

“I have seen visitors become annoyed in Spain when butter is not served with bread, primarily in places south of Madrid, when in fact they are visiting the largest olive oil producing country in the world. With a product this tasty, my advice is to try the many varieties and find one that you love. Of course you can always bring your own butter! But whatever you do, be polite about it.”

You may also be interested to read: Sunshine on a plate: Travel Concierge Dom on his love of Iberia

Dining Etiquette

Eating food and sharing a meal is one of the best ways to learn about another culture and make friends with locals.

Learn the Local Ways: Dining etiquette varies significantly across cultures, so it’s wise to research local customs before you arrive. For example, burping during a Chinese dinner is a compliment, while doing so at a British Sunday roast would not be the case. In Egypt, requesting salt and pepper if it’s not on the table is seen as bad manners, whilst in Japan, slurping noodles or soup is acceptable, but in Brazil, eating with your hands—including hamburgers and fries—is considered unclean.

Try the local foods, gracefully: Trying local foods is a vital part of experiencing a culture. Embrace new flavors, textures, and culinary traditions with an open mind and positive attitude, even if they differ from your usual preferences. Avoid negative comments or grimacing at unfamiliar dishes, instead ask questions and expressing appreciation. This respectful approach fosters genuine connections and you may just surprise yourself with what you like.

If you love sensational dining, we recommend you read: 5 Michelin Star chefs celebrating local culture through food

Etiquette up in the Sky

Such a key part of many vacations, air travel requires close contact with others, whatever class you travel, and exhibiting proper etiquette is essential. Understanding the subtle rules of conduct can significantly enhance your journey and the experiences of those around you.

“Being considerate of your fellow travelers and respecting their personal space is very important,” says Karen Gower, who was a Travel Concierge for over 10 years before becoming Senior Travel Experiences Manager Europe at Luxury Gold. “Something that I have seen more in recent years that I find very frustrating is people watching movies without headphones and expecting the rest of the plane to participate in their in-flight entertainment. However, it is also disruptive when people keep their headphones in and therefore miss all the announcements from the flight attendants, such as telling them to sit down!

“My advice to travelers to ensure that flying remains an enjoyable journey rather than a burdensome task is to always read your information. Even knowing all your boarding info, such as whether to board at the front or the back, and knowing how to navigate the security line can greatly enhance the experience and leave everyone feeling fresh and relaxed.”

Hear more wisdom form Karen: How Luxury Gold Journeys Go Above and Beyond with Expert Karen Gower

Whose armrest is whose? A valuable travel etiquette tip regarding armrests is to recognize the seating hierarchy: the window seat enjoys the armrest closest to the window, the aisle seat claims the outer armrest, while the middle seat—often regarded as the least desirable—has a right to both center armrests. Acknowledging this simple guideline can help reduce discomfort and tension during crowded flights, making the journey more pleasant for everyone.

Seat etiquette: Avoid reclining your seat during meals, as it can encroach on the space of the person behind you.. and take care not to overly knock the seat in front. If you plan to get up often, consider reserving an aisle seat for easier access.

Personal Grooming and Scents While personal care routines are popular on flights, do pay attention to how it affects your fellow travelers. Strong perfumes and scented personal care items can be overwhelming in the confined space of an airplane. A subtle spritz may seem like a good idea, but actually not welcomed by your neighbor.

Bookmark for later: Flying First Class: The Luxury Gold First-Timer’s Guide

Of Course, There’s Always Your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge

There is nothing more awkward than arriving in a foreign country without being familiar with the customs, which is where your Travel Concierge comes in. At the helm of every Luxury Gold journey, they’re an expert in the local culture and language. Offering insights into appropriate behaviors, dining protocols and cultural nuances, they help you navigate unfamiliar environments with confidence, ensuring you have the best experience, as well as ensuring a seamless, flawless journey from start to finish.

Frequent flyers and long-haul aficionados know the value of the world’s best airport lounges. They’re not simply a place to grab a snack or get some work done before a long flight; they can be an oasis for a long layover (the very best have shower suites, barbers or even spa treatments) and offer a quiet, civilised place to lay your head during a delay.

Unsurprisingly, it’s the world’s big business cities and the home hubs of the biggest, most luxurious airlines that contain the very best. From above-and-beyond airport cuisine to runway views and astonishing design, these are the bucket list airline lounges to book up ahead of your next international Luxury Gold journey. 

1. Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge, Hong Kong International Airport

On an international flight from East Asia to London or the US, you’ll want a quality airline with great facilities. Enter Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based airline whose jade-hued flagship lounge has a horseshoe-shaped cocktail bar, tucked away desk areas, shower suites with Bamford toiletries and spa rooms where all visitors are entitled to a 15-minute head or foot massage. The glossy, mid-century style is very Mad Men meeting room, while the food and drink are ultra luxe (wagyu burgers, macarons, Piper Heidiseck Champagne).

Read Next: 10 best Airlines for Business Class

2. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow Airport

Even the world’s best airport lounges sometimes lack a sense of fun – not Richard Branson’s Upper Class hangout, which has swing seats, foliage walls, “retreat” relaxation pods, Peloton fitness bikes and a pool table to hit a few balls at. Multi-level design, an airfield view, Swingin’ Sixties-feel bar and banquette seating take you back to the golden age of air travel, while menus encourage you to dig into the cocktails – dry Martinis, Negronis, Bloody Marys and more. Chicken burgers, plant-based burgers, chicken wings and sausage rolls channel a British-Americana comfort food vibe. 

3. British Airways Chelsea Lounge, New York JFK Airport

The chandelier-style crystals that adorn the circular bar at the Chelsea Lounge set the tone for the deluxe experience New York flyers are about to have. In a different style to many wood-panelled airline lounges, the Chelsea’s decor is a pearlescent palette of whites and dove-greys, with comfy seating stocked with relaxed reading lights and ample power points for getting some work done, while seating around a modern fireplace installation is a stylish spot for a drink. A refined cocktail menu and expertly-chilled wine fridge kick off the refreshments, with Moet and Ruinart champagne top of the list, while upmarket dishes such as steak frites and sole Meuniere set you up for a long layover.

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4. Qatar Airways Al Mourjan business lounge, Doha Airport

Most of the world’s elite status lounges are solely for first class ticket holders, but Qatar’s Al Mourjan lounge is an example of a gold-tier hangout you can access with a business or first class ticket. Views of Doha’s undulating glass ceiling and forest of indoor foliage give it an architecturally striking feel, while the sheer space and range of seating mean everyone gets a quiet moment while awaiting their international flight. Plush leather chairs, high ceilings and suspended chandelier-like light fixtures add a luxe feel; there’s fresh sushi at the deli counter and a games room with pool table and table football. Shower suites are equipped for freshening up on a long layover, too.

The bedrooms at Swiss Air’s First Class Lounge Terminal E

5. Swiss First Class Lounge, Zurich

Ask a frequent cross-Europe flyer for their best airport lounges and you’ll likely hear Swiss’s First Class lounge in Zurich mentioned. One of two First Class lounges at Zurich, the one in Terminal E is the real looker: an airfield with a mountainous backdrop fills large windows, while slatted-wood room dividers have a Japandi feel; there’s even an outdoor terrace running along one side for a breath of fresh air with a view of the planes. You’re greeted with champagne as you enter, and there’s a huge whisky selection at the sculptural bar; set menus mean you can feast in style, with table service. But the standout feature here is the two bedrooms guests can access, for a much-needed nap between international flights.

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6. Turkish Airlines Lounge, Istanbul Airport

With 60,000 square feet of space to roam around, you can really stretch your legs here on a long layover. Turkish’s flagship lounge has a generous bag storage area, so you can enjoy the airport hands-free, and shower suites are available on a first come, first served basis. Little flourishes like a grand piano and a balcony level overlooking the airport concourse give it a high-end feel, as do high ceilings and indoor trees; the kitchen area is also built like a traditional stone-clad tavern. There’s a Turkish tearoom, a comfy TV viewing area and a huge hot buffet of deli foods, Turkish specialities, and of course a dessert and baklava station.

Delta Sky Club at LAX Airport

7. Delta SkyClub Lounge, Los Angeles International Airport

Delta Air Lines’ premium lounge at Los Angeles airport has 30,000 square feet of space, making it one of the largest in the Delta network; a standout feature is its outdoor Sky Deck, which allows guests to enjoy fresh air and relax while watching planes land and take off, with views of the Hollywood Hills and LA skyline beyond. Wellness was a big priority in the design, with spa-like restrooms, shower suites, and designated quiet zones for getting some downtime before a long international flight. Meanwhile the menu spans breakfast burritos, healthy quinoa and salad bowls, fruit plates and craft beers reflecting the healthy, local-minded LA scene. There are shower suites for a freshen-up, too, though you have to register your interest at a kiosk and wait.

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Emirates’ First Class Lounge at DXB

8. Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport

Spanning the entire length of DXB Airport’s Concourse A, Emirates’ First Class lounge is only available to First passengers, making it more peaceful and less crowded than the business lounge, and regularly voted one of the world’s best airport lounges. Glossy wood panelling and a mosaic-tiled food counter give it an exotic, Middle Eastern feel, though there’s a brightly coloured playroom for children travelling with First-flying parents. You can pick up premium dishes at the sushi and sashimi counter or chilled Champagne bar, or order a la carte to your table. Leather-upholstered day beds with blankets and pillows are available in a relaxation area – ideal for naps on a long layover – while generous shower suites in the mosaic-tiled bathroom feel more like a mini spa.

How to access airport lounges:

The most straightforward way to gain access to a lounge is to have a First Class ticket (for the First Class lounges) or a Business Class ticket (for the Business Class lounges) for the relevant airline. After that, there are a couple more ways: there are certain credit cards that come with lounge access, including the American Express Platinum card to access the Delta SkyClub lounge or American Express Centurion lounge, or a Chase Sapphire Reserve card to enter Chase Sapphire lounges in the US.

Most premium lounges also offer entry to certain high-tier members of loyalty programmes with a partner airline, so long as they are flying the lounge’s own airline at the time. For example, Cathay Pacific’s First Class The Pier lounge is only available to First Class flyers as well as Cathay Pacific Diamond club members and Emerald-status OneWorld members (including BA Gold members) who are flying Cathay Pacific.