Let’s be honest, what the heck is the deal with Airline food? It’s either too salty or just plain garbage! It’s 800 bucks for a trip to London; all I get is a bag of peanuts, and I am not spending another 200 dollars on a soggy egg salad sandwich. Not even eggs, egg “salad” (adding mayo to a boiled egg is not a salad). Even the gourmet meals. They are salty, overpowering, and sometimes not even good unless it’s the Emirates or Jet Blue. Even Jet Blue. I’m on a three-hour flight with one snack. I get Popcorners. The bag had five chips in it. The ticket price was $500. But what about the gourmet food? Can’t they just serve you a typical steak? There’s more that goes into it than you think.
The Science Behind Airplane Food
The answer is actually very scientific. At peak altitude, the dry air combined with cabin pressure causes your senses to decrease by thirty percent, causing food to be tasteless. Because of this, airline food has more spices and salt to counteract the effect. Taste is also not just in the taste buds, but in smell. According to Street Science, 80% of flavor comes from smell. When cabin pressure is reached, the mucus membrane swells, blocking odors and, in turn, decreasing how much you can smell. So, if you decide to bring the airplane food that you like and love (if you’re that kind of person), it will be overpowering and disgusting when you taste it.
Should We Give Airlines A Break?
Another reason for lousy airplane food is the quantity needed and the simplicity of serving. The smallest commercial jet is the Airbus A318, holding 128. Out of those passengers, let’s say 50 order something to eat. American-based airlines must have one flight attendant per 50 people, meaning two people are responsible for assisting 50 people. This also means that meals must be easy to prep and serve. That is why they may be served covered in saran wrap. They are heated up using a special convection oven and done in batches. The food is prepped at a factory facility before the flight, then shipped to the airport. But what about the quality? This is for the cost and preservation because food cannot last forever. Some airline meals are alright; some are good, like Emirates and Jet Blue. Also, notice that those airlines are famous for not being cheap.
While airline food is not good, at least it is food, which is probably not healthy, but you’re on an airplane. What do you expect?
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