Regarding flying, the quality of in-flight dining can significantly impact the travel experience—especially on long-haul journeys. While aeroplane food might not have a stellar reputation for gourmet quality, a recent analysis reveals which international airlines serving Australia offer exceptional meals and which leave much to be desired. The findings, compiled by Money.com.au, evaluate leading airlines based on food and beverage ratings gathered from Tripadvisor, ProductReview, and Skytrax.
Top-Notch Dining: Qatar Airways Soars to the Top
Unsurprisingly, premium carriers dominate the upper echelon of the rankings. Qatar Airways clinched the top position with a 7 out of 10 food rating, setting a high bar for the industry. Close behind were Singapore Airlines, with a score of 6.9, and Emirates, at 6.3, demonstrating their consistency in delivering high-quality in-flight meals that satisfy the taste buds of even the most discerning passengers.
“Premium airlines consistently secure top spots in food rankings, which is expected given that passengers often pay a premium for these tickets,” said Sean Callery, Finance Expert at Money.com.au. “For many long-haul travelers, meal quality can be a deciding factor when choosing an airline. These results suggest that the price tag often reflects the dining experience onboard.”
Strong Contenders: Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific Hold Their Ground
The study highlighted some standout mid-tier airlines that perform surprisingly well in the food stakes. Air New Zealand, which ranked 4th, received a solid food score of 6.1, while Cathay Pacific followed with a rating of 5.8. Both airlines exceeded expectations and outperformed larger competitors, such as Qantas, regarding meal quality.
“Air New Zealand outranking Qantas in in-flight food ratings is sure to spark some rivalry across the Tasman Sea,” Callery noted. “New Zealand’s national carrier is clearly stepping up its game when it comes to serving high-quality meals in the sky.”
Familiar Names Falter: Qantas and Virgin Australia Lag Behind
Australia’s flagship airline, Qantas, landed in a disappointing 6th place, achieving a food rating of only 5.5. Following closely was Virgin Australia at 5.4. The findings raise questions about the quality of in-flight meals offered by the nation’s two largest carriers, particularly given their prominence in the domestic and international markets.
“The fact that neither Qantas nor Virgin Australia made it into the top five is troubling, especially for passengers who often fly these airlines expecting a certain standard,” Callery commented. “While the majority of domestic routes are short-haul, where meal service might not be a priority, it’s still a concern when compared to international peers.”
Bottom of the Barrel: Jetstar and Scoot Fall Flat
Meanwhile, budget carriers struggled significantly. Jetstar and Singapore-based Scoot tied at the bottom with matching food scores of just 3.9 out of 10. Malaysia Airlines also ranked poorly, reaching 8th place with a score of 5.1. This likely comes as no surprise for budget travellers, as low-cost carriers often lack complimentary meal service.
“If you’re flying economy with a low-cost airline, you typically have to pay extra for onboard meals. Based on these ratings, it might be wiser to skip the added expense and bring your own food instead,” Callery suggested.
Understanding the Rankings: How the Airlines Were Scored
The ratings were standardized on a 10-point scale, synthesizing data from leading review platforms to present a comprehensive overview of each airline’s in-flight food quality. The rankings provide a valuable guide for passengers looking to make more informed choices about their flying experience, mainly when meal quality is a deciding factor.
Why It Matters: Food Quality as a Differentiator
With fierce competition among airlines, in-flight dining can become a distinguishing factor. As consumers increasingly seek comfort and quality throughout their journey, airlines are under more pressure than ever to deliver on all fronts—especially regarding meals.
“Meal quality can make or break the in-flight experience, particularly on long-haul routes where passengers may spend over 12 hours in the air,” said Callery. “This data should encourage airlines to reassess their food offerings if they want to stay competitive and meet customer expectations.”
Making the Right Choice: What to Consider
When booking your next flight, especially for long-haul international routes, it’s essential to research the ticket price and the onboard experience. If meal quality is high on your list of priorities, the findings indicate that premium carriers like Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, or Emirates are your best bet.
For those flying with mid-tier airlines or budget carriers, consider packing snacks or meals to ensure a satisfying travel experience. After all, a little planning can go a long way regarding in-flight dining.
Written by: Octavia Koo
