Delta, JetBlue Boast Best In-Flight Holiday Meals

Airline meal critic credits local flavors and boutique offerings to best meal recipients.

When it comes to airline meals, some domestic carriers are taking the in-flight food experience to a whole new level according to a critic who makes his living dining at 30,000 feet. Speaking to Vogue Magazine, airline food critic Nik Loukas says the best airline meals this holiday season can be found aboard Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and JetBlue.

Delta made the top of the flying foodie’s list for their attention to detail in recreating local flavors. On a recent flight from Seattle, Loukas told Vogue he was surprised by the meal offered in business class, inspired by the famous Pike Place Market.

“If passengers are fortunate enough to fly with Delta in the premium cabins this holiday season, they could be in for a local surprise depending on where they’re flying to or from,” Loukas told the magazine. “If flying further afield, expect meals created by chef Masatoshi Ishimoto, served on transpacific flights.”

The Atlanta-based carrier is not the only one teaming with world-famous chefs; second on the list was American, teaming with chef Julian Barsotti to create meals for premium flyers. JetBlue also made the list for including authentic tastes of New York aboard their flights, including Blue Marble Ice Cream and coffee from Brooklyn Roasting Company.

Rounding out the list were Alaska Airlines and Hawaii Airlines for their unique approaches to in-flight cuisine. While Virgin America was recently heralded for having the healthiest meals in the air, Alaska earned credit for creating unique flavors with Seattle chef Tom Douglas. Hawaiian made the list for offering meals in both the economy and premium cabins, all created by chef Chai Chaowasaree.

Despite launching their Polaris experience in December, United Airlines was the only legacy carrier that omitted from the list.

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