Food on the Plane: What to Expect and How to Avoid Hunger

Low-cost airlines always have very similar menus - 2-3 hot dishes, a few different snacks, coffee, tea and other drinks. In addition to falling short of expectations, the food on planes is also quite expensive. Tagoo experts say that to save money and enjoy the food you're used to, bring light and healthy snacks from home on board - it's not illegal!

Airplane catering is a complex process involving food production "on the ground", strict security requirements, and limited options for quality on-board food storage. To save money and offer cheap fares, airlines do not include free food on board, so to earn extra money, they offer passengers to buy snacks from their own menus.

Hot meals served during flights are not prepared on board (except on some airlines). It is prepared in large quantities, frozen and delivered in transport boxes. If you order the delicious-looking pasta pictured in the menu, it is heated in a convection oven in the on-board little kitchen.

Like all semi-finished products, the heating changes the texture and flavour of the food, often resulting in a very different texture to what you would expect - the noodles are rubbery, the rice is hard and dried out. Fresh vegetables or gourmet ingredients are difficult to transport and require special storage conditions, so you'll never see them on the menu of budget airlines. Everything is prepared to last as long as possible and is easy to reheat.

It is important to mention that it is not only the preparation of the food but also the environmental conditions that determine the taste of the food on board. When flying at high altitude, the air pressure in the cabin is lower, the air is dry and the noise level is high. All this affects our taste buds - sweet and salty flavours seem as much as 30% duller than normal.

Tagoo experts share an interesting fact: when flying at high altitudes, the cabin pressure is lower, so the water in planes boils at a lower temperature, around 90°C, which means that coffee or tea is made with water that is not hot enough to draw out the flavours of the beans or teas. So don't be surprised if the coffee you ordered has a weak aroma or lack of flavor.

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to avoid disappointing food and stay full is to bring your own snacks. Take fresh fruit, nuts or a sandwich. Food should be conveniently packaged and ready for quick consumption, and avoid strong-smelling dishes. If you like tomato juice, be sure to try it on the plane (take a small pack of up to 100 ml with your other liquids). The reduced pressure and weakened taste buds make them much tastier, bringing out the 'umami' fifth taste.

Another important thing is to drink water often. To save money, and to avoid polluting the environment with single-use plastic bottles, take an empty bottle with you from home and refill it at the airport after checking your hand luggage, just before your flight. Most airports have set up drinking water stations for the convenience of passengers. Dry cabin air not only impairs your taste buds but also causes dehydration, so make sure you drink water throughout the flight.

The right snacks can help prevent fatigue and make your journey more enjoyable. Think about and prepare your meals in advance. And if you decide to try it and are disappointed, remember that excellent restaurants are always waiting for you after landing.

Tagoo wishes you pleasant flights!