Flying high above the clouds, one might expect the meals served on airlines to be somewhat delightful. However, passengers have often been left with a less-than-pleasant taste in their mouths.
From unrecognizable concoctions to downright shocking surprises, airline meals have a reputation for being memorable for all the wrong reasons. Here’s a look at 15 of the most notorious airline food fails that you’d probably want to skip while cruising at 35,000 feet.
1. Ryanair – The “Irish Breakfast” Disaster (2019)
In 2019, Ryanair’s attempt at a traditional Irish breakfast left passengers bewildered. The meal, consisting of overcooked sausages and underdone eggs, was served with an unappealing presentation. Many travelers expressed their dismay at the meal’s lack of flavor and freshness.
The toast was cold and soggy, adding to the overall disappointment. Some passengers even joked that the meal looked like it had been prepared in a hurry by someone who had never cooked before. The combination of flavors and textures was far from appetizing, making it a meal to forget.
2. SpiceJet – Pale Omelette and Mystery Meats (2019)
SpiceJet’s infamous 2019 meal featured a pale omelette alongside mystery meat chunks that puzzled passengers. The omelette lacked seasoning, making it bland and unappealing.
The accompanying meats were indistinguishable, leading to guesses about their origin. Passengers were left unsure whether they were eating chicken, beef, or something else entirely. The presentation was lackluster, failing to entice anyone to dig in enthusiastically.
Reports from passengers described the meal as uninspiring and lacking the vibrant flavors one might expect from an airline serving Indian cuisine. It was a meal many chose to skip.
3. British Airways (Business Class) – Dry Chicken Biryani (2019)
In 2019, British Airways served a chicken biryani in business class that left much to be desired. The biryani was dry, with the rice lacking moisture and the chicken pieces being tough and overcooked. It was far from the rich, flavorful dish passengers had expected.
The spices seemed muted, and the dish lacked the aromatic qualities traditional biryani is known for. Passengers were disappointed, especially considering they were flying business class. The meal failed to live up to the standards expected at such a high-altitude luxury experience. A culinary miss for sure.
4. Norwegian Air – “Slop” in a Tray (2019)
Passengers on Norwegian Air in 2019 were served a meal that was quickly dubbed “slop in a tray.” The dish, comprised of mushy, unidentifiable ingredients, left travelers guessing what they were eating.
The meal’s texture was off-putting, with nothing distinguishing each component. Many commented on the lack of flavor and visual appeal, making it difficult to find anything positive to say.
The presentation did nothing to enhance the experience, as the dish looked more like a cafeteria reject than an in-flight meal. This was one tray passengers wished they could skip.
5. Etihad Airways – The Brick-Hard Dessert (2019)
Etihad Airways’ 2019 dessert offering proved to be a challenge for even the strongest teeth. Passengers were bemused by the dessert’s rock-hard texture, making it nearly impossible to enjoy. Attempts to cut or bite through were met with resistance, leading to laughter and frustration.
The dessert’s taste was overshadowed by its inedible hardness, leaving travelers longing for a sweet finish to their meal. The presentation was appealing, but the promise of a delightful treat quickly vanished upon the first attempt to take a bite. This dessert was a hard pass for many.
6. British Airways – KFC Surprise Meal (2023)
In a surprising twist, British Airways offered passengers a KFC meal in 2023. The unexpected partnership left travelers bewildered as they found fried chicken and sides on their trays.
While some appreciated the recognizable fast-food option, others were taken aback by the deviation from traditional airline cuisine. The meal, although tasty, seemed out of place on a flight, leaving some passengers questioning the choice.
The unexpected nature made it a memorable experience, but not necessarily in the way British Airways might have hoped. A unique but confusing in-flight dining moment.
7. SunExpress – Severed Snake Head in Meal (2022)
In 2022, SunExpress passengers were horrified to discover a severed snake head in their meal. The shocking find turned what should have been a simple meal into a nightmare. Pictures quickly circulated on social media, with passengers expressing disbelief and disgust.
The meal, already unappetizing, became entirely inedible with the addition of the unwanted guest. SunExpress faced significant backlash, with many questioning their food safety standards. The incident served as a stark reminder of the potential surprises lurking in airline meals. A truly unforgettable and unsettling dining experience.
8. Uzbekistan Airways – Cardboard Pasta (2019)
In 2019, passengers on Uzbekistan Airways were served pasta that was quickly compared to cardboard. The dish’s texture was dry and chewy, lacking the softness expected from a pasta meal. The sauce, meant to complement the pasta, was sparse and offered little in the way of flavor enhancement.
This culinary mishap left passengers disappointed and hungry for a more satisfying meal. Many struggled to finish their trays, opting instead to wait for their destination for something more palatable. It was a meal best left untouched, despite the long flight.
9. Qantas Airways – The Inedible Shepherd’s Pie (2019)
Qantas Airways introduced a shepherd’s pie in 2019 that failed to impress its passengers. The pie’s crust was tough, making it difficult to cut through. Beneath, the filling was equally disappointing, with bland, underseasoned ingredients.
Passengers found the meal lacking in both taste and texture, leading to numerous complaints. This was not the hearty, comforting dish many had hoped for during their flight. Instead, it was a struggle to consume, leaving travelers unsatisfied. The inedible pie became yet another example of how airline meals often fall short of expectations.
10. Air India – Lizard in the Meal Tray (2015)
The 2015 incident on Air India where a lizard was found in a meal tray left passengers horrified. The unexpected and unwelcome addition to the meal sparked outrage and fear about food safety standards.
Passengers shared images and stories of the shocking discovery, raising questions about hygiene practices. The airline faced severe criticism, and the incident became infamous in the annals of airline food fails.
Travelers were left with an indelible memory of the flight, one that overshadowed any other aspects of the journey. A truly unsettling experience for all on board.
11. Virgin Atlantic – The “Culinary Journey of Hell” (2008)
Virgin Atlantic’s 2008 meal offering was dubbed the “Culinary Journey of Hell” by disgruntled passengers. The chaotic mix of unappetizing foods left travelers questioning the meal’s composition.
Each component seemed random and disconnected, creating a confusing culinary experience. Passengers reported that flavors clashed rather than complemented, leading to a disjointed dining experience at 35,000 feet.
The meal’s presentation did nothing to alleviate concerns, with little effort apparent in arrangement or appeal. It’s a flight meal that left passengers longing for something more coherent and enjoyable. A meal best remembered for all the wrong reasons.
12. Avianca – The Clingfilm-Wrapped Fruit Meal (2017)
In 2017, Avianca served passengers a meal that was little more than clingfilm-wrapped fruits. The sparse offering left travelers hungry and dissatisfied. The lack of variety and substance made for a disappointing dining experience.
Passengers expecting a full meal were left with little more than a snack, leading to complaints and frustration. The presentation, with each piece of fruit individually wrapped, gave a sense of minimal effort and attention to detail. This meal left many wishing for more substantial offerings that could sustain them through the journey.
13. Japan Airlines – One Banana (Business Class, 2023)
Japan Airlines business class passengers were surprised to receive a single banana as their meal in 2023. The minimalistic offering left many bewildered, expecting a more substantial dining experience. While some appreciated the fruit’s freshness, others felt it was inadequate for a business class service.
The presentation was simple, with the banana served on a plain tray, lacking any embellishments. Passengers shared their surprise and humorously recounted the experience. It became a talking point among travelers, highlighting the gap between expectation and reality in airline meal offerings.
14. Air Koryo – The Mystery Meat Burger
The unidentifiable meat patty left passengers of Air Koryo guessing its origins, leading to speculation and curiosity. The burger’s texture was questionable, and the flavor was uninspiring, making it a meal few enjoyed. The presentation was basic, with minimal accompaniments, reflecting the overall no-frills approach of the airline.
Despite the curiosity it sparked, it wasn’t a meal passengers looked forward to repeating. The mystery remains unsolved, leaving a lingering question about what exactly was in that infamous burger.
15. United Airlines – Maggot-Infested Pasta (2024)
In 2024, United Airlines faced a shocking incident when maggots were found in a pasta dish. The horrifying discovery caused outrage among passengers and sparked immediate concern over food safety. Images of the infested meal circulated rapidly, leading to widespread criticism of the airline.
The pasta, already unappetizing, became entirely inedible with the presence of the unwanted guests. This incident highlighted the importance of stringent hygiene standards in airline catering. It left an indelible mark on passengers’ memories, serving as a grim reminder of the potential pitfalls of in-flight dining.
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