5 Ways to Improve Your In-Flight Meal Experience, From a Flight Attendant
TPG's favorite Flight Attendant Insider Carrie A. Trey is back, this time with a look at some of the ways you can make your in-flight meal experience even more enjoyable.
1. Lower Your Expectations
I know this sounds harsh, but I'm actually being quite serious here. Like anything else in life, if you come on board expecting restaurant-quality meals, the reality is that you're going to be disappointed because that's not something we're physically capable of offering. We're reheating meals that were prepared on the ground and doing our best to make the presentation palatable. Board the airplane with lower expectations however, and we might be able to pleasantly surprise you. Maybe we can even throw in a fresh egg (or two) or perhaps some nicely warmed-up croissants that are still light and fluffy. But if you expect a medium-rare steak or pasta that's perfectly al dente, the reality is that you probably won't be getting that, so why set yourself up for disappointment?
2. Keep Things Neat and Tidy
Please, for the love of all things above and below 35,000 feet, stop making a mess! Whatever we serve you has to go back into the same place it came from and piling trash on your tray only creates more work for your crew. Yes, I know we're getting paid, but I don't like picking up trash and cleaning up after you any more than you do, so please, stop making a mess. I don't want to pick up your tray and find toenail clippings, dirty diapers, sneezed-on tissues, used sanitary products or cups that you've spat mouthwash in — all things I've found more than once on trays or tray tables. Really. Just stop.
3. Bring Your Own Food
We, your crew, bring food for ourselves all the time and won't fault you at all for doing the same. A delicious burger from Shake Shack in New York, fresh sushi from that little market at Amsterdam Schiphol, filling fried rice from Changi in Singapore — whatever you bring with you, it's something you picked out and had tailored to your tastes, so of course it's going to be better than what I have to offer you on the plane. Just tell me what the perfect drink would be to accompany your self-catered delight is, and I'll be happy to serve it to you.
4. Try New Things
We only have so many things to serve you on board, so when you turn your nose up at one of the limited items we have available, that further decreases your options and sets you up for disappointment. Why not take the opportunity to open up a little and try something new? I know, the quality won't be the best, but just think — if you like it on a plane, imagine how much better it will be when you have it on the ground! Also, keep in mind your taste buds change drastically at altitude; you might find that something you've tried before and found to be distasteful on the ground is actually rather yummy up in the air, so give it a try!
5. Be Realistic
We will of course do whatever we can to make your in-flight culinary experience the best possible. That said, remember that we are working with limited resources. If I offer you chicken or beef, and you say. "But I'd really just like fish, or maybe some pasta," then you're putting me in an awkward position. We often joke among ourselves, saying, "This is a 777, not a 7-Eleven." It's funny because it's true, yet so many passengers expect all the variety of a fully stocked convenience store. I only have so many things on board, and can only get so creative. I can't manufacture things out of thin air. Check and recheck that your special meal was ordered directly through the airline — as opposed to through a travel agent — bring your own food if you have specific dietary needs or particular tastes and remember that your crew will do everything possible to make your experience the best it can be, but that in the end they can only do so much.
What tips and tricks do you have for making your in-flight meal experience better? Let us know in the comments below.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.