Nik Loukas Knows How to Eat at 30,000 Feet

Travel writer Nik Loukas, who says he flies about 300 times a year, is taking food reviews to new heights—literally—with his blog, Inflight Feed, which scores the quality of in-flight experiences across 150 airlines. We caught up with Loukas to find out his tips and recommendations for the perfect in-flight dining experience.

The Good: Austrian Airlines

“The best goddamn breakfast I've ever had in economy class. It cost me 15 euros, but it was definitely worth it.”

 

First time on Austrian today from Vienna to Zurich. Check out my breakfast in economy class! A delicious Do & Co pre order breakfast for €15.00. Eggs, bacon, potatoes, mushrooms and tomato served with bircher muesli, fresh fruit, piping hot bread and freshly squeezed orange juice. AMAZING! #inflightfeed #austrianairlines #do&co #planefood #airplanefood #economyclass

A post shared by Inflight Feed (@inflightfeed) on Jan 13, 2017 at 11:53pm PST

The Bad: SAS

"Tasteless pizza; even cardboard tastes better!"

 

Not a good start to 2015! Tasteless pizza even cardboard tastes better! Spicy tomato juice perfect at 35,000ft. Paris to Copenhagen with @flysas. #airlinefood #airplanefood #planefood #flysas

A post shared by Inflight Feed (@inflightfeed) on Jan 14, 2015 at 4:18am PST

And the Inedible: Ukraine International Airlines

"Myster chicken swimming in orange/brown sauce. I'm adventurous, but not that much. I decided to leave this meal alone and not investigate further."

 

Pre order meal for €9.00 in economy class on Ukraine International Airlines. Chicken burger with mashed potatoes and veggies. Side salad and peach cake for dessert. Not the best... #inflightfeed #planefood #airplanefood #ukraineinternationalairlines

A post shared by Inflight Feed (@inflightfeed) on Mar 26, 2016 at 8:25am PDT

How to Hijack Your In-Flight Meal

Loukas's top tips for making the most of airplane food

The spicier, the better. 

“You lose 15%–30% of your sense of smell and taste at altitude, but sour, bitter and spicy flavors are far less impacted than sweet or salty ones. So if there’s a curry on the menu, take it.”

 

Time to go home! #instatravel #instaplane #germanwings #instagood #airplanefood #avgeek #avgeeks

A post shared by Inflight Feed (@inflightfeed) on Jun 14, 2013 at 3:42pm PDT

Don’t be afraid to go vegetarian. 

“Order a special meal a few days before your flight and choose from 5–20 options depending on the airline. These meals tend not to be as mass-produced as the main selections.”

Drink tomato juice.

“The umami flavor tastes great at 35,000 feet.”

Cold food is key. 

“Carbs and hot meals can bloat you inflight. Stick to salads, lots of water, and cold meals for a more comfortable experience.”

 

Today it's the Hello Kitty Jet from Paris to Taipei! #airplanefood #hellokitty彩繪機 #hellokittyjet #planefood

A post shared by Inflight Feed (@inflightfeed) on Oct 30, 2014 at 2:52am PDT

Stop watching movies and play music instead.

“Try wearing a pair of headphones and listen to music when eating your meal; apparently it helps it taste better.” Editor’s note: Outlandish, but possibly true. Scientists have suggested that certain music can enhance your taste buds. Two years ago, British Airways even created a Sound Bite playlist, pairing Lily Allen with fish and chips, Madonna with dessert (high tones boost sweet flavors), and Plácido Domingo with coffee. Who knew?

Upgrade your dinner even if you can’t upgrade your seat. 

“Some airlines, like Air Canada, offer the opportunity to buy a business-class meal in-flight—it’s well worth paying extra.”