2024 In Review: My Top 8 In-Flight Meals

I flew 138,570 butt-in-seat miles across 133 flights. This led me to dine at 35,000 feet more times than I maybe would have liked. Most of the meals were passable with a few being absolutely awful. There were also some highlights with dishes that I would gladly order again if given the chance. All of these meals were had in First or Business Class cabins.

Here are my 8 favorite in-flight meals from this past year:

8. American Airlines: Chicken Enchiladas

A mechanical issue bumped me off of a United Airlines flight and saw me flying from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Philadelphia International Airport on American Airlines. Lunch was served on a single tray. It included a salad that desperately needed dressing, Chicken Enchiladas that were surprisingly tasty (and with a bit of much-appreciated spice), and a red velvet cake for dessert. I liked these enchiladas more than what United has currently been serving. They were more flavorful and the portion was larger.

7. Delta Air Lines: Beef Lasagna

Lasagna is one of my favorite dishes. I did not have high hopes for enjoying it on a plane, but Delta proved me wrong and served up a tasty, melty, cheesy dish. The recipe changed throughout the year and the most recent version I tasted was overloaded with onions. This one from earlier in the year was much better.

6. Delta Air Lines: Pepperoni Pizza

I preordered the Pepperoni Pizza on a Delta flight between Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The Pepperoni Pizza was served with a fresh side salad and Delta’s delicious Flourless Chocolate Cake with Cherry Compote. The pizza itself was surprisingly tasty. Would I order it at home? No. But, it did have a slightly charred crust and the chew you’d expect from your local pizzeria. The tomato sauce and toppings were good and I enjoyed the pizza, overall.

5. Singapore Airlines: Chicken Tikka Masala

On a flight from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Manchester Airport (MAN), I took advantage of Singapore’s “Book the Cook” feature and ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. It was flavorful, but the portion was on the small side.

4. United Airlines: Peach Cobbler Crepes

I flew from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and preordered the Peach Cobbler Crepes. I was generally satisfied with this sweet breakfast treat. The Peach Cobbler Crepes were not overly sweet. The filling was a mild cheese and the crepes held there texture through reheating. The tray also contained a fruit salad, a Chobani Greek Vanilla yogurt, and a rather sad looking croissant.

3. SWISS: Beef Tenderloin with Thyme and Black Pepper Demi-Glace

While flying from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Zurich Airport (ZRH), I decided to try the Beef Tenderloin with Thyme and Black Pepper Demi-Glace. The steak was cooked a perfect medium rare and I liked the Rutabaga Gratin, Roasted Baby Turnips, Yellow Beets, and Bell Pepper.

2. Delta Air Lines: Dark Chocolate and Pistachio Bread Pudding

Delta served up this decadent Dark Chocolate and Pistachio Bread Pudding on a flight from New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA). It was rich and would be something I would gladly have for dessert. I loved that it was swimming in chocolate and vanilla sauces. Alongside the bread pudding was a side of mixed fruit and a blueberry muffin. These were tasty accompaniments and rounded out the meal.

1. United Airlines: Dulles Signature Dish – Maryland Blue Crab Cakes

I have been incredibly critical of United’s catering in the past and I find it almost unbelievable that it provided me with my favorite dish of the year. The Dulles Signature Dish – Maryland Blue Crab Cakes is outstanding. The amount of crab packed in here must blow away the catering budget. I can’t imagine these lasting for long, but they were delicious.

Honorable Mention: United Airlines Adds Magnolia Banana Pudding

United Airlines recently announced that it has added Magnolia Bakery’s World-Famous Banana Pudding to its First Class catering for domestic flights over 901 miles. Magnolia was initially known for its cupcakes thanks to Sex and the City, but its Banana Pudding has its own cult-like following.

The bakery’s Banana Pudding Wafer Cookie Bits is now being served in United First. The individual-sized, three-ounce cups are made with real bananas. This is the first time Magnolia Bakery desserts are being served onboard a commercial airline. The pudding is shipped to United frozen and thawed for individual flights. I’ve had it several times and it is excellent.

Anthony’s Take: I did not take too many international flights this year and found myself frequently dining on Delta and United flights. Many meals were just meh, but these eight stood out. Looking forward to more delicious meals in 2025.