When flying, airplane food is often one of the last things passengers think about. Most are more focused on the excitement or the stress of travel. However, given that hundreds of meals are prepared and served in confined spaces with recycled air, it’s natural to wonder whether it’s truly safe to eat the food provided during a flight.
The short answer is yes — generally, airplane food is safe. However, there are some precautions you should keep in mind to avoid any health risks.
Airplane Food Safety: What Experts Say
According to Dr. Jen Dunphy, a public health expert, plane food is generally safe, as it is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means the food undergoes inspections to ensure it is sourced, prepared, and stored properly.
However, like any industry, it’s not foolproof. There have been occasional incidents, such as the Delta Air Lines flight in July, where passengers fell ill due to spoiled food. This reminds us that while airplane food is mostly safe, things can sometimes go wrong.
What You Should Know Before Eating Airplane Food
To ensure your safety, there are some key things to consider when eating airplane food. Here’s what experts recommend:
Avoid Raw Food or Anything That Needs to Be Kept Cold
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to food safety on airplanes is contamination. High-altitude conditions can impact how food is stored and handled. While food preparation processes are similar to what you would find on the ground, there are some risks in the air. Foods that need refrigeration, such as dairy products and cold seafood, may not always stay at the right temperature during long flights, increasing the chances of bacterial growth.
Dr. Dunphy advises avoiding raw seafood, undercooked foods, or anything that requires refrigeration, such as shrimp cocktails.
If you’re worried about germs, it’s a good idea to bring your own prepackaged snacks or meals, purchased at the terminal, as a safer alternative.
Skip Spicy or Fried Foods
Spicy foods are known to cause stomach irritation during flights. Paul Janowicz, a Delta Air Lines pilot, advises against packing spicy snacks, as they can cause discomfort in the air. Fried foods also pose risks since they often contain high amounts of sodium, which can lead to dehydration, bloating, and gas. Therefore, it’s best to stick to milder options.
Think Twice About Chicken and Steak
Flight attendants recommend skipping steak on flights due to the limited size of airplane ovens. If you’re particular about how your steak is prepared, it might be best to avoid it.
Meats, in general, can be risky when flying, especially chicken. As Darin Detwiler, an expert in food policy, points out, it can be hard to tell if chicken is fully cooked just by looking at it. Since sauces and flavoring can mask any off smells or tastes, it’s safer to avoid chicken altogether. Instead, opt for alternatives like pasta, which doesn’t carry the same risks.
Water and Ice: Are They Safe?
Water quality on airplanes can be a concern for travelers, especially when flying internationally. In the U.S., it’s generally safe to drink tap water and ice on domestic flights. However, if a plane comes from a country with known water contamination issues, such as Mexico, it’s best to avoid the ice and tap water and stick to bottled water instead.
The U.S. government introduced the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule in 2011, which requires airlines to test their water supply regularly. A 2019 study found that airlines like Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air had the safest water, while others like JetBlue and Spirit Air were ranked lower in water quality.
Flight attendant Kat Kamalani also advises against drinking coffee or tea on airplanes, as airplane water tanks are rarely cleaned, which can lead to contamination. Her viral TikTok video suggested that passengers stick to drinking bottled or canned liquids to avoid any health risks from airplane water.
Are Rodents a Concern?
Rodents on airplanes are another worry for some passengers. Earlier this year, rodent infestations led to the grounding of flights by Sri Lankan Airlines and India Air. However, Dr. Dunphy reassures that such incidents are extremely rare, and any reports are quickly addressed by airline staff and regulatory authorities.
“Rodents on planes are exceedingly rare and should not be a concern for most passengers,” Dr. Dunphy explains. “In the unlikely event that it happens, it will be thoroughly investigated, and additional measures will likely be taken to prevent it from happening again.”
Final Thought
While airplane food is generally safe to eat, there are some precautions you should take to minimize your risk of foodborne illness. Avoid raw or undercooked foods, skip foods that need to be kept cold, and steer clear of spicy, fried, or heavily seasoned items. Stick to packaged snacks or meals you can bring from the terminal for a safer alternative.
Additionally, be cautious about drinking water and ice, especially on international flights, and keep in mind that rodent sightings on planes are exceedingly rare. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your flight without worrying about food safety.
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