Cathay Airlines meal | Photo courtesy of Roderick Eime via flickr

Cathay Airlines meal | Photo by Roderick Eime via flickr

It’s no secret that airlines have been amping their services and amenities in what may be the most competitive market in history. Economy classes are getting facelifts (seatback entertainment on all flights will eventually be standard), a “premium/preferred cabin” was birthed in the past few years and passengers are receiving all sorts of perks for being loyal to frequent flier programs. But in business- and first-class cabins, in-flight dining has been getting tons of attention with better meal options via unique programs and celebrity chef partnerships alike. Here are our favorite meals in the sky en route to amazing Preferred Pride destinations.

Jetblue
Jetblue has ranked as America’s favorite airlines for almost twenty years now, thanks to amazing terminals, friendly service and progressive-thinking aircrafts. Last year it debuted the Mint Class that flies between long, transcontinental hubs (NYC to Los Angeles, NYC to San Francisco). While the Mint Class has received rave reviews for its award-winning, private suites, the meal service has passengers equally excited. The first for an independent airline, passengers receive curated comfort food options by NYC’s popular Saxon + Parole restaurant, as well as coffee made from the first purposely-build cappuccino machine for a US airline.

American Airlines
Loyal passengers are, well… loyal to American Airlines for its award-winning frequent flier program, considered one of the best in the country by US News & World Report. Getting upgraded to business class is somewhat easier here than other airlines, and passengers flying the brand new A321T between several hubs and Preferred Pride destinations (including New York City, Chicago, Beijing, Dallas, Hawaii) will be treated to a new menu created by James Beard Award recipient Sam Choy. Think elevated comfort food like beef filet with lobster mac n’ cheese, shrimp and grits and lentil chili with polenta cake. Yum!

Air France
If you’re traveling to our 8 great properties in Paris, you might as well splurge and fly Air France’s beautiful new business class cabin. Some passengers swear the in-flight dining is one of the best on-board experiences thanks to the culinary panel that comprises the most Michelin-starred chefs in the sky. This includes Regis Marcon, Guy Martin, Joel Robochon and Anne-Sophie Pic, the only French woman with three Michelin stars. Fine-dining has never been so memorable 30,000 feet in the air.

Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is one of the best airlines in the world, period. Flying to Preferred Pride hotels in Asia (the airline is based out of Hong Kong) is almost a treat in any cabin thanks to world-class, seatback entertainment, spacious seats and backbending service. Business-class passengers are spoiled with the pod seats, and the meals are unforgettable. Cathay Pacific is the only airline to serve fresh-squeezed orange juice (not from concentrate, people!), as well as delicious, Asian and Western inspired meals. But even between meal service, passengers can order snacks, award-winning wines and hot noodles that rival some of your favorite noodle restaurants on ground.

 

Jimmy Im