When it comes to air travel, food safety might not be something most passengers worry about, but it’s still a valid concern. With the challenges of serving hundreds of meals in confined spaces and the unique environmental conditions onboard, it’s understandable to question whether airplane food is safe. The good news? For the most part, yes — airplane food is generally safe to eat. However, there are a few precautions you can take to minimize any potential risks.
“Plane food is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” explains Dr. Jen Dunphy, a public health expert. “This ensures that food is inspected for sourcing, preparation, and storage conditions.” However, like any system, it’s not infallible. There have been incidents, such as a Delta Air Lines flight that made an emergency landing due to passengers getting sick from spoiled food, which highlight that food safety on planes can sometimes be compromised.
Here’s everything you need to know about keeping food safety top of mind before your next flight.
Avoid Raw and Cold Foods
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to airplane food is contamination. While the handling procedures for plane food are similar to those on the ground, the unique environment of a plane can make things tricky. Dunphy warns that foods requiring refrigeration, like dairy or seafood, may not always be kept at the right temperature during long flights, potentially leading to bacterial growth.
To stay safe, it’s best to avoid raw or undercooked foods, including seafood or dishes that need to stay cold, like shrimp cocktails. If you’re particularly cautious, consider bringing prepackaged snacks or meals that you can buy after clearing security.
Skip Spicy or Fried Foods
Spicy and fried foods might sound tempting, but they can cause issues in-flight. Delta pilot Paul Janowicz advises passengers to avoid spicy foods, which can irritate the stomach during a flight. Fried foods are also a concern since they’re often high in sodium, which can cause dehydration, bloating, and gas—definitely not a pleasant experience at 30,000 feet.
Be Cautious with Meats
Another potential problem with airplane food? Meat. While it’s a classic option, meats—especially chicken—can be tricky to handle at high altitudes. A flight attendant revealed that plane ovens are small, and getting a steak cooked to perfection is often difficult. For chicken, it’s nearly impossible to visually check for doneness. Even sauces and seasonings can mask off smells or tastes, making it hard to tell if the chicken is spoiled.
Darin Detwiler, a food policy professor at Northeastern University, recommends skipping the chicken altogether and opting for something like pasta instead. If you’re set on meat, consider a cold-cut sandwich to minimize risk.
Water and Ice Safety
Another concern many travelers have is the safety of airplane water, especially on international flights. Dunphy reassures that water and ice from domestic flights in the U.S. are generally safe. “However, if you’re flying from a country known for water contamination, like Mexico, it’s safer to avoid tap water and ice. Bottled water is the safer option,” she explains.
The U.S. government established the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule in 2011 to ensure that airlines regularly test their water supplies for harmful bacteria. Still, a 2019 Airline Water Study found that airlines like Alaska and Allegiant offer the safest water, while airlines like JetBlue and Spirit ranked lower in terms of water quality.
Should You Worry About Rodents?
While it’s rare to hear about rodent sightings on planes, incidents do occasionally happen. However, Dunphy reassures that rodents on airplanes are extremely uncommon and should not be a major concern for most passengers. “Reports of rodents are typically rare and swiftly addressed by airline staff,” she says. “Regulatory measures are in place to ensure any issues are thoroughly investigated and resolved.”
Final Thoughts
While airplane food is generally safe to eat, there are a few simple steps you can take to minimize risk and ensure a pleasant flight experience. Avoid raw or undercooked foods, skip spicy and fried options, be cautious with meats like chicken, and consider bringing your own food or bottled water to stay on the safe side. Happy travels, and enjoy your meal (or snack) onboard!