Dubai: In a world where airline rankings often focus on punctuality and service quality, Qatar Airways has emerged as a leader in a different but crucial category—food. According to a recent report by Money.com.au, Qatar Airways took out the top spot for the best-rated in-flight food with an overall score of 7/10.
Onboard dining is a crucial aspect of the travel experience that significantly influences passenger satisfaction, regardless of flight duration—whether it's a short domestic trip or a lengthy international journey.
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Following Qatar Airways at the top, Singapore Airlines scored an impressive 6.9/10 for its in-flight food, with Emirates not far behind at 6.3/10.
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“Premium airlines dominate the top spots for in-flight food ratings, which is no surprise given you’re likely paying top dollar to fly with them. Along with better meals, you’d expect greater customer service and overall comfort compared to mid-tier airlines,” said Sean Callery from Money.com.au which compiled the rankings from review sites such as Tripadvisor, ProductReview and Skytrax.
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“For long-haul travellers, meal quality can be a game changer, and the rankings suggest that, sometimes, you get what you pay for,” he said.
Air New Zealand ranked fourth with a score of 6.1, just ahead of Australia's national carrier, Qantas, which scored 5.5.
"Air New Zealand ranking ahead of Qantas in meal quality is bound to ruffle a few feathers. It could stir up some friendly rivalry, but New Zealand's national carrier is clearly winning when it comes to serving up better in-flight meals," said Mr Callery.
All food scores were converted to a standardised 10-point scale.
Airlines ranked by food quality
The rise of Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways' culinary success is not an isolated achievement. Earlier this year, the airline was named the world’s best by Skytrax for the eighth time.
Qatar Airways has also made moves to expand its influence, including purchasing 25% of Virgin Australia, a move that could shake up competition in the Australian market.
Airline meals: A luxury or necessity?
A broader trend suggests travellers are increasingly paying attention to the quality of in-flight meals, especially on long-haul flights. With meal quality becoming a defining factor in customer satisfaction, premium airlines are gaining a significant edge.
For low-cost carriers, the situation is different. With many airlines offering no-frills options, travellers often find that paying for in-flight meals doesn't match the quality provided.
Mr Callery's advice for passengers flying with budget airlines is simple: "You might be better off saving the extra cost and packing your own snacks."
A changing landscape
Food quality is emerging as a key differentiator in the highly competitive air travel market.
Premium carriers like Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates are leveraging their meal offerings to enhance the overall passenger experience, further solidifying their dominance.
Meanwhile, budget airlines may need to rethink their strategies as even economy travellers begin to prioritise meal quality on long-haul flights.