Airline food options are limited, so finding healthy snacks or meals while flying can be difficult.
Thanks to a new study released by Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center and DietDetective.com it might become easier.
The 2018-2019 Airline Food Study rated eleven airlines by their healthy food options, and Alaska Airlines came out on top.
"This year Alaska Airlines wins the top spot as the airline with the 'healthiest' food choices in the sky with Delta right behind, as well as Air Canada and JetBlue," said Charles Platkin, PhD, JD, MPH, the executive director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center and editor of DietDetective.com.
Frontier Airlines received the lowest rating of the eleven airlines.
Alaska's average calories overall - whether it was a meal, snack box, or individual snack - was 404 calories, which was higher than Frontier's average calories overall which were 372. Yet, Alaska Airlines received a higher score for having more healthy options to choose from like a Fall Harvest Salad and an app that included nutritional information of all their food items.
American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines received the "most improved award." This is most likely because American Airlines will begin a partnership with Zoe's Kitchen starting December 1st. While the food will be healthier on American, it will have a higher calorie count. As for Hawaiian Airlines, they received the award for lowering their calorie count from 971 to 502, indicating that their food options are moving in a healthier direction.
The study also looked at water safety and suggests that travelers buy bottled water from the airport and even use it for their coffee and tea during the flight.
They also suggested travelers eat small meals, raw or steamed vegetables, and fruits while flying, versus eating pasta, dense sauces, bread, or cakes.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
