Few airlines understand the assignment of 'airline food' better than that of Air France. When it comes to perfect cuisines, France has had centuries upon centuries of culinary experience to hone its craft, and it shows. Otherwise, the country wouldn't be known as one of the grandfathers of both the culinary and the pastry arts.

Airline food, though, takes on an entirely new set of challenges. Flavors must be altered, seasonings adjusted, and meals made time and time again just to be certain they won't lack freshness on a flight. They must also be subject to reheating and certain atmospheric conditions which makes the art of plane food more of a science - but it's one that Air France has nailed time and time again.

Related: These U.S. Airports Have The Best Food So You Don't Need To Fly Hungry

Is It The Best Airline Food Out There?

It sounds a bit strange to try and determine which airline has the best food out there, and it's not all that surprising that Air France is definitely up there in terms of its flavor and freshness rankings. According to The Points Guy, Air France is the unbeatable winner thanks to its unique meals that continuously exceed in-flight expectations. Not only is it the freshness of the meal that tops the charts, but also the fact that each meal is served with ingredients one would never expect to see on a plane. Nothing is off-limits and those flying first class can expect to see anything from Ossetra caviar to French-themed cheese plates and even foie gras. Air France isn't holding back, and the same is very true of their newest menus, as well.

New Offerings For 2021 And Beyond

With chefs Régis Marcon and Mathieu Viannay joining the culinary team for Air France, it's no surprise that the menu has standards that are set at a Michelin-star level. As it stands right now, the airline's menus for both La Première and Business (depending on flight length) are set for a complete overhaul. Passengers can expect nothing but the best and, judging by the details that have already been released, it will likely exceed the expectations of the passengers on board. Those wishing to try these new menu items will have the chance when flights depart from the airport in Paris.

Those traveling first class in La Première can expect to see the following:

  • Mixed scallops and scampi with truffles and a reduced jus, served with julienne vegetables on the side
  • Beef tenderloin served with a red wine sauce and sauteed potatoes and morel cake on the side
  • Vegetable lasagna with a creamy chive cream sauce (vegetarian option)

Business-class passengers will have access to a new menu as well, which includes dishes such as:

  • Roasted guinea fowl in coffee sauce served with a celery confit and stewed fall vegetables
  • Beef tenderloin served with macaire potato patties, roasted beets, and smoked meat juices on the side
  • Penne pasta with arugula and spinach gratin served with ricotta cream and lovage (vegetarian option)

Those flying in the regular economy seating still reserve the option to order from the airline's A la Carte menu, although this will not be included in the price of a plane ticket. For a fee, passengers will have their pick of healthy options, seafood dishes, or Italian-inspired dishes.

Related: This Isn't Typical Plane Food: Dining At The Airplane Restaurant In Colorado Springs

Meal Times & Other Air France Meal Details

As is the case with most airlines, not all will offer in-flight meals depending on the length of the flight. In the case of Air France, those sitting in economy seating must be in for a flight lasting at least two and a half hours in order to have the option of in-flight meals. However, on these shorter flights, a beverage offering and a sweet or savory snack are offered to passengers to hold them over until arriving at their destination.

For longer flights, a self-serve option is available called 'My Little Gourmandises' which contains an assortment of sweet and savory biscuits. Additionally, meal services are carried out and for flights that are more than six and a half hours but less than eight and a half hours, passengers might have the option for breakfast, as well.

In business class seating, passengers have the option to choose from several meals curated by Michelin-rated chefs, as well as having access to the bar and galley areas. On flights that are extremely long, a second meal option is often presented to guests in business seating, as well as the addition of fresh fruit. Champagne and wines are also an option for those flying business class and were recently reinstated.

Next: Everything To Know About Using (And Getting Into) An Airport Lounge