If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how airline food can be both delicious and innovative, Alaska Airlines has the answer. This year, the airline earned top honors at the 2024 Business Traveler North America Awards by snagging the prestigious title of Best Inflight Food & Beverage. With their creative approach to elevating the inflight dining experience, Alaska Airlines has not only raised the bar but also redefined what it means to enjoy gourmet meals at 35,000 feet. It’s no longer just about a tasteless sandwich and a tiny cup of soda; Alaska Airlines is serving up bold flavors, quality ingredients, and even custom craft beverages to make your flight feel like a culinary journey. Let’s find out more about this!
A culinary experience
The 2024 Business Traveler award was a huge win for Alaska Airlines, especially considering the competitive nature of inflight dining. After all, not every airline can boast about having its own exclusive Cloud Cruiser IPA or a menu crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. But Alaska Airlines isn’t just resting on its laurels—they’re innovating, and it’s clear passengers are noticing. One of the most exciting developments in Alaska’s inflight dining is its partnership with acclaimed Chef Brandon Jew of Mister Jiu’s in San Francisco. This Michelin-starred restaurant has earned rave reviews for its Chinese-American fusion dishes, and now, these flavors have made their way onto Alaska’s First Class menu. This collaboration highlights Alaska Airlines’ commitment to bringing world-class dining to the skies, redefining what travelers can expect when it comes to inflight meals. It’s a game-changer for business travelers and foodies alike, offering a level of sophistication previously reserved for fine-dining restaurants—now served up at 35,000 feet. Food and the sky… the best duo.
Craft beer and non-alcoholic options
Of course, great food needs great drinks to match, and Alaska Airlines has that end covered. Enter the Cloud Cruiser IPA: a craft beer developed in collaboration with Fremont Brewing in Seattle. This exclusive brew offers passengers a true taste of the Pacific Northwest. And it’s not just a drink—it’s an experience. The Cloud Cruiser IPA is available only on board and in select Alaska Lounges, so it’s a special treat for those lucky enough to snag it. But Alaska Airlines isn’t just about serving alcohol. They’re also making waves in the non-alcoholic beverage category, which is an area many airlines overlook. Thanks to a partnership with Best Day Brewing, Alaska now offers non-alcoholic craft beers like Kölsch onboard. And in 2024, they’ve expanded their selection with the Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher—a crisp, citrusy, and completely alcohol-free sparkling water brewed with hops. It’s the perfect refreshing drink for those looking to stay sober but still want something flavorful.
Hot meals are back!
Hot meals have long been a point of contention for travelers, with many airlines opting for cold snacks or pre-packaged offerings. But Alaska Airlines is bucking that trend with their hot meal program—and passengers are loving it. This past May, Alaska brought back hot meals for Premium Class and Main Cabin passengers on flights over 1,100 miles. Think freshly prepared dishes like Pretzel Roll Sliders with Chips and a Carnitas Breakfast Bowl. These aren’t your typical microwaved meals; they’re thoughtfully curated, packed with flavor, and made with high-quality ingredients. Along with their freshly prepared food offerings like the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter, the hot meals are only available for pre-order purchase two weeks to 20 hours before your flight.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award, which reflects our team’s passion for delivering a remarkable travel experience and dedication to offering curated food and beverage products that represent the best of the West Coast,” said Todd Traynor-Corey, vice president of guest products and experience at Alaska Airlines. “This recognition inspires us to continue creating memorable inflight moments with our menus that combine quality, creativity, and sustainability. I want to thank our incredible food and beverage team and flight attendants for their dedication and hard work each day, ensuring our guests experience exceptional service and care.”
Alaska is not the only airline to try to innovate in the food field. This week, Delta Airlines came out with big news that has passengers drooling. Partnering up with the famous East Coast restaurant chain Shake Shack, Delta will now serve their famous cheeseburgers on flights out of Boston starting December 1st. BRB, we are on our way to book a flight.
The sky is the limit!
Alaska Airlines isn’t just winning awards for its food—it’s changing the game for what’s possible in inflight dining. With Michelin-star partnerships, exclusive beverages, and a commitment to sustainability, the airline has set a new standard for comfort, quality, and creativity in the air.
Wanna know more? Talk to our team today!
