Air travel doesn’t have to be synonymous with bad dining experiences, quite the contrary. Some airlines are eager to offer the best cuisine, and hire renowned chefs— no matter where they are— to prepare the menus for their main transoceanic routes. Air France, Etihad Airways, and Lufthansa are some of the carriers that have adopted this practice. These airlines serve the most select dishes to their first class and business class travelers prepared by famous chefs.

Air France

Air France’s first-class service–Première–offers a prized gourmet menu prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, such as Joël Robuchon, Régis Marcon, Guy Martin, Anne-Sophie Pic and Michel Roth. Première passengers can select their food in advance, when booking the ticket. The menu features, for example, Asian dishes with fresh seafood, appetizers, a selection of cheeses and mouth watering desserts. The à la carte option is available on flights departing from Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport to Los Angeles, New York, Seoul, Singapore, Shanghai, and Tokyo. And as one would expect from a country that produces excellent vintages, the wine list is updated every two months with the best collection from major French regions. Review our selection of gourmet products and dining.

Etihad Airways

The chefs hired by Etihad Airways—the airline of the United Arab Emirates—work in some of the world’s top-rated restaurants. They deliver an unforgettable gourmet experience while up in the clouds. The airline’s wine selection features real surprises from the best vineyards in the world. In addition, those with special needs for medical or religious reasons, can request their dietary preferences in advance.

Lufthansa

Germany’s largest airline also offers its first-class passengers culinary creations from the finest chefs. Excellent caviar and a selection of tasty canapés are always included in the menu, as well as the best wines from Germany and other parts of the world. The food comes to you in elegant tableware, with beautiful crystal glasses and stylish cutlery. Additionally, the airline offers three types of water and a remarkable selection of cheeses. Over the coming months, international flights to Germany will feature dishes prepared by the best restaurants in the countries where they originate. For example, travelers from France will enjoy the cuisine of French chef Marc Haeberlin, from the award-winning restaurant L’Auberge de L’ill in Alsace. ■