TCS World Travel in flight dining
The skies are not the limit for the ultra-wealthy, they’re just the starting point. On private jets, the 1% dines on top chef-curated gourmet meals, and multi-course sourced from ingredients local to the far-flung destinations they’re traveling to. Luxury catering is part of the substantial worldwide in-flight catering market, growing at a 3.7% CAGR from $20.6 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach $27.6 billion by 2030. From caviar to truffles, these private jets offer some of the most exclusive meals in the sky. Read below to delve into the world of in-flight dining for the elite at 40,000 feet.
Safrans du Monde in flight dining
Safrans du Monde
This travel designer curates private air cruises worldwide. Their bespoke trips charter private jets with guided access to the most prestigious places worldwide and VIP experiences. Tours range from 15 to 25 days, and one 15-day sample itinerary departs from Paris and spans four destinations: Columbia, Easter Island, French Polynesia and Japan. Chef Paul Caussé designs the onboard menus, and each flight includes French-style appetizers, canapés and three-course meals. The fusion meals highlight the cuisine of the departure country and arrival destination. As cooking on a private plane is much different than restaurant cooking, Caussé treats the process as a highly technically orchestrated process. “Nothing is left to chance, and yet travelling also brings its share of fantasy, its share of discoveries and its share of encounters,” writes Caussé over email. “This happy balance between rigour and flexibility is the key Safrans du Monde’s approach on board. For each flight I offer 4 different full menus, including 2 fusion menus between country of take-off and country of landing.”
Aero - Erewhon Fresh Fare on Flights from Los Angeles
Aero
Aero is a semi-private airline with a private terminal, the Van Nuys terminal, and a 20-minute curbside check-in. Preboarding, guests enjoy complimentary champagne and bites before boarding. In flight, find a premium open bar and Erewhon as an included in-flight dining partner. The menus change seasonally with custom-designed dishes for the airline. Special in-flight menus have debuted to celebrate events. “To help our guests kick off their culinary weekend at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, we partnered with celebrity chef and renowned baker Nancy Silverton to curate a special in-flight menu," says Ben Klein, CEO, in an email.
A&K Private Jet Interior
Abercrombie & Kent
A&K hosts private jet journeys spanning the globe with a maximum of 48 guests. Guests fly in fully lie-flat seats to hard-to-reach destinations inaccessible by major carriers. The onboard staff includes staff for every need, including a professional photographer and onboard physician. Menus are curated by chef Magnus Hallgrimsson and are designed with destinations in mind, locally sourcing traditional ingredients from the region. A menu from the upcoming Private Jet journey led by A&K founder Geoffrey Kent including Japan, features mixed sushi, Hitachi Wagyu Beef, and Japanese purin custard.
VistaJet - Beef Bar Collaboration
VistaJet
The renowned British Butler Institute trains VistaJet’s cabin team. Founded in 2004, this innovative business model allows customers to only pay for their flying hours with access to the brand’s entire fleet. It’s a significant perk to disentangle luxury travelers from aircraft ownership risks. They’ve partnered with Beefbar by Ricardo Giraudi, recognized as the World’s Best Steak Restaurant. Those departing from Paris, Milan, and Nice no longer have to wait months for a reservation, they’re served some of the most popular restaurant dishes, such as Kobe beef fillet and Wagyu beef fillet mignon.
TCS World Travel in flight dining
TCS World Travel
This award-winning private jet expedition company has hosted bucket list adventures for luxury travelers for over 30 years. Their flagship trip is an around-the-world journey hitting ten or more destinations in their brand-new A321 private jet. The onboard menu sources local produce, even from remote destinations and villages. “From indulgent Champagne & Caviar to the comforting simplicity of a grilled cheese sandwich at 30,000 feet, our goal is to pamper our guests and make them feel at home aboard our jet,” says executive chef Angie Song. A menu departing from Kona Hawaii includes Dom Perignon champagne, a caviar starter, Ho'ola Farm's heart of palm, lilikoi glazed pork tenderloin, Okinawa potatoes and Hilo Farms goat cheese.
TCS World Travel in flight dining
Schubach Aviation
This Southern California-based private jet operator offers private charters. Since 1991, Schubach Aviation has been based in San Diego and travelers can access almost 5000 airports. They have an exclusive in-flight menu in partnership with Michelin Guide recognized Waverly, located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. “I wanted to create a menu that would represent some of our Waverly favorites and at the same time make sense for the environment,” said Waverly Restaurant’s executive chef Brian Redzikowski. “ We worked closely with the team at Schubach to create elevated offerings that met their needs.”
Golden Door / Latitude 33 private jet
Latitude 33 Aviation
This Southern California private jet charter company serves clients in San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, and more. They’ve partnered with the iconic Golden Door resort for a seven-night retreat experience. Guests are treated to a Golden Door wellness kit onboard with skin and body care products such as elixirs, hydrating oils and face mists. Chef Greg Frey Jr. curates healthy personalized menus for guests. “When creating an in-flight menu, I focus first and foremost on taste,” Frey says over email. “I want everything offered to be enjoyable to eat. I also focus on using ingredients that are very high in anti-inflammatories. When you fly, your body swells and builds up inflammation. I try to counteract those effects by sourcing specific ingredients, and limiting salt and fat.”