< Back to front page
Text size
–
+
Which airlines offer the healthiest meal options?
In a survey of eight airlines aimed at determining which provided travelers with the healthiest options for in-flight meals, United Airlines came out on top with a rating of four stars. The results of the survey, performed by DietDetective.com, were determined based on “snack/on-board food service offerings, number of healthy offerings, airline cooperation, fruit and vegetable offerings.”
US Airways finished last in the survey, with a rating of only 1 3/4 stars. Other airlines covered: JetBlue, 3 1/4 stars, American, 3 1/8, Delta, 3, Continental, 2 1/2, Southwest, 2, and Virgin, 2.
DietDetective.com had this to say about its top pick:
On flights longer than two hours go for the Tapas; it has some great foods, including almonds, olives, hummus and bruschetta — nice, and guess what? It's their top–selling snack box. The Lite is also very good and balanced at only 430 calories. For flights longer than three hours, United has a plethora of choices, but I really like the Turkey sandwich at 600 calories, including the sauce and chips — skip those if you want to save the calories. (It’s also their best–selling freshly prepared snack box.) The Chicken Caesar Salad and the Fruit Tray are also good choices. All the meals are served with dressing on the side, so try to use only half. As far as the individual snacks are concerned, wow, those are some pretty high–calorie items! For breakfast, your best bet is the Smoothie or the Yogurt Parfait — nice and healthy. Or you can have the Ham and Swiss Croissant — it's not too high in calories. Skip the Continental Breakfast — at 783 calories it's a bad start to your day.For the complete results, including pricing and nutritional information for specific items, click here.
contributors
- Anne Fitzgerald, Globe Travel Editor
- Paul Makishima, Globe Assistant Sunday Editor
- Eric Wilbur, Boston.com staff
- Kari Bodnarchuk writes about outdoor adventures, offbeat places, and New England.
- Patricia Borns, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs travel, maritime, and historical narratives as well as blogs and books.
- Patricia Harris, a regular contributor to Globe Travel, is author or co-author of more than 20 books on travel, food, and popular culture.
- Paul E. Kandarian, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs New England and Caribbean stories.
- Chris Klein is a regular contributor to Globe Travel. His latest book is ‘‘The Die-Hard Sports Fan’s Guide to Boston.’’
- David Lyon, a regular contributor to Globe Travel, is author or co-author of more than 20 books on travel, food, and popular culture.
- Hilary Nangle is a regular contributor to Globe Travel. Her latest guidebook is Moon Maine (Avalon Travel, 2008)
- Joe Ray, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs food and travel stories from Europe.
- Kimberly Sherman writes about unique happenings throughout New England.
