Gordon Ramsay, a renowned figure in the culinary world, commands significant attention with his 88 restaurants worldwide and 17 Michelin stars. His appearances on food-related reality shows have further solidified his status. Not only is his kitchen talent remarkable, but his grumpy personality and straightforward nature have also made him a household name. This is why his stance on airplane food holds weight.

Why Gordon Ramsay Wouldn't Eat Airplane Food

In a 2017 interview with Refinery29, Ramsay revealed his reasons for avoiding airplane food. Having worked in the airline industry for a decade, he had insider knowledge about the food's age and its journey. It's no secret that most airplane food is reheated in microwaves after being frozen for an unknown period. Flight attendants' lack of handwashing before touching food items like ice and the questionable high-altitude food safety add to the concerns. 1: The chef's insights shed light on the hidden aspects of airplane food. The idea that food can be kept in less than ideal conditions and then reheated multiple times raises questions about its quality and safety. It makes us realize that what we consume in the air may not be as fresh as we think. 2: This lack of trust in airplane food is not unfounded. The potential for foodborne illnesses due to poor hygiene practices and the effects of high-altitude on food storage and digestion are significant factors. Ramsay's experience gives credibility to these concerns.

The Health Implications of Eating While Flying

Even without the risk of getting sick, eating while flying is not beneficial to our health. At high altitudes, our taste buds lose their effectiveness by 15 to 20%. To compensate, airlines add excessive amounts of salt or sugar to meals, sometimes up to 30% more. This not only overloads our bodies with sodium but also affects our digestive system, which struggles to function properly at high altitudes. 1: Consuming food with high sodium content that is often stored in less than optimal conditions can lead to various health issues. The bloated feeling we often experience on planes is a direct result of this. It shows how our bodies are negatively affected by the combination of altitude and the food we eat. 2: The inability of our digestive system to work properly at high altitudes further compounds the problem. We are essentially forcing our bodies to digest food that is not in its ideal state, which can lead to discomfort and other health problems in the long run.

Solution: Bringing Your Own Food

While some airlines are improving their food offerings, many people still prefer to eat before boarding a plane. Selecting quality airport food can be a challenge with the increasing number of choices, especially at large international hubs. However, if you're on a long-haul flight and need to eat, taking your own food is a better option than relying on reheated, high-sodium in-flight meals. 1: Gordon Ramsay himself has respected airport restaurants like Plane Food at London Heathrow. This shows that there are options available for those who want to enjoy a decent meal before or after their flight. But for those who are concerned about the quality and safety of airplane food, bringing their own is the way to go. 2: By bringing your own food, you have control over what you eat and can ensure its freshness and quality. You can avoid the added salt and sugar and choose healthier options that are better suited to your body's needs. It's a simple yet effective solution to the problem of airplane food.