Lois Larson
During the COVID-19 pandemic, airport food has changed significantly. While some airport lounges have replaced self-serve buffets with individually wrapped meals or prepackaged foods, others have introduced menus with QR codes for online ordering. These changes have reduced the variety of food options available, potentially making it more challenging for travellers to find healthy meals. Some travellers have expressed concerns about eating during their flights due to the risk of COVID-19 exposure, especially when seated near coughing or sniffling passengers. To minimise risk, travellers have employed strategies such as using nasal sprays, mouthwash, and throat sprays, as well as consuming meals before their trip or opting for meal replacement shakes.
Eating at airports during COVID
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Self-serve buffets | Replaced with individual plates of food, prepackaged foods, or food served by staff |
| Food options | Reduced choices and lack of fresh options |
| Healthier eating | Possible with careful planning and research |
| Safety | CO2 monitors can help find safer spots to eat; some consider planes safer than airports |
| Face masks | Some travellers use sip valves to eat and drink with masks on |
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What You'll Learn
- Airport lounge food during Covid is different from pre-pandemic times
- Some airport lounges have replaced self-serve buffets with individually wrapped meals
- Reduced menu sizes may mean fewer healthy options
- It may be safer to eat at the airport during a layover than on the plane
- Some precautions to take while eating during air travel in the Covid era include using nasal sprays, wearing masks, and using a CO2 monitor
Airport lounge food during Covid is different from pre-pandemic times
Airport lounge food during the Covid pandemic has been very different from pre-pandemic times. While some airport lounges have continued to serve hot meals, many have replaced self-serve buffets and communal plates with individually wrapped, prepackaged foods or meals served by lounge staff. This shift may have reduced the amount of food consumed by passengers, as they now have to ask staff for additional servings.
Prior to the pandemic, airport lounges were known for offering a limited selection of basic refreshments, such as coffee and snacks. However, in recent years, particularly during the Covid pandemic, airport lounges have increasingly become associated with luxury and exclusivity. American airlines and credit card companies have been investing in these lounges, offering premium travellers a wide range of luxurious amenities and culinary experiences.
Some airport lounges have become highly exclusive, with entry restricted to those holding specific high-end credit cards. These lounges often feature lavish dining options, such as caviar, sushi bars, and fine dining menus crafted by renowned chefs. The Delta One Lounge at Kennedy International Airport, for instance, offers a rotating menu featuring dishes from various international cities. Similarly, the Capital One Lounge at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington serves caviar in a cone.
The Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport boasts a chic hotel lobby aesthetic, complete with a circular bar and a cocktail menu designed by a popular New York bar. The Capital One Lounge at Kennedy Airport takes it a step further by offering custom charcuterie boards and freshly baked bagels. These luxurious offerings stand in stark contrast to the shrinking onboard amenities and crowded terminals experienced by the average traveller.
While the shift towards prepackaged foods during the Covid pandemic may have been a necessary health precaution, it has also raised concerns about the limited healthy dining options available to frequent flyers. The reduction in menu sizes and the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in airport lounges can make it challenging for travellers to maintain a well-balanced diet. As a result, travellers may need to be more mindful of their food choices and consider alternative options, such as bringing their own meals or opting for healthier pre-packaged choices.
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Some airport lounges have replaced self-serve buffets with individually wrapped meals
Airport lounges have long been a haven for elite passengers, offering an escape from the chaos of crowded terminals. Catering is often one of the highlights, with a more interesting and tailored range of food and drink available than that offered by the chain outlets within the airport.
Typically, airport lounges operate in one of two ways when it comes to food service. Some offer a buffet-style arrangement, allowing passengers to self-serve from various hot and cold food stations. While this ensures flexibility and fast service, the quality may not always be consistent. Other lounges allow passengers to order from a menu, which generally results in higher-quality food, albeit with a slower delivery.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted operational shifts in airport lounge catering. To reduce contact, some lounges closed their buffets and instead provided guests with QR codes to order food. This shift aligned with the trend towards higher-quality, made-to-order meals, as seen in the Chase Sapphire Lounge, which offers table service in addition to its buffet options.
Some airport lounges have gone even further in their efforts to enhance exclusivity and luxury. The Capital One Lounge at Kennedy Airport, for example, offers amenities like cheesemongers who customise charcuterie boards and freshly baked bagels. Similarly, the Delta One Lounge at the same airport serves dishes from various international cities and offers caviar to its business-class passengers.
While these luxurious offerings are enticing, it's worth considering the cost and accessibility. Some airport lounges are exclusive to premium credit card holders or those willing to pay a hefty day pass fee. However, for those who can access them, airport lounges continue to provide a serene environment with comfortable seating, complimentary food, and thoughtful amenities.
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Reduced menu sizes may mean fewer healthy options
While smaller menus can be beneficial for restaurants, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, they may have some drawbacks for customers. One potential disadvantage is a reduction in healthy food options.
During the pandemic, many restaurants were forced to adapt to stay afloat, and one common strategy was to reduce menu sizes. This allowed them to cut costs, improve efficiency, and focus on their most popular dishes. However, this trend towards smaller menus may have inadvertently led to a decrease in the availability of healthy options.
When restaurants streamline their menus, they often prioritize familiar, comforting dishes that are guaranteed to sell well. As a result, healthier, less popular options may be removed. For example, customers may opt for French fries and chicken sandwiches over more nutritious choices. This trend is not limited to fast-food chains like McDonald's but also extends to major restaurant brands, which have started to scale back their offerings.
In addition to financial considerations, smaller menus can also help restaurants improve consistency and food quality. With a reduced number of dishes, kitchen staff can become experts in preparing a smaller variety of meals, leading to better execution. Front-of-house staff can also become more familiar with a smaller number of dishes, allowing them to make better recommendations to customers.
While the shift towards smaller menus has had numerous benefits for restaurants, it is important to consider the potential impact on customers' health. Restaurants may need to find creative ways to ensure that their reduced menus still offer a range of nutritious options for their patrons.
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It may be safer to eat at the airport during a layover than on the plane
During the pandemic, airport lounges have made changes to their food services. Some have replaced self-serve buffets with individually plated meals or prepackaged foods. Others have adopted a more comprehensive table service, with all food served by staff from behind a counter, or with QR codes for guests to order from a menu.
While these measures may reduce the risk of COVID transmission, it's still possible to eat healthily at the airport during the pandemic. Travellers can research food options in advance and eat before they arrive at the airport if the choices are limited. Eating a plate of vegetables first can also help fill you up and reduce the temptation to overeat less healthy options.
However, some travellers may prefer to eat during their layover rather than on the plane. This can allow them to find a less crowded area of the airport to eat in, reducing potential exposure to the virus. Using a CO2 monitor can help identify areas with better air quality. Additionally, some airports have seating areas directly under ventilation fans, providing a constant stream of cleaned air.
On the other hand, some travellers argue that planes are safer for eating due to their effective air filtration systems at cruising altitude. To minimise risk while eating on a plane, travellers can use a sip valve with their mask to consume drinks, and briefly lower their mask to eat solids before raising it again to chew.
Therefore, while airport lounges have adapted their food services during the pandemic, it may still be safer to eat during a layover than on a plane, especially if precautions such as choosing a well-ventilated area and using a CO2 monitor are taken.
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Some precautions to take while eating during air travel in the Covid era include using nasal sprays, wearing masks, and using a CO2 monitor
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we travel, and it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and others. Here are some precautions to take while eating during air travel in the COVID era:
Wear a mask
It is important to wear a mask while travelling, and especially when eating. This is because masks can reduce the spread of respiratory droplets that may contain viruses or bacteria. When eating, it is inevitable that some droplets will be released into the air, so wearing a mask can help to contain them and protect those around you.
Use a CO2 monitor
Carbon dioxide monitors are useful tools that can indicate the overall quality of ventilation in an enclosed space. Poor ventilation increases the risk of transmitting airborne illnesses, including COVID-19 and other viruses or bacteria. By using a CO2 monitor, you can identify areas with poor ventilation and take appropriate action, such as opening a window, increasing airflow, or choosing to leave the area. Some recommended CO2 monitors include the AirSpot CO2 monitor, which can be worn as a watch, and the AirValent TravelLite, which is small, lightweight, and inconspicuous.
Practise good hand hygiene
Washing your hands frequently, especially before and after eating, can help reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. This is because your hands may come into contact with contaminated surfaces, and then transfer pathogens to your mouth when you eat. Practising good hand hygiene can help protect you and others from getting sick.
Use nasal sprays
If you are congested, it is recommended to avoid flying if possible, as the air pressure changes can worsen congestion and cause discomfort. However, if you must fly, using a nasal spray can provide relief. Decongestant sprays are allowed in carry-on bags if they do not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 ml). It is also recommended to consult a healthcare professional before your flight to discuss any symptoms or concerns.
In addition to these precautions, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and hydration while travelling, as travel can often disrupt regular schedules and habits, affecting your digestive system. It is also recommended to avoid contaminated food and water, which can cause travellers' diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can eat at the airport during COVID. However, the food options may be limited, with some airport lounges offering only prepackaged foods or individual plates of food.
It is generally safer to eat during a layover at the airport. If you must eat on the plane, it is recommended to use a nasal spray, CPC mouthwash, or a throat spray, especially when your mask is off.
While it may be challenging due to reduced menu sizes and limited fresh options, it is possible to make healthy food choices at the airport during COVID. Consider eating a plate of vegetables first to fill up before making other choices.
Use a CO2 monitor to help you find areas with better air quality to eat during your travels. Look for places that are directly under a ventilation fan, as this provides cleaned air.
If possible, eat before arriving at the airport or bring your own food. When eating, slip your mask down only when putting food into your mouth and put it back up to chew. Consider using a sip valve for drinking.
