Airline food has a certain reputation, often leaning more towards function than flavor. But with airlines like Delta stepping up their game, the scenario is changing. This shift is evident in their innovative partnership with Shake Shack to serve branded burgers on select first-class flights. This initiative started on flights over 900 miles departing from Boston Logan International Airport and plans are underway to expand this offering.
As a travel enthusiast who’s also a self-proclaimed “beef in the sky” aficionado, I was intrigued. Could a burger prepared in an airplane kitchen really stand up to its ground-level counterpart? To find out, I booked a first-class seat from Boston to Denver via Minneapolis and pre-ordered my Shake Shack meal to ensure I got the full experience.
The Inflight Burger Experience
Delta’s service begins with a choice of beverages and a snack basket, setting the stage for the main course. The burger is presented on a ceramic plate lined with a Shake Shack-branded paper, complete with all the fixings served on the side to ensure freshness and prevent sogginess. Accompanying the burger are potato chips and a Caesar salad, a wise substitution for the fries, which might not fare as well in-flight.
Tasting Notes
When the burger arrived at my seat, the first thing I noticed was the aroma—it smelled just like a Shake Shack burger should. The bun was perfectly toasted, and the cheese deliciously melted over a well-seared, juicy patty. Arranging the fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles myself, I added the signature Shack Sauce, transforming it into a burger that could rival any on the ground.
Despite the altitude, the flavors were robust and the texture spot-on. The patty retained its moisture and did not taste overcooked or dried out, as airplane food often can. The side salad was crisp, and the chips added a nice salty crunch, complementing the meal perfectly.
The meal concluded with a Shake Shack brownie—dense, rich, and a delightful end to an unexpectedly satisfying meal.
Final Verdict
So, is it possible for an airplane burger to be as good as one on the ground? Based on this experience, the answer is a resounding yes. Delta and Shake Shack have managed to elevate the inflight dining experience, offering a burger that doesn’t just taste good “for airplane food” but is genuinely delicious by any standard.
Reflecting on the broader implications, this collaboration not only enhances the culinary experience aloft but also sets a new benchmark for what inflight dining can aspire to be. For frequent flyers and food enthusiasts alike, this is a welcome development, proving that with the right ingredients and a bit of culinary innovation, dining in the sky can be as delightful as dining on the ground.
