Singapore Airlines passengers slam ‘downgraded’ economy inflight meals, says 7-Eleven food is ‘better’

Photo: Singapore Atrium Sale and Reddit
Photo: Singapore Atrium Sale and Reddit

There’s something about airplane food that just feels inherently wrong – like how it’s already cooked and pre-packaged and then reheated again. 

Of course, this applies mainly to us Economy-flying folks who don’t know what it feels like to be served food on real ceramic plates like the high flyers in Business and First class. 

Singapore Airlines, though, has long had a reputation for serving quality eats, even to its cheap seats. But a Reddit user recently posted two photos of some of the meals being served in Economy class on recent SQ flights and wondered if the airline had “downgraded” their qualty. 

The user wrote, “I came across a discussion on a local forum where it was claimed that cakes, dessert and fresh fruits are replaced with a sad piece cracker biscuit and it’s now served on a cheap plastic disposable. If this is indeed the case, it is disappointing to know that other full-fledged airlines offer better in-flight experiences at a lower cost.”

From the pics they posted, and those from another post on Facebook, the meals do indeed look sort of sad. . 

One redditor weighed in on the post to say that they looked like food from an army camp – only to be corrected by someone else who said that the food in airlines and army camps both comes from SATS, a catering company. 

Others said that even 7-Eleven food looks better.

“New Serviceware Trial”

Singapore Airlines announced in February on a social media post that they were launching a new serviceware trial on Premium Economy and Economy. 

“Made of Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper and finished with the distinctive SIA look, the unique design of the new serviceware allows it to retain heat and moisture better than the current casserole dish,” the post read.

“It also means we can now offer soupy and gravy-rich main courses, including long-time favourites such as laksa, mee siam, and congee on these routes. As a result, customers can look forward to tastier meals and a wider variety of options on these medium- and long-haul flights.”

From the video, the packaging looks similar to those used in the pics that are getting slammed. And the complaints about it seem endless, from the cutlery used to the food quality served.

With the current state of the economy, it seems like companies such as Singapore Airlines are trying to save a buck somewhere. 

Then again, maybe it’s about the destination, not the journey. 

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