There’s a unique group of individuals among us, a rare breed if you will. They’re the ones who, against all odds, actually find themselves savoring airplane food.
You’ve probably spotted them on your flights, tucking into those compact trays with genuine delight.
You might have even found yourself wondering, how on earth are they enjoying this? After all, it’s no secret that airline cuisine doesn’t exactly have the best reputation.
But hey, as it turns out, these seemingly oddball plane-food enthusiasts might just be onto something. They’re not just enjoying their in-flight meals out of sheer hunger or desperation; there’s actually a bit more to it.
According to psychology, these individuals tend to display certain behaviors that set them apart from the rest of us. And no, they’re not just people with an insatiable appetite for food or an uncanny ability to find joy in even the most unexpected places.
In this article, we’re diving into these eight distinct behaviors that are common among people who genuinely enjoy plane food.
1) They’re open to new experiences
These airline meal enthusiasts are typically the adventurous types. They’re open to trying new things, which extends well beyond just food. They see their in-flight meal as a mini-adventure, a chance to explore a new cuisine or a different way of cooking.
This openness to new experiences isn’t confined to just the airplane cabin. It’s likely a pervasive part of their personality, coloring their life choices and interactions.
While you may be stuck on the thought that it’s ‘just airplane food’, these individuals see it as something more. To them, it’s an opportunity – a chance to try something different and maybe even discover a new favorite dish.
And let’s be honest, isn’t life more interesting when we allow ourselves the pleasure of exploring the unknown? Perhaps, in this context, plane food isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about curiosity and embracing the unexpected.
2) They’re not easily put off by appearances
Airplane food has a reputation for being less than visually appealing. Despite this, these folks aren’t swayed by the often lackluster presentation. They understand that sometimes, the most delicious foods don’t always look the part.
Take me, for instance. I remember being on a long-haul flight a few years back. The food cart rolled up and I was handed this plastic-sealed tray of what looked like a mess of colors and shapes. To be honest, it wasn’t the most appetizing sight.
But I decided to give it a shot – after all, I was hungry and there weren’t exactly any other options available. And to my surprise, it wasn’t half bad. In fact, it was actually pretty good.
What this experience taught me was that appearances can be deceiving – something that lovers of airplane food know all too well. They don’t judge the meal by its cover; they’re willing to give it a chance, despite how it might look.
3) They find joy in simple things
As the great writer Virginia Woolf once said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
This quote captures something essential about those who truly enjoy airplane food. They understand that joy can be found in the simplest of things, including a humble in-flight meal.
These individuals have a knack for finding pleasure in life’s simple offerings. They don’t need a five-star dining experience to enjoy their food; the mere act of eating something novel, thousands of feet up in the sky, brings them joy.
In embracing Woolf’s wisdom, these airplane food lovers remind us of an important truth. That sometimes, it’s the simplest things in life that can bring us the most happiness.
Whether it’s a perfectly cooked steak at a fancy restaurant or a tray of reheated pasta on a plane, what truly matters is our ability to appreciate and find joy in the experience.
4) They’re aware of how altitude affects taste
Science tells us that our sense of taste changes at high altitudes. The dry cabin air and lower pressure can dull our taste buds, making food taste blander than it would on the ground. This is why airline food is often heavily seasoned.
Those who enjoy airplane food understand this quirk of human biology. They go into the meal knowing that it’s going to taste different, and they’re okay with it.
They don’t compare it to the meals they have on solid ground; they appreciate it for what it is – a meal served at 35,000 feet.
This demonstrates a level of adaptability and understanding of their environment. They’re not expecting a gourmet experience; they’re expecting an airplane meal, and they’re content with that.
This acceptance and adaptability can be seen as a positive trait, not only in the context of in-flight dining but also in wider life situations.
5) They’re patient and understanding
Preparing food for hundreds of people at 35,000 feet isn’t an easy task. Those who enjoy airplane food understand this. They appreciate the logistics and constraints that airlines face when it comes to feeding a full flight.
Instead of getting frustrated by the lack of choices or the delays in meal service, they exhibit patience. They know that their food is prepared in a high-stress, time-sensitive environment and still manages to be palatable, if not enjoyable.
This level of patience and understanding extends beyond just their in-flight dining experience. It’s an attitude that likely impacts other areas of their lives as well.
In a world where we often want things instantly, this ability to be patient and understanding is a trait worth celebrating. In fact, it’s something that can significantly enhance our overall life experience, whether we’re dining in the sky or on the ground.
6) They’re appreciative of the service
People who enjoy airplane food don’t just relish the meal itself, but also the service that comes with it.
The bustling flight attendants, the neatly packaged trays, the small containers that house different components of the meal – it’s all a part of the experience.
They understand that there’s a certain charm to it – a novelty that’s unique to air travel. It’s not just about the food; it’s also about appreciating the effort that goes into delivering this meal to your seat while cruising at high altitude.
This appreciation isn’t limited to just in-flight dining. It spills over into their everyday life as well.
They’re likely to be the ones who value good service and understand the effort behind it, whether they’re at a restaurant, a hotel, or simply interacting with a customer service representative.
7) They embrace the journey, not just the destination
For many of us, flying is simply a means to an end – a way to get from point A to point B. But for airplane food enthusiasts, it’s more than that. It’s a part of the journey, an experience to be savored.
They don’t view the flight as a tedious stretch of time to be endured before reaching their destination. Instead, they see it as an integral part of their travels, complete with its own unique experiences – including the in-flight meal.
This mindset extends beyond their attitude towards air travel. It’s indicative of how they approach life in general. They’re the kind of people who believe in enjoying the journey, not just rushing towards the destination.
And isn’t that a healthier and more fulfilling way to live? By enjoying each moment and appreciating every experience – good or bad – we can add more richness and depth to our lives.
8) They possess a positive mindset
At the crux of it all, those who enjoy airplane food have something that sets them apart – a positive mindset.
They don’t let a few negative reviews or past experiences deter them. They go into each meal with an open mind and a hopeful heart, expecting to find something enjoyable in their tray. And more often than not, they do.
This positivity isn’t just limited to their in-flight dining experiences. It’s a part of their overall approach to life. They tend to focus on the brighter side, finding something good in every situation.
This positive outlook extends to their relationships, their work, and their personal growth. It’s a powerful trait that not only makes airplane food taste better but also adds a touch of joy to everyday life.
Final thoughts
Those who enjoy airplane food are, in essence, people who find joy in the simple things, embrace new experiences, and carry a positive mindset. These traits make them not just better in-flight diners, but also likely happier individuals in general.
If you find yourself relating to these behaviors, perhaps you’re one of these rare gems who can find delight in a tray of reheated airplane food. Or maybe you’re inspired to approach your next in-flight meal with a new perspective.
Remember, it’s not just about the food. It’s about the experience, the adventure, and the appreciation of something that others might overlook. And isn’t that a wonderful way to approach life?
As Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” And perhaps, we can add to that by saying people who enjoy airplane food are among the most adaptable and open-minded.
Next time you buckle up for a flight, why not see it as an opportunity for a unique dining experience? You never know; you might just surprise yourself.
