AN airline praised for having the “world’s best plane food” has scraped its popular free snack.
A cup of instant noodles is one item that may soon disappear from your menu if you’re flying on Korean Air.
Last year, Korean Airlines was given the accolade of Best Airline Cuisine in Global Traveler’s 2023 Tested Reader Survey awards, as well as taking second place for inflight food in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
But the airline will no longer serve the popular noodles to economy class passengers as of August 15.
It stated that “burn incidents occur frequently” due to the increased risk of turbulence, narrow aisles, and the close proximity of passengers.
However, first-class and business travellers will still be able to enjoy the treat.
Passengers have long loved the snack, and the airline is well-known for it. The fact that it is free upon request is highly praised.
The airline said in a statement that there has been twice as much turbulence on its flights since 2019.
The “risk of burns is greater with passengers crowded together,” it continued, adding that multiple bowls of noodles are supplied at once in economy class.
However, in business and first class, food are delivered individually to guests, limiting the possibility of spilling during turbulence, according to the carrier.
Until previously, the Korean carrier had provided free noodles to passengers on longer journeys.
However, sandwiches, corn dogs, pizza and ‘Hot Pockets’ – crispy turnovers packed with cheese, meat and veggies – will now take their place.
The decision stirred debate on social media. Some people were relieved, while others noted that the carrier was still delivering goods that could cause burns.
One person wrote: “Aren’t coffee and tea hot?”
While another said it was a “very good decision”, admitting they had always been “nervous” that they would get burned.
Meanwhile, one user revealed they were hoping the noodles would get axed off the menu “because of the smell”.
Korean Air said it will “continue to seek service methods that are safe while increasing customer convenience and satisfaction”.
It comes after The Sun’s Kara Godfrey, who flew with Korean Airlines, admitted she had a better meal up in the skies than at restaurants on the ground.
The menu had both Korean and Western dishes, but the star of the show is the bibimbap – a traditional Korean rice dish.
On her way from London Heathrow to Seoul, she said: “The beef was full of flavour and not chewy at all – something that often happens on flights – with the veg somehow still crisp without tasting like it had been refrigerated.
“Along with the sticky rice and broth, the flight attendant seemed rather stunned to pass by and see how quickly I had eaten it.
“Thankfully I had a platter of cheese and fruit to keep me occupied until the end of service.”
