Private Food Menus You Can Expect When Chartering a Jet

One-third of Americans earning more than $50,000 yearly have flown in a private jet at least once. Every one of them has experienced a delicious meal while in the air. 

What You Can Expect from Private Jet Food

The meals served on a private jet are different than those you’ve eaten on commercial flights. Often, they’re designed and cooked by gourmet chefs to your specifications. They’re more complex meals, often featuring multiple courses, and they use fresh, sometimes unique ingredients.

Charter companies often send menu options in advance, and your choices are extensive. Your specific dietary and culinary preferences are both welcome and respected. 

Like commercial aircraft, private jets don’t contain full kitchens. That means your meals can’t be cooked from scratch while you’re in the air. However, jet crews can heat and assemble your meals right before they’re served. 

Private Jet Food Menu Comparison 

The type of food you’re served on a private jet often depends on the length of your flight. A short hop might merit little more than a snack, while a cross-continent trip might require bigger meals. 

Light Jets: Short Range 

Light jets are designed for shorter trips, so people aren’t in the air for very long. However, it’s common for crews to serve drinks throughout the flight and a brief snack in the middle of the trip. 

Finger foods like nuts, crackers, and sandwiches are common. However, some people request more complicated meals like meat or pasta dishes.

Typical meals on light jets might look like:

• Light snacks & appetizers: Mixed nuts, cheese & crackers, fresh fruit, and vegetable crudités.
• Main courses: Gourmet sandwiches, grilled chicken salad, pasta primavera.
• Desserts: Chocolate mousse, fruit tartlets, mini cheesecakes.
• Beverages: Bottled water, soft drinks, coffee, assorted teas.

Midsize Jets: Medium Range

A midsize aircraft is designed for flights that last up to six hours. Once again, beverages are typically served throughout the flight, and sometimes, those drinks contain alcohol. 

Jets like this often serve two meals. One contains appetizers like sushi rolls and shrimp cocktails. The main course is served later and can include lamb chops, risotto, and tasty desserts like French macarons.

Typical meals on midsize jets might look like:

• Light snacks & appetizers: Smoked salmon, sushi rolls, charcuterie board, shrimp cocktail.
• Main courses: Filet mignon, seared ahi tuna, lamb chops, truffle risotto.
• Desserts: Crème brûlée, French macarons, tiramisu, artisan truffles.
• Beverages: Fresh-squeezed juices, premium wines, craft cocktails, aged whiskey.

Heavy Jets: Long Range

Heavy jets are bigger than the other aircraft we’ve mentioned, and they can carry more people for flights that last up to 12 hours. Shareable beverages, such as bottles of wine or champagne, are often served throughout the flight. 

Several courses might be served throughout the flight. Meals can include caviar, various types of meat, poultry, or fish, and plenty of desserts. Everyone on the aircraft can sit down to eat together, or they can stagger their mealtimes.

Typical meals on heavy jets might look like:

• Light snacks & appetizers: Caviar with blinis, foie gras canapés, lobster rolls, fresh oysters.
• Main courses: Wagyu beef, butter-poached lobster tail, duck confit, herb-roasted game meats.
• Desserts: Gold-leaf chocolate soufflé, champagne sorbet, patisserie-style desserts.
• Beverages: Dom Pérignon or Krug champagne, rare vintage wines, top-shelf spirits.

Ultra-Long-Range Jets: Intercontinental Trips

An ultra-long-range jet can stay in the air for a very long time. Everyone on board can be treated with luxurious and high-end food and drinks. 

Beverages include curated wine and rare liquors. Chefs can build elaborate menus that can be served over the course of several hours. These tasting menus are custom-made and handcrafted to make travelers happy.

Typical meals on ultra-long-range jets might look like:

• Light snacks & appetizers: Chef-curated amuse-bouche, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, exotic seafood platters.
• Main courses: Michelin-starred chef menus, bespoke tasting menus, internationally inspired fine dining.
• Desserts: Handcrafted pastries, specialty ice creams, bespoke chocolates, exotic fruit platters.
• Beverages: Curated wine pairings, rare cognacs, ultra-premium whiskeys, personalized mixology service.

2025 Most Popular Private Jet Dishes 

National Geographic says 2025’s culinary choices signal a return to fun and playfulness. Consumers are looking for spice, exotic flavors, and whimsy. Those same trends are easy to spot in private jet menus.

Dishes that are popular among jet travelers in 2025 include the following:

• Fresh seafood: Lobster tails, sushi, and caviar are all popular choices for private jet passengers. These meals extend the culinary delights associated with coastal trips, and they’re delicious all year round. 
• Perfectly prepared meats: Filet mignon and Wagyu beef are exceptional choices for jet meals. They can be prepared to your taste buds and served with plenty of sauce. 
• Elevated simplicity: Perfectly seasoned tomato soup and toasted grilled cheese are often appreciated by families traveling with children. 
• Vegan bites: Many jet passengers request meatless meals, including those heavy on tofu and beans. These passengers may appreciate sourcing data for each item on the menu, so they can check where it came from. 
• A taste of culture: Japanese and Korean influences are often requested in jet meals in 2025. These menu items can specify the heat level and ingredients included.

Create Your Own Menu When You Fly Private 

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that more than 15% of American adults follow special diets. You may be counting calories, limiting carbs, eliminating meat, or watching your blood sugar. No matter what your personal needs are, your jet crew can help to tailor a menu that works for you. 

When you fly private, you’re given vast meal selections with plenty of customization options. You’re not required to choose from just one or two things. You can ensure that everything you’re served on the flight meets your very specific needs. 

Explore Element’s Private Jet Charter Services 

At Element Aviation, we provide extensive menus for our customers to choose from, and we love customization. There’s no request too large or too small for our crew to handle. Book your flight, and we’ll start talking about your menu right away. 

Contact us to book your trip and learn more about our offerings.