Hamburgers in First Class:
The Rise of Gourmet In-Flight Fast Food

Forget caviar and lobster—some of the world’s best airlines are now serving gourmet burgers in First Class. From juicy wagyu patties to truffle-infused brioche buns, high-end carriers are redefining luxury dining at 40,000 feet.

In this exclusive guide, we’ll explore:
✅ Which airlines serve burgers in First Class
✅ What makes these burgers special
✅ How in-flight gourmet burgers compare to ground-based dining
✅ The future of premium cabin comfort food

Which Airlines Serve Hamburgers in First Class?

While fine dining still dominates premium cabins, a few leading airlines have introduced high-end burgers as an option for discerning flyers.

1. Emirates – The “First Class Burger”

📍 Routes: Dubai to New York, London, Sydney
🍔 Burger Details:

  • Wagyu beef patty with aged cheddar
  • Black truffle brioche bun
  • Served with truffle fries and garlic aioli
    🍷 Pairing: Dom Pérignon or a signature Emirates cocktail

Why It Stands Out:
Emirates’ burger is a cult favorite among frequent flyers, blending gourmet ingredients with comfort food appeal.

2. Singapore Airlines – The “Wagyu Burger”

📍 Routes: Singapore to Los Angeles, London
🍔 Burger Details:

  • Japanese A5 wagyu patty
  • Caramelized onions and gruyère cheese
  • Toasted brioche with truffle mayo
    🍷 Pairing: Krug Grande Cuvée or a bespoke mocktail

Why It Stands Out:
Singapore Airlines elevates the burger experience with ultra-premium wagyu, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Qantas – The “First Class Aussie Burger”

📍 Routes: Sydney to Dubai, London
🍔 Burger Details:

  • Grass-fed Angus beef with beetroot relish
  • Smoked bacon and a fried egg
  • Served with sweet potato fries
    🍷 Pairing: Penfolds Grange or a craft beer

Why It Stands Out:
Qantas keeps it authentically Australian, offering a gourmet twist on a classic pub burger.

Why Are Airlines Serving Burgers in First Class?

1. Passenger Demand for Comfort Food

  • After years of multi-course fine dining, some travelers crave nostalgic, hearty meals.
  • A well-made burger provides familiar indulgence on long-haul flights.

2. Culinary Innovation

  • Airlines are competing to offer the most memorable in-flight meals.
  • A gourmet burger stands out more than another iteration of beef tenderloin.

3. Improved In-Flight Cooking Techniques

  • Modern aircraft galleys allow for better searing and toasting.
  • High-quality ingredients (like wagyu) retain flavor at altitude.

How Do In-Flight Burgers Compare to Ground Restaurants?

FactorIn-Flight BurgerTop Ground Burger (e.g., NYC’s Peter Luger)Meat Quality | Wagyu/Angus (high-end) | Dry-aged prime beef
Bun | Brioche, sometimes truffle-infused | Classic sesame or potato bun
Atmosphere | 40,000 feet, luxury cabin | Bustling steakhouse vibe
Price | Included in First Class fare (~$10K ticket) | 25–25–50 standalone

Verdict: While nothing beats a fresh-off-the-grill burger, airlines like Emirates and Singapore Airlines come surprisingly close.

The Future of First Class Dining: More Burgers?

As airlines experiment with casual luxury, expect more comfort food in premium cabins:
🔥 Gourmet pizzas (already tested by Etihad)
🔥 Lobster rolls (a hit on some Asian carriers)
🔥 Artisanal fried chicken (rumored for Delta’s revamped First Class)

Final Thoughts

Gone are the days when First Class meant stuffy, formal dining. Today’s luxury flyers can enjoy a perfectly cooked burger with Champagne—proving that indulgence comes in many forms.

Want to try one? Book a First Class ticket on:

Would you order a burger in First Class? Comment below! 🍔✈️