Kamil Perry
If you're looking to elevate your next plane ride, a cheese platter is a great option. While it may seem counterintuitive to enjoy a cheese platter at 30,000 feet, it's actually one of the best in-flight foods you can buy. Many airlines offer cheese platters as part of their in-flight menu, including Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue, and United. These platters typically include a variety of cheeses, crackers, fruits, and sometimes even chocolate. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also create your own cheese platter to enjoy on the plane. Just be mindful of any restrictions on bringing food on board, and remember to choose cheeses that don't require constant refrigeration and avoid strong-smelling varieties to avoid offending your fellow passengers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines offering cheese platters | Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue, United |
| Types of cheese served on airlines | Beecher's Flagship, Brie, Tillamook Sharp Cheddar, Herbed Havarti, Creamy Dutch Hollow Dulcet, Jamaican Jerk-seasoned No Woman, Smoked Gouda, ParmCrisps, Copper Cowbell, Blue Cheese, Monterey Jack |
| Other items served with cheese | Crackers, Fruits, Nuts, Bread, Honey, Meat, Chocolate, Wine |
| Cheese platter preparation tips | Include a variety of flavors, textures, and intensities of cheese, with at least one familiar cheese |
| Cheese types allowed on planes | Solid cheeses, sliced cheese, string cheese, cheese cubes, wedges of solid cheese, creamy and spreadable cheeses |
| TSA rules for cheese | Allowed in carry-on baggage in any amount; creamy and spreadable cheeses limited to 3.4 oz or less |
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What You'll Learn
Airlines that offer cheese platters
While it may seem strange to have a cheese platter on a plane, several airlines offer them in-flight. Here are some airlines that offer cheese platters:
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers a signature fruit and cheese platter as part of its in-flight dining options. The platter typically includes five pieces of cheese, five large crackers, apple slices, grapes, and a chocolate truffle. The airline also offers hot meals and drinks, and they are conscious of using recyclable materials for their food packaging.
Air Canada
Air Canada offers a herbed havarti cheese platter with lavash crackers and red grapes.
JetBlue
JetBlue offers a creamy Dutch Hollow Dulcet and "Jamaican Jerk-seasoned No Woman” cheese platter with honey.
United Airlines
United Airlines provides a smoked Gouda cheese option from Gilman Cheese, served with oven-baked ParmCrisps and the Copper Cowbell cheese spread.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines offers a cheese platter that includes Murray's French Brie, Irish Cheddar, and Pecorino Calabrese, paired with gala apple wedges and flatbread.
When preparing a cheese platter for a plane ride, it is important to avoid strong-smelling cheeses and include at least one familiar type of cheese, such as cheddar, to cater to different preferences. Cheeses that are aged or have lower moisture content, such as certain blue cheeses, can be stored at room temperature for a limited time if properly wrapped.
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How to prepare a cheese platter at home and take it on a plane
Preparing a cheese platter at home and taking it on a plane is a great way to enjoy a tasty, classy treat during your journey. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Choose the Right Cheeses
Select a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours to make your platter interesting and appealing. Go for firm or semi-firm cheeses such as aged white cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Gruyère, Dubliner, or Manchego. Include some spreadable or soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or soft goat cheese. If you want to add some funkiness, consider a strong blue cheese like Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort. Remember to avoid stinky cheeses that might be unpleasant for your fellow passengers.
Select Accompaniments
A good cheese platter has a balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy elements. Include something sweet like honey, jam, or dried and fresh fruits such as grapes, apples, or pears. For crunch, add nuts, crispy chickpeas, or crackers. Olives or cornichons can provide a salty contrast. If you want to add meat, go for Italian cured meats, which have a longer shelf life without refrigeration.
Prepare and Pack Your Platter
Take the cheese out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving. Use a large, flat board, such as a wooden cutting board, a serving platter, or even a simple dinner plate. Arrange the fruits and cheeses on your platter and fill in the gaps with the other components. If you're taking the platter on a plane, wrap the cheeses tightly in wax paper or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Use a bag that will keep your platter and its contents chilled and insulated during your travel.
Enjoy Your Cheese Platter
When serving, have some butter knives, cocktail forks, or toothpicks handy for spreading and slicing. If you're on the plane, pair your cheese platter with some crackers, a glass of red wine, and perhaps some chocolate for a truly indulgent in-flight experience!
Remember to be mindful of any airline regulations regarding bringing outside food on board, and always follow food safety guidelines to ensure your cheese platter stays fresh and safe to consume during your journey.
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How to store cheese without refrigeration
A cheese platter is a great option for plane rides, and some airlines even offer them as in-flight meals. While preparing a cheese platter, it is important to remember to include familiar flavours like cheddar, along with other complex cheeses. It is also recommended to avoid stinky cheeses and opt for those with lower moisture content, as they tend to last longer without refrigeration.
When it comes to storing cheese without refrigeration, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, hard cheeses, such as aged cheddars and Gouda, are better suited for storage without refrigeration compared to soft cheeses. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, making it harder for bacteria to grow. Additionally, saltier cheeses can also last longer without refrigeration.
To extend the shelf life of cheese without refrigeration, it is recommended to wrap the cheese tightly in wax or parchment paper, or store it in an airtight container. Proper sealing helps to prevent exposure to air, contaminants, and moisture loss. It is also important to store the cheese in a cool, dry place, as temperature and humidity can impact its shelf life.
Some specific types of cheese that can be stored without refrigeration include aged grana cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, which has a low moisture content and was originally developed for worldwide shipping. Blue cheeses like Roquefort and Gorgonzola can also be stored at room temperature for a limited time if they are properly wrapped. Additionally, cheeses with a natural rind, or those encased in wax or vacuum-sealed, tend to have a longer shelf life.
While storing cheese without refrigeration, it is important to regularly check for any signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. Soft cheeses, in particular, should be discarded if left unrefrigerated for more than two hours, as they have a higher risk of bacterial growth. Hard cheeses can typically be consumed safely even after being left unrefrigerated for a few hours, but the quality and taste may be impacted.
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The benefits of eating cheese on a plane
Eating cheese on a plane can be a delightful experience, and it may even provide some benefits for travellers. Here are some advantages of indulging in a cheese platter while soaring through the skies:
- A Tasty Treat: Cheese is a versatile and delicious food, offering a range of flavours and textures to tantalise your taste buds during a long flight. From creamy Brie to sharp Cheddar and smoky Gouda, there's a cheese to suit every preference.
- Convenience and Class: Cheese plates are a convenient option for in-flight dining. They are easy to eat with your hands, and you can enjoy them at your own pace. Plus, there's something undeniably classy about savouring a cheese platter at 30,000 feet, adding a touch of elegance to your journey.
- Nutritional Benefits: Cheese platters often include grapes, which are high in antioxidants, helping to prevent chronic diseases. They also typically feature multigrain crackers, packed with B vitamins and fibre, ensuring your digestive system stays happy during the flight.
- A Filling Snack: Cheese is a filling and satisfying snack, providing protein and healthy fats to keep you energised during your travels. It's a great way to curb hunger pangs without resorting to less nutritious options.
- Travel-Friendly: Some cheeses are well-suited for travel, especially aged or low-moisture varieties, which can last longer without refrigeration. This makes them ideal for plane rides, where refrigeration options are limited.
So, the next time you're packing for a trip or perusing an in-flight menu, consider making a cheese platter part of your travel experience. It's a tasty, nutritious, and convenient option that can elevate the ordinary plane ride into something a little more special.
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Types of cheese to avoid on a plane
If you're planning to bring a cheese platter on a plane, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a pleasant experience for yourself and your fellow passengers. Firstly, it's essential to avoid strong-smelling cheeses. While these cheeses may be delicious, they can be overpowering in the confined space of an aircraft. Opt for cheeses with more subtle aromas to avoid offending anyone's senses.
Secondly, consider the duration of your flight and the temperature sensitivity of the cheese. Aged and hard cheeses with lower moisture content, such as Cheddar and Swiss, tend to have a longer shelf life at room temperature, making them ideal for air travel. On the other hand, soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and cream cheese are more perishable and should be consumed within a few hours if not properly refrigerated. If you're bringing cheese on a longer flight, consider using ice or frozen gel packs to keep them cool, ensuring they are completely frozen when passing through airport security.
Additionally, when creating your cheese platter, include a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours. Aim for at least one outstanding, unique cheese to add interest to your platter, along with some familiar favourites like Cheddar to cater to a range of tastes.
Finally, be mindful of the regulations regarding bringing food onto an aircraft, especially when travelling internationally. Some countries have strict rules about bringing dairy products across borders. Always check the regulations of your destination country before packing your cheese platter. When in doubt, opt for purchasing a cheese platter in-flight, offered by many airlines as a tasty treat during your journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring cheese on a plane, but there are some rules to follow. The TSA will allow cheese through airport security in carry-on baggage, but the rules vary depending on the type of cheese. Solid cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Gouda, can be taken in any amount that fits your carry-on baggage allowance. Creamy and spreadable cheeses, like Brie and cream cheese, are considered liquids by the TSA and are limited to individual quantities of 3.4 ounces or less.
When choosing cheeses for a plane ride, consider options that don't have a strong odour to avoid unpleasant smells in the confined space of the plane. Go for cheeses that can last longer without refrigeration, such as aged or low-moisture cheeses. Examples include Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, and Gouda.
Yes, several airlines offer cheese platters as part of their in-flight dining options. Alaska Airlines offers a Signature Fruit and Cheese Platter, which includes cheeses like Beecher's Flagship, Brie, and Tillamook Sharp Cheddar, along with crackers, fruit, and wine. Air Canada also offers a cheese platter with herbed havarti and red grapes. Other airlines like JetBlue and United also offer cheese plates with a variety of cheeses and accompaniments.
In addition to cheese, you can include crackers, bread, nuts, dried fruit, and meats in your cheese platter. These items provide texture and flavour variety, making your platter more interesting and enjoyable. Just be mindful of any restrictions on bringing outside food and drinks onto the plane and follow the airline's guidelines.
Yes, if you're looking for other food options besides a cheese platter, there are plenty of alternatives. You can opt for sealed snacks, sandwiches, or explore other in-flight dining options offered by the airline. Some people enjoy creating their own charcuterie boards with various meats, fruits, nuts, and garnishes, adding a touch of indulgence to their plane ride.
