Key Takeaways
• Alaska Airlines expanded fresh meal options on Main Cabin flights between 670 and 774 miles starting June 4, 2025.
• Passengers must pre-order meals up to 20 hours before departure via the Alaska Airlines app or website.
• First Class offers Chef’s (tray) Table program with Michelin-star chef Brandon Jew on select East Coast routes.
Alaska Airlines Expands Fresh Meal Options: What Travelers Need to Know
Alaska Airlines has rolled out a major expansion of its fresh meal options, making it easier for more passengers to enjoy high-quality food while flying. Starting June 4, 2025, the airline now offers its most popular fresh meals—including the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter and the Jetsetter’s Jam sandwich—on shorter flights. This move reflects Alaska Airlines’ ongoing effort to improve the travel experience and respond to what passengers want most.
This change affects travelers flying in the Main Cabin on routes between 670 and 774 miles, who can now pre-order these fresh meals. The expansion also comes with new choices for First Class passengers and more plant-based options for those with special diets. Alaska Airlines’ focus on fresh, regional ingredients and chef-designed menus sets it apart from many other U.S. carriers.
Let’s break down what these changes mean for travelers, how the new meal program works, and what to expect in the future.
What’s New: Fresh Meals on More Flights
Who is affected?
Main Cabin passengers on Alaska Airlines flights between 670 and 774 miles now have access to the airline’s most popular fresh meal options. This includes the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter and the Jetsetter’s Jam sandwich.
What’s available?
– Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter: A selection of local cheeses, crackers, fruit, and a chocolate truffle.
– Jetsetter’s Jam: A sandwich made with cashew butter and strawberry jam on croissant bread, served with fresh fruit and Tillamook cheddar cheese.
When did this start?
The expanded meal service began on June 4, 2025, which also happened to be National Cheese Day—a fitting date for a menu focused on cheese.
Where does this apply?
The new meal options are available on Alaska Airlines flights in the Main Cabin for routes between 670 and 774 miles. This covers many short-haul flights that previously did not offer fresh meal choices.
Why did Alaska Airlines make this change?
Passenger demand for better food options has been growing. The Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter alone makes up about 38-40% of all fresh food sales on Alaska Airlines flights. By expanding these choices to shorter flights, the airline is responding directly to what travelers want.
How does it work?
Passengers must pre-order their meals using the Alaska Airlines mobile app or website. Pre-orders can be made from two weeks up to 20 hours before departure.
The Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter: A Decade of Perfection
Alaska Airlines’ Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter is more than just a snack—it’s a carefully crafted meal that has been improved over the past 15 years. The platter includes:
- Five pieces of cheese from Washington and Oregon, featuring:
- A wedge of brie
- Two slices of Tillamook Sharp Cheddar
- Two slices of Beecher’s Flagship Handmade Cheese (aged naturally, no preservatives)
- Five large crackers
- Up to four apple slices
- A mix of green and purple grapes
- A chocolate truffle from Maeve, a chocolatier based in the Pacific Northwest
This platter is so popular that it accounts for nearly 40% of all fresh food sales on Alaska Airlines flights. The airline’s focus on local ingredients and quality has made this meal a favorite among travelers.
Jetsetter’s Jam: A New Favorite
The Jetsetter’s Jam sandwich is another highlight of Alaska Airlines’ fresh meal options. It features:
- Cashew butter and strawberry jam
- Croissant bread
- Fresh fruit
- Tillamook cheddar cheese
This meal is designed to be both satisfying and easy to eat while flying. Its mix of sweet and savory flavors, along with the use of high-quality ingredients, has quickly made it a popular choice.
First Class Dining: Chef’s (tray) Table Program
Alaska Airlines has also introduced a new dining program for First Class passengers called “Chef’s (tray) Table.” This program started on June 5, 2025, with pre-orders available from June 4. It is currently offered on flights between Seattle and three major East Coast airports:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
The Chef’s (tray) Table program builds on Alaska Airlines’ partnership with chef Brandon Jew, who owns the Michelin-starred Mister Jiu’s in San Francisco. Chef Jew’s Cantonese-inspired dishes, such as Tea-Smoked Soy Chicken, were first introduced in fall 2024 on select flights from San Francisco to the East Coast. By April 2025, these meals were available on more routes, including flights from San Francisco to Boston, Washington D.C., and Orlando.
This focus on chef-designed meals brings restaurant-quality food to the skies, giving First Class passengers a unique and memorable dining experience.
Plant-Based and Specialty Meal Options
Alaska Airlines recognizes that many travelers have special dietary needs or preferences. In response, the airline has added more plant-based and gluten-free options to its menu. On April 30, 2025, Alaska Airlines introduced “The Best Laid Plants” grain bowl for Main Cabin guests on flights over 1,100 miles. This meal is:
- 100% plant-based
- Gluten-free
It was created in partnership with Seattle-based Evergreens™ and includes:
- Chimichurri tofu
- Avocado
- Quinoa
- Mango habanero dressing (served on the side)
This new option shows Alaska Airlines’ commitment to offering meals that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.
How to Pre-Order Meals on Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines has one of the most advanced meal pre-order systems among U.S. airlines. Here’s how it works:
- Who can pre-order?
All passengers on flights with fresh meal options can pre-order, including those in the Main Cabin and First Class. -
How to pre-order:
- Use the Alaska Airlines mobile app or website
- Pre-order window opens two weeks before departure and closes 20 hours before the flight
- Why pre-order?
Pre-ordering ensures you get your preferred meal, as fresh meals are only available through this system. It also helps the airline reduce food waste by preparing only what is needed. -
Important note:
If you change your flight, your meal order does not automatically transfer. You will need to re-order for your new flight.
For more details on Alaska Airlines’ meal pre-order process, travelers can visit the official Alaska Airlines onboard food and drink page.
Industry Recognition and Comparison
Alaska Airlines’ focus on fresh, high-quality meals has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, the airline received top honors from Business Traveler for its dining program. This recognition puts Alaska Airlines at the forefront of inflight dining in the United States 🇺🇸.
Other airlines are also working to improve their food offerings. For example:
- Delta Air Lines partnered with Shake Shack in March 2025 to serve Shack Burgers on flights over 900 miles from select hubs.
- EVA Air added dumplings from Din Tai Fung on certain routes.
These moves show that airlines are paying more attention to what passengers want to eat, often working with well-known chefs and restaurants to create better meals.
Why Food Quality Matters for Travelers
Good food can make a big difference in how people feel about their flight. For many travelers, especially those on longer trips, having access to fresh, tasty meals can turn a routine flight into a more enjoyable experience.
Alaska Airlines’ approach—offering regional ingredients, chef-designed menus, and more choices for people with different diets—shows that the airline is listening to its customers. By making these changes, Alaska Airlines hopes to stand out from other carriers and build loyalty among travelers.
What’s Next for Alaska Airlines’ Meal Program?
Alaska Airlines has hinted that even more changes are coming, especially for First Class passengers. Todd Traynor-Corey, the airline’s managing director of guest products, said in April 2025:
“Later this spring, we’ll be revealing what’s next on the horizon and exclusive to our First Class guests. Get ready for more innovation, more flavor and more culinary artistry at 35,000 feet.”
As Alaska Airlines continues to improve its meal program, travelers can expect new menu items, more chef partnerships, and even better food on future flights.
The Bigger Picture: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska Air Group is in the process of integrating Hawaiian Airlines, which is expected to join the oneworld Alliance in 2026. This merger could bring even more changes to the onboard food and beverage program, possibly adding Hawaiian-inspired dishes to the menu.
This integration may give passengers more choices and introduce new flavors, reflecting the unique cultures of both airlines. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the combined airline could set a new standard for inflight dining by blending Alaska’s focus on regional ingredients with Hawaiian Airlines’ island-inspired cuisine.
What Passengers Should Do
If you’re flying with Alaska Airlines soon, here are some steps to make the most of the new meal options:
- Check your flight distance:
If your flight is between 670 and 774 miles, you can now pre-order the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter or Jetsetter’s Jam sandwich. -
Pre-order your meal:
Use the Alaska Airlines app or website to choose your meal up to two weeks before your flight. Remember, pre-ordering is the only way to get these fresh meals. -
Review your dietary needs:
If you need a plant-based or gluten-free meal, look for options like “The Best Laid Plants” grain bowl on longer flights. -
Double-check your order if you change flights:
If you rebook or change your flight, you’ll need to place a new meal order. -
Stay updated:
Watch for announcements about new menu items, especially if you’re flying First Class.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Passengers:
Travelers benefit from more meal choices, better quality food, and options that fit different diets. The pre-order system makes it easy to get the meal you want, but it does require some planning ahead.
For Alaska Airlines:
The airline strengthens its brand by focusing on food quality and customer satisfaction. This can help attract new customers and keep existing ones coming back.
For the Airline Industry:
Alaska Airlines’ changes may push other airlines to improve their own meal programs, leading to better food for travelers across the board.
For Chefs and Food Suppliers:
Partnerships with airlines give chefs and local food producers a chance to reach new customers and showcase their products.
Conclusion: A New Era for Inflight Dining
Alaska Airlines’ expansion of fresh meal options marks a big step forward for inflight dining in the United States 🇺🇸. By listening to passengers and working with top chefs and local suppliers, the airline is raising the bar for what travelers can expect when they fly.
With more changes on the horizon—including possible Hawaiian-inspired dishes after the merger with Hawaiian Airlines—Alaska Airlines is set to keep leading the way in airline food. For travelers, this means more choices, better quality, and a more enjoyable journey from takeoff to landing.
For more information on Alaska Airlines’ meal options and how to pre-order, visit the official Alaska Airlines food and drink page.
As the airline industry continues to evolve, passengers can look forward to even more improvements in the years ahead. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your first trip, Alaska Airlines’ focus on fresh meal options, including favorites like the Jetsetter’s Jam, is sure to make your next flight a little more delicious.
Learn Today
Main Cabin → The standard economy seating section on Alaska Airlines flights accessible to most travelers.
Pre-order → Ordering a meal in advance, typically before the flight’s departure, to guarantee availability onboard.
Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter → A popular Alaska Airlines fresh meal featuring local cheeses, crackers, fruit, and a chocolate truffle.
Chef’s (tray) Table → An Alaska Airlines First Class dining program offering chef-designed meals by Michelin-starred Brandon Jew.
Plant-based meal → A meal made entirely from plants with no animal products, catering to dietary preferences and restrictions.
This Article in a Nutshell
Alaska Airlines broadened fresh meal offerings on shorter flights, starting June 4, 2025. Travelers now pre-order favorites like the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter and Jetsetter’s Jam sandwich for enhanced inflight dining experiences in Main Cabin and First Class with chef-curated menus.
— By VisaVerge.com
