The Best In-Flight Coffees

With airlines across the globe constantly introducing new seating and more benefits across Economy, Business and First Classes – not to mention added amenities – the battle to find the best in-flight experience wages on. But finding the right cup of java in the air, particularly when you’re in need of a pre-jetlag boost, is crucial. That’s why we’ve scoured the skies and myriad in-flight menus to find you the best in-flight coffees. Thermos at the ready...

Singapore Airlines

Singapore started serving illy in 2013, upping its gourmet coffee game and the caffeine boost available for weary Business and First Class passengers. The Italian brew helps cabin crew serve more than 100,000 cups of coffee each month, and is renowned for its smooth taste, flecked with hints of chocolate, caramel and honey.

COFFEE BRAND: illy
COFFEE BEAN RATING: 5/5

Virgin Australia

What else? With a sophisticated taste and texture, Nespresso coffee is a great pairing for Virgin Australia and the refined feel that emanates from its A330 Business Class. In fact, Nespresso even worked with B/E Aerospace to get their in-flight blend just right, addressing altitude issues like foam and milk quality, coffee flow time and temperature, and coffee yield. Choose from signature Nespresso flavours like Ristretto Intenso, Espresso Forte and Espresso Decaffeinato.

COFFEE BRAND: Nespresso
COFFEE BEAN RATING: 4/5

Emirates

We love it when British brands go big, and that’s exactly what happened when Costa Coffee joined forces with Emirates. Now, getting a cup of Costa onboard is just like grabbing one from your local Costa shop. Or, if you’re lucky enough to be flying First Class, then you’ll be greeted by a steaming cup of hot Turkish coffee when you board. This aromatic nectar is served in a traditional Arabic coffee pot and tastes delightful.

COFFEE BRAND: Costa Coffee (and traditional Turkish brews in First)
COFFEE BEAN RATING: 3/5

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways doesn’t offer branded coffee; instead it serves an ethos in the form of its ‘Café Gourmand’ service. This First Class benefit will offer passengers a delicious coffee course within their meal times, accompanied by mini cookies, cakes, pastries and a glass of Cognac. What better way to celebrate the start of your holiday?

COFFEE BRAND: n/a
COFFEE BEAN RATING: 4/5

Qantas

Qantas First and Business Classes are both pretty impressive, but when hit with the news that they serve Vittoria Cinque Stelle and Bodum brews – both of which offer coffee at its finest – you can’t help but feel that this Aussie airline got the lion's share. Sample a freshly-ground French cup of Joe in Business (Bodum), or sip on a premium espresso blend, synonymous with fine dining, in First (Vittoria Cinque Stelle).

COFFEE BRAND: Vittoria Cinque Stelle (First Class); Bodum (Business)
COFFEE BEAN RATING: 5/5

British Airways

Okay, we’ll admit it, we don’t know what brand of coffee BA serves onboard. But it does serve something even better (in the eyes of any self-respecting Brit that is): Twinings tea. Choose from flavours like English breakfast, mint, camomile and green tea. It may not be coffee, but it’ll certainly keep you feeling fuelled and warm for the duration of your flight, not to mention like you're right at home. Like my mum always says: “a warm cup of tea will fix the world” – and just in time for your holiday too!

COFFEE BRAND: n/a
TEA LEAF RATING: 5/5

Tasted some fantastic coffee in the skies? Disagree with our verdicts? Tweet us @FlightCentre_UK or write on our Facebook wall – we’d love to hear your opinion. If you’d like to book a flight with any of the above mentioned airlines, speak to one of our Travel Experts about securing the best deal today.