Airlines partner with popular eateries for enhanced inflight dining

United Airlines has partnered with Magnolia Bakery to offer its banana pudding dessert in first class on flights longer than 901 miles. This dessert is a frozen-to-thaw version called "Banana Pudding Wafer Cookie Bits." Despite some differences from the original recipe, it retains the essence of Magnolia's beloved treat.

Magnolia Bakery gained popularity through various pop culture references and has expanded beyond its original Manhattan location. Known initially for its cupcakes, the bakery's banana pudding has become equally famous.

JetBlue Airways has also engaged in partnerships to elevate its meal service. For its transatlantic service launched in 2021, JetBlue collaborated with Dig Inn to provide customizable meals in economy class. Although the offerings have since been scaled back to cold dishes only, passengers report satisfaction with the quality.

In JetBlue's Mint business-class cabin, hot meals are available through a partnership with Delicious Hospitality Group. The menu features dishes from Bar Pasquale and includes options like orecchiette with spicy vodka sauce and pan-roasted chicken with porcini.

These collaborations between airlines and restaurants aim to replicate familiar ground-based dining experiences at high altitudes while providing marketing benefits for both parties involved.