As an international student, my past year at Bocconi has been interspersed by frequent journeys at the airport. And all internationals will agree when I say that airport food is not only expensive, but it is also quite flavorless. And it is more so with airplane food!
First step: the food court
When arriving at Malpensa, you are greeted with a food court consisting mostly of McDonald's and popular Italian chain restaurants. Great, you say, as you think you will get to enjoy a good meal. But don't be fooled: to start with, the choice is greatly reduced compared to in-town branches. The menu is the same, but if you try to ask for something different than a simple Big Mac or Margherita, you will be immediately stopped by the cashier ("not available today!"). And when the bill comes, don't be surprised if it is more than half of what it usually is: they know you have no other choice but to come here.
When you're finally served, after a long wait in an overcrowded room, don't expect to eat sitting at one of their too few tables. At least, this means you get to enjoy your overpriced meal next to their windows and watch planes as they come and go.
Second step: airplane food
If you have not yet eaten, you will get to experience airplane food. Unfortunately, very few companies offer free snacks and drinks. Yes, you even have to pay for water. If you still want to try a drink, lowest prices usually go for 3 euros. Weirdly enough, a few alcoholic drinks are sold for only 2.50 euros… Some companies even offer Spritz!
For sure, you will also soon complain about its lack of flavor. But this actually has a scientific back-up. Studies have found that, at altitude, our perception of sweet and salty tastes decreases by 30%, due to air conditioning and a higher pressure. On top of that, the sinuses will tend to swell, reducing your sense of smell… the same that happens when you catch a cold. Finally, noise plays a key role in your enjoyment of a meal. It has been found that the constant background noise of the engine alters sweet flavors compared to eating in complete silence. Buying noise canceling headphones could be a smart choice for your next trip!
Tess Mimoun
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