In late 2024, Delta Air Lines announced a new collaboration for its first class dining. We’ve progressively seen this offered from more airports, and there’s now an update, as the number of eligible airports has been expanded considerably.
Continue reading: Delta & Shake Shack Partner To Serve Burgers Inflight: Now From 12 Airports
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I’m here once again on behalf of those who can’t eat dairy to stop putting cheese on every airline meal possible
I personally really enjoy shake shack though when I fly Delta from JFK T4, there are 2 shake shack locations there so I would not eat it on the plane.
But aside from In-and-Out, Shake Shack is always consistent.
If Delta will use the very same cooking technology Shake Shack uses, then this is interesting. If not...
(I can't believe I get to be the first!)
...it's a NothingBurger.
HAHA, "Premium" Airline serves fast food. You are just going to see Shake Shack loading precooked burgers into the ovens. This is a joke. After yesterdays announcement of DL upgrading food they plan to offer this. One commenter stated "DL is going after the international market" they shall remain nameless, but imagine AF Premier Class serving McDonalds!
One of the greatest interactions I've ever heard on a plane. 1st class FA: We have a chicken enchilada or a shrimp salad. Passenger: Oh, which is better? FA: They look very different and taste exactly the same. This sums up my general experience with airline food from international first class and business to Spirit. I love you Ben but I never care about the food part of reviews because none of it matters.
Delta need to drop its predilection for smothering its on-board hot meals with cheese to try to disguise how disgusting they are. There’s no hiding it. My last flight on Delta there was not a single meal offered that was not disgusting and did not have cheese all over it.
Haven't had a Shake Shack since 2018. I liked their burgers, but how well that translate into a Delta's in-flight meal is... let's see.
Reminds of me the times when JAL served a Mos Burger (Japanese burger franchise) as a meal in economy class in early 2010s.
Amen to that! I absolutely hate cheese. I even order pizza without cheese. But airlines seem to love the stuff which can be frustrating when traveling. There are non dairy special meals but some of those are quite ghastly. My usual go-to is to order a Kosher meal, since they do not combine meat and dairy together.
Generally big brands stay away from partnerships like this because the execution and quality varies so much out of their direct control. Maybe Delta has magic ovens that'll make this come out much better than any other time this has been tried?
Nothing says PREMIUM and LUXURY on a $4,000 Delta One ticket or $1,700 domestic first-class ticket than a fast-food burger. If tiny Air Baltic and [now-defunct] Czech Airlines can offer up extensive pre-order selections equivalent to a brasserie, so can Delta.
I would not be surprised if it isn't even real Shake Shack. Delta and Delta's catering contractor(s) are probably just licensing the Shake Shack name and will serve a burger that looks like what Shake Shack serves but isn't necessarily coming directly from Shake Shack. You see this all the time when Delta touts a local chef. It's always described as "inspired by chef [name]'s restaurant."
Every airline should offer a burger that best aligns with its brand or home region:
Delta & Shake Shack
American & Whataburger
United & McDonalds
Alaska & In-n-Out
Spirit & White Castle
Hawaiian & Big Kahuna Burger
I actually like this a lot. Seems like something Jetblue would do instead of Delta.
If Delta offered these burgers in economy class for $10, they would sell like hot cakes.
You sampled every meal option to see if it was "disgusting" or not, or are you just the whiny type who'd say that about every option regardless?
Their stock price and international expansion indicates they're insanely popular. Have you been living under a rock since 2012?
Hell, ShakeShack themselves barely sell them for $10. Have you eaten there? Almost need a small personal loan!
These feels risky for ShakeShack reputation wise and I agree with Lucky that burgers on a plane just don't work.
Uh oh. You expressed your opinion on not being a burger fan. Hopefully, Shake Shake doesn't have video footage of you ordering McDonald's! 😉
Burger King would obviously be affiliated with Royal Jordanian or Royal Air Maroc.
Like the old saying goes "Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded"
Shake Shack is rather downmarket at this point
I could deal with that cheeseburger meal instead some of the strange stuff served in AA domestic first. It's airplane food. A burger will suffice.
If I'm Shake Shack, I'm not sure slapping my pristine brand on a reheated airplane burger is the best PR move.
@ MildMidwesterner - first, LMAO at the Burker King reply.
Second, I think Alaska would be better off partnered with Burgerville, a Portland-area staple. Or Taco Time!
Can I say ... yuck?
This is what North American "first" class has become, reduced to offering cuts of meat of such bad quality that they have to be ground in order to be served?
I agree with Alonzo that it should be something they sell to economy class passengers.
Ridicolous.
Agree. Noting screams premium less than cuts of meats of such bad quality that have to be ground up in order to be served.
You choose to fly the wrong airlines. Most of them (outside of North America ones) serve excellent food.
Couldn't agree more.
US ultraprocessed cheese is cheap, cheap and cheap and adds taste to the worst, tasteless, pieces of proteins.
Agree with Joker, disgusting. Typical of all US airlines. I would rather eat my own testicles than the food they serve on board Delta, United or American. Singapore or Japan airlines any day of the week
I eat there monthly. The burger price doesn’t seem to be affecting their stock price or international expansion. There are Shake Shack's EVERYWHERE now.
Save your complaints for Five Guys.
Delta - going with Shake Shack (started in Manhattan) instead of the home town Varsity. Another example of how Delta is neglecting its Atlanta roots.
fair, but not many people know what Varsity is outside Atlanta. Shake Shack is far more known in the US
who is still waiting in line to order Shake Shack? The days of people waiting to do that are far far in the past.
But, sure, of course it's better quality than McDonald's for the meat. The french fries? Pretty sure they get those krinkle kut fries straight out of the Kroger frozen aisle
Nobody is waiting in line cause you can just order on the app lol. Geez Julie, unthaw from the stone age.
We understand you dislike SS but the broader population enjoys it. Hence the massive global expansion. Companies don't expand because there isn't demand.
looks like a whole lot of people didn't bother to read this is a pre-select option.
If you don't want it, there will be another choice.
We could also stop using bread in a burger for those who can´t eat bread, or meat for those who doesn´t eat meat, and veggies for those that doesn´t like veggies 🙂
Dumb@ss, I'm not talking about their fiscal well-being, I'm saying that there's no way a third party is going to retail them cheaper than the corporate home.
you always give yourself away because no one else on this forum routinely talks about testicles in their posts
Two kinds of U.S. airlines:
1. advertise a plane burger as the most premium invention in the world and charge you $200 more and if you are their top published member, maybe $10000
2. hand out sad boxes on domestic first, and offer mini, not-really-lie-flat on their long haul with ~30yo plane and still price it 2 or 3 grands.
WAIT A MINUTE, maybe they could be the same airline!
I actually quite like this concept, as it’s pre order I would probably go for it. I prefer tapas style eating these days, lots of small tasty bite sized items, I would rather have a good meal in the lounge and then just have snack style meals on board.
Yes, for anyone for *pays* for Delta One or domestic First out of BOS, followed by other markets. Those who get the elite upgrades that don’t exist won’t have the option. Blessing or curse, only they can decide.
Considering how hit or miss the green chile cheeseburger was.... I imagine this is not going to be the premium dining experience the new catering director thinks it is... Don't get me started on the "neopolitan pepperoni pizza" experiment....
Those Varsity "Sliders" would be great on flights out of ATL. Flying Fart Machines!
Sorry, I don't get the comparison. I serve you choice meat, and you ask what if [fill in top steakhouse] served select grade.
You must buy awful stuff. I rather look forward to steak tartare on visits to France.
Too bad you can't get it without the cheese for the Lactose intolerant crowd.
Would be nice for DL to offer chili dogs from The Varsity, a home town favorite.
As someone who likes Shake Shack, I am intrugued - but have very, very low optimism on the actual burger served on the plane tasting anything close to the burger grilled live at a real Shake Shack.
But honestly, credit Delta for the tie-in.
I'm an Atlanta native and have zero qualms stating Varsity burgers are absolutely overcooked garbage. Think about how atrocious they look traveling 100 feet from the restaurant to your car, then imagine the presentation a day later on a plane. It would be a horror show online.
Now, if they wanted to really go for it, you figure out how to pull off Holeman & Finch burgers and sell them for $25.
BurgerKing was born out of Miami and, I believe, is still headed out of Miami.
So, that would make AA = BK
(Do not even know what a Whataburger is)
Lol someone said 10 dollars?! Brother. It's like almost 9 dollars already on dry land. They need to sell it at like 15.
You act like global expansion is the sign of a quality meal. It's actually quite the opposite meaning it's gone to that stage in a chain when they aren't deemed quality and so the brand is going all out on quantity to create growth.
Stock price has nothing to do with it. If it were, we'd be looking at YUM brands or McDonalds for quality food.
We get it. You don't live in a place where you know much about quality, but Shake Shack just isn't the brand it was ten years ago.
As I read the article I kept thinking it was JetBlue doing this, perhaps because JetBlue is more likely to do innovative partnerships and because both JetBlue (corporate HQ and main hub) and Shake Shack are from NYC.
Just what America needs. More processed food and obesity.
Make Americans Giant Again
Yay! I recently tried the Shake Shack burger on BOS-SFO and while I’m not generally a fast food fan, and would never otherwise order a burger on a flight, this was delightful. It tasted great (reheated well, actually) and there was something kind of cool about having Shake Shack on a flight.
I just wish United would try even 50% as hard as Delta…haven’t had anything remotely edible in domestic United First lately
highly amusing to note Tim Dunn's comment on https://onemileatatime.com/insights/united-airlines-first-class-burger-fries/ from August 29, 2023 at 9:57 am:
you truly do wonder what possesses United to think they can execute a burger and fries well on a plane. For the reasons that are noted in the article, it is impossible to make a pre-assembled heated sandwich taste good and be anywhere near comparable to a freshly prepared and served burger. I'm with Ben. A wholesome salad with warm bread is a good domestic first class meal. and contrary to what some people believe, commercial aircraft ovens are CONVECTION ovens - fan-forced hot air - not microwaves and not steam ovens.
Now, on this thread, he's all "oh, you can pick another option if you want." the hypocrisy is so real. it's really sad. Tim, we want you to get help and/or take Action
Culver's is as Midwest as you can get. The abominable B6 doesn't recognize the existence of the Midwest.
I’ll bite DS ….
Some people have a keen sense of humour, however, no culinary taste or they would obviously choose BA over DL. A better choice for a better food and flight experience, yes?
In fact you could eat a bull calf’s testicles since Rocky Mountain Oysters are a delicacy in the western USA and South America. United could offer them from DEN SFO and LAX.
I agree. Being Jewish, I don't do cheeseburgers (eating milk and meat together). I would love a Shake Shack burger, but without the cheese. I don't know why everywhere a burger is offered it always comes with cheese.
Other than a few select transcons first domestic food sucks and has seen a decline since COVID nonsense. I would not expect any major improvements and a burger seems fine. BTW it's pre order so you're not forced to eat it Airline food even the food on long haul is not healthy. Never has been. One can always bring their own food.
The second photo looks more like what a typical shake shack burger looks like when recived than the top one lol
This is fantastic and great that our airlines are taking pride in American Heritage. For many years we have had too much woke ‘fusion’, spicy dishes and forcing foreign food on us. I am allowed an opinion even if I am bullied for saying it.
besides your fakery, I am still w/ Ben. I would rather have something else than a reheated hamburger, regardless of the airline.
hamburgers are for the backyard grill or fresh from the company that made them.
wow - this is as close as we will ever get to him admitting Delta isn't perfect!!!
I am struck by the large number of people who seem to like Shake Shack.
For me the applicable rule is 3 strikes and you are Out (Shake Shack)! Now if it were Habit, or Smash Burger, or Five Guys - they might have something.
Delta just keeps proving why it’s the best airline in existence. While other airlines are out here serving mystery meat, Delta is out here dishing up Shake Shack—because they actually care about their passengers. And let’s not forget, they’re saving the planet at the same time. Gourmet burgers and eco-friendly flying? Honestly, it’s almost unfair how much better Delta is than everyone else.
But Dim! Everyone who knows anything about the airline industry knows only too well that DL is far from perfect. Furthermore, a reheated burger only goes to highlight the inadequacy of the carrier.
I'm glad that you a food you really like. I like a really good burger myself, though have never had Shake Shake. I'll go over the line and even say that I don't like In-n-Out.
Other people have their favorite foods as well. I love a lot of different I like, but my waistline doesn't.
It has nothing to be about "woke", people just enjoy different foods. That's where you became really beyond silly.
Enjoy a burger for dinner, maybe I will too.
In Addison TX, the Shakeshack has a notice on the door: "Truffles inside - please do not break the glass".
Is that particular to that branch, or general?
I do go there and eat that truffle burger quite a lot.
I would have thought that for First Class, even Domestic, that is the burger they should serve?
Hank, I'm gonna hold your hand when I gently tell you that hamburgers came from Germany.
I wonder what the business and financial relationship between the two companies to offer this. This is something you don't discuss. I also wonder if it will do well for Shake Shack or if their burgers will feel and taste like other plane burgers. I guess it is a matter of time before they start selling in economy.
I don't do dairy so I'd like this better if it was just a hamburger with everything including cheese on the side.
To me, this honestly seems more risky on Shake Shack's side. Burgers are something that notoriously do not package well for flights. They can get soggy, look gross, be off.
Best case you're getting something similar to the quality of a Shake Shack burger grilled to order. But the worse case is so, so, so much more likely.
Cathay Pacific, among others, prove you can offer a good burger on airplane in business class.
"woke ‘fusion’, spicy dishes and forcing foreign food"
How is any of that "woke"? I have a feeling "woke" to you means "America's changing demographics terrify me"...
It's bad enough Americans eat this fast food crap at drive in. NOw they're shoving in our faces on airplanes!! Better make those seats extra wide for our fat asses.
MOS Burger and JAL have been doing this for years in Economy and Premium Economy. This makes sense on flights abroad so give people a take of Japan. However I don’t feel same way with Delta and Shake Shack. I definitely appreciate your excitement. But think about it this way, if you saw a burger and chips on menu at a restaurant, would you really go for the cheeseburger? It’s worth considering the overall monetary value of your choice when flying first class.
Imagine transferring from Air France La Première’s Alain Ducasse and Arnaud Lallement to Delta First Class - Shake Shack
It's bad enough Dinosaurs still believe we eat at a drive in. NOw they're running our country. Better make those prison extra small for all the pardons.
Curious how Delta will source the burgers for each airport. At MSP for example, there is a Shake Shack in the main terminal so wondering if that location would be providing the burgers to the flights leaving that airport. In my opinion, biggest challenge with burgers on a plane is the bread since it will get soggy if re-heated.
Should be really nice to arrive wherever for an important business meeting with our clothes stinking of someone else's burger.......eeeuuu
Continental Airlines had an amazing Cheeseburger on longer flights and I seem to remember it was also available in Y Class. It re-heated quite well.
It would have to be catered to the aircraft and that doesn’t come from a gate agent running down to the shake shack.
They’re just going to be frozen in a plastic or foil container, delivered by catering, then reheated on the aircraft for passengers.
Bravo ! Vive la difference ! ...l An accurate metaphor for the cultural 'nuances' of the countries ! .. lol
Once again. Buying something at the airport is going to be miles better than this!!!
Don't hold your breath. Airlines will be charging more for the weight penalty of Americans' fat arsses !
Good point. And the chips hardly scream a 'discerning', 'La Premiere' gastronomic experience ! Although French fries don't fly well, either. Fortunately there are other unappetizing options..
"Again" ? ... They already are GIANT ! Look at the existing rates of obesity & diabetes, for example ...
Most certainly, I'd take the 'BA experience' anyday with a nude, dancing, drug addled F/A !
Shake Shack food is sub-par. Not good. Do a burger but not from a fast food chain.
I ordered it SEA-PHX with high expectations. I was disappointed. The whole meal seemed designed by an accountant: smallish burger, tiny salad, and a packed brownie. The regular Delta meal (my flying partner got the meatballs) was far more substantial and included a fresh, plated dessert which she raved about. I’ll pass on Shake Shack on Delta next time.
@Timo Do you mean like how AA did the burgers before it was pulled for being too popular? Haha. They could just do something fresher and healthier.
@Planes reheat airport food is too overpriced and not even that good. Might as well save money and just bring your own snacks or meals like your own homemade burgers on domestic flights. Though, I am now reminded of the woman who brought her own seafood platter, hehe.
I agree. Whenever I'm at Shake Shack, I wish I had bought In-n-out for 50% of the price and 30% less gratuitous oil.
Quality airline news must be extremely slow currently. This is another attempt to regurgitate an article published back in March, to fool the readers into believing that it is something quite new.
A regurgitated article is much like an aircraft served burger …. guaranteed to bite back Ben.
Food topics really bring out the fascinating commenter responses.
I remember when Shake Shack first popped up in Madison Square Park. My coworker and I, who used to sit there every weekday in our early 20s chain-smoking and lamenting our low-paying jobs at nearby agencies, were likely two of the first customers when they walked around handing out free samples. A few months later, the lines were out to 23rd Street, which is amazing in hindsight, considering the lack of smartphones and social apps in that era.
(Personally the best fast-food burger IMO is In-N-Out and it's not close.)
I have worked with Danny Meyer and he is not only a genuinely nice dude but also incredibly savvy. So it's another win for his brand and legacy. But speaking as a lover of fast food and air travel, the more obvious play for DL would have been Chick-Fil-A, since that stuff reheats brilliantly and has the geographic connection. Of course, the optics wouldn't be great for some of the more reactionary.
Wonderful - this is so First Class - well in the US perhaps - didn’t I read about this like many months ago