The simple delights of the business class ice cream sundae

You’ll probably be making a New Year’s Resolution about losing weight, eating healthy etc in 2026. And good for you.

But the next time you're flying business class with one of America’s Big Three international airlines, we think you can bend the rules a little.

That’s because a hallmark of the dinner service on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines remains the dessert trolley, and more specifically, the ice cream sundae.

While other carriers generally offer polite squares of cake or a sensible cheese plate, these airlines delight in indulging your inner eight-year old.

After your main course is cleared away, the dessert trolley is wheeled out of the galley to begin its tantalising rattle along the aisle.

And while it’s stocked with conventional sweet treats and cheese platters, a “made-to-order” ice cream sundae remains a signature touch.

Delta's ice cream sundae toppings includes a must-have Bischoff crumble.

It’s always hard to go past those scoops of ice cream served in a glass coupe with your choice of toppings – from the standbys of chocolate or caramel fudge sauce, M&Ms, whipped cream and cherries to almonds, strawberries and Oreo flakes.

Some passengers have even made their own customisations, such as the popular request for a drizzle of Baileys or Kahlua spirits.

American Airlines builds its ice cream sundaes on a rock-hard scoop of premium vanilla (often Häagen-Dazs), but the hero is the hot fudge.

This isn’t a squirt of lukewarm chocolate sauce – it’s a proper, thick, viscous fudge that melts the ice cream on contact.

Delta Air Lines’ approach is slightly more developed, leaning into texture-heavy toppings like Biscoff cookie crumble or a sour cherry compote.

On United Airlines, every day is Sundae.

On United Airlines, the Polaris Sundae Cart has its own headline in the Sky-High Caramel Cloud: a bespoke creation using Tillamook caramel toffee crunch ice cream.

In an era where business class seats are becoming increasingly same-same – everyone has a door, a big video screen and direct aisle access – the soft product is where an airline can express its own sense of personality.

The ice cream sundae breaks the monotony of the long-haul flight, offers a rare moment of personalised interaction with the crew, and can also serve as a reminder that travel is supposed to be enjoyable.

After all, there are no calories above the clouds, right?