A disgruntled airline passenger has criticized a carrier after being served what he described as the “worst sandwich” he has ever encountered, prompting him to reconsider flying with the airline in the future.

Oisín Breen, traveling from Dublin, Ireland, to Toronto, Canada, on an Aer Lingus flight in December 2025, was en route to meet his fiancé’s family in Jamaica. His journey took a sour note when his in-flight meal fell far short of expectations.

Approximately five hours into the seven-hour journey, the 40-year-old passenger received a cheese and relish sandwich, which he had chosen as his second meal’s vegetarian option.

Breen was taken aback by what he perceived as the poor quality of the meal provided.

Photos reveal a sandwich so small it was scarcely larger than Breen’s thumb, with only a thin slice of cheese and a hint of relish between the bread.

Residing in Edinburgh, Scotland, the journalist and poet labeled the snack as the “world’s worst sandwich,” expressing his disappointment in no uncertain terms.

He explained: ‘Frankly, it would have been better not to feed us, just to ditch the in-flight meal concept entirely.

‘The sandwich was atrocious, probably the worst I’ve ever seen in my life, but equally, it wasn’t really a sandwich. It lacked the basic quality of what it is to be a sandwich. 

Oisín Breen was flying from Dublin, Ireland, to Toronto, Canada in December 2025 when he was handed a cheese and relish sandwich as part of his in-flight meal 

Shocking photos show that the ‘miniature’ sandwich was barely longer than the passenger’s thumb

‘The bread was miniature and dry as hell. The relish was spread on one fifth of one side of the bread. Essentially you got a corner of relish and the cheese was unpalatable and just one miniature slice.

‘So dry bread, a faint mist of relish, and ghastly cheese. Michael O’Leary wouldn’t ever serve such bilge.’

Oisín’s flight had been booked with American Airlines and operated by Aer Lingus. The two carriers have a strong partnership and codeshare agreement, meaning passengers can book flights with one airline and fly on the other.  

After complaining to the flight attendant, who agreed that half the meal was ‘missing’, Oisín is now considering avoiding Aer Lingus entirely after his disappointing in-flight dining experience.

He said: ‘My reaction was laughter, then irritation. It was 100% the worst sandwich I’ve ever had.

‘It was atrocious. I complained to the air hostess who, at first, thought I was just moaning on but then she laughed and said “yeah, I’m sorry about that, you can’t help but think where’s the rest of it gone, right?”

‘I’m contemplating never flying with them again, largely because I’d appreciate honesty. If they’re still claiming to be a proper carrier, do the job properly.

‘World’s worst sandwich is a big claim but it’s up there. It was inedible.’

The sandwich contained a measly slice of cheese and a smidge of relish on a quarter of the slice of bread 

Oisín is now considering avoiding Aer Lingus entirely after his ‘atrocious’ dining experience

A spokesperson for Aer Lingus told the Daily Mail: ‘Customers travelling in the Economy cabin on Aer Lingus’ transatlantic flights to Toronto enjoy two complimentary meal services, along with a range of refreshments throughout the journey. 

‘The first service includes a hot main course with dessert, salad, and bread, while the second is a lighter option featuring a sandwich and a sweet treat. 

‘We regret that due to an issue with our catering supplier in late December, our second service offering on this flight was not our usual standard.

‘We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this temporary issue, which has since been rectified.’