Airline Food
Sitting on a plane is usually a restrictive period. Clocks are watched, tray tables are raised and lowered, seat backs are put up and down. If you’re lucky there’ll be a great movie, or even individual TV sets. If you’re unlucky, there might be no entertainment at all. The same goes with food. Although most budget airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair do not provide in-flight meals, larger carriers do, and there is a surprising range of meals available, provided you book far enough in advance.
Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates and Britsh Airways are the most accommodating, as they offer the most options, including Hindu, Muslim, Kosher, diabetic, vegan, vegetarian, child, baby and low lactose. For very short flights, an in-flight meal might not be provided.
Most other carriers do offer meal choices, and some options must be ordered at the time of booking. If you do have certain requirements, it is best to research the options of your chosen airline before booking, so that you can enquire and order your meals as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you choose to eat the standard in-flight meal, you will usually be faced with the chicken or beef dilemma. It is worth asking whether either of those options contain minced chicken or beef, as often the answer will affect your choice. Most lunch and dinner meals come with a starter, side dish, salad, dessert and water. Bread rolls, coffee and tea will usually be offered.
Breakfast meals usually consist of rolls and condiments, cereal and milk and the option to have a hot section, for example an omelette. Coffee and tea are also served.
If you do not like airplane food, or have a requirement you have not ordered or that the airline does not cater for, it is advisable to bring your own food as this is perfectly acceptable. It is unlikely that you can ask for a specific meal during the flight and be assured of it. Bringing your own food on budget airlines is also recommended, because, although they generally have a food cart, the prices are often unreasonable.
If you are planning a long-haul flight, do not neglect the food. It always worth enquiring from the airline if they cater for your particular requirements. Usually it will not cost anything extra. It is also worth bringing some of your own food just in case, as it is not unheard of for your specially ordered meal to somehow fall through the cracks.
