Take Off on Taste: A Guide to Vegan Meals During Flight
Vegan meals are becoming increasingly popular, and many airlines are starting to offer vegan options for their passengers during flight. These meals are not only suitable for vegan travelers but also for anyone looking for a healthy and environmentally friendly meal option. In this article, we will discuss vegan meals during flights, including the types of meals available, how to request them, and some popular airlines that offer vegan meal options.
Types of Vegan Meals During Flight
A vegan meal is one that contains no animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, or honey. Many airlines offer a range of vegan meal options, including:
- Vegetarian Vegan Meal: This meal includes plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains.
- Vegan Raw Meal: This meal consists of raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts that have not been cooked or processed.
- Vegan Gluten-free Meal: This meal is suitable for passengers with gluten allergies or sensitivities and contains plant-based foods that are free from wheat, barley, and rye.
- Vegan Fruit Platter: This meal includes a selection of fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds.
How to Request a Vegan Meal During Flight
Passengers who wish to request a vegan meal during their flight should do so in advance. Most airlines require passengers to request special meals at least 24 hours before their scheduled departure time. This can typically be done online when booking the flight or by contacting the airline’s customer service department.
Pre-boarding Essentials:
- Plan: Most airlines require special meal requests 24-48 hours in advance. Check their website or app for details and specific deadlines.
- Choose wisely: Many airlines offer vegetarian meals, but double-check if they’re truly vegan (no dairy, eggs, or honey). Look for dedicated vegan options or inquire about ingredients.
- Beyond basics: Some airlines have impressive vegan menus, featuring curries, pastas, and even plant-based burgers. Research your carrier’s offerings to get excited!
Popular Airlines That Offer Vegan Meal Options
Many airlines now offer vegan meal options for their passengers. Some popular airlines that offer vegan meals include:
- Emirates: Emirates offers a range of vegan meal options, including vegan sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
- Air New Zealand: Air New Zealand offers vegan meals that are made from locally sourced plant-based ingredients.
- Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines offers vegan options that are free from dairy, eggs, and honey.
- Lufthansa: Lufthansa offers vegan meals that are made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- British Airways: British Airways offers vegan meals that are made from locally sourced, organic ingredients.
Conclusion
Vegan meals are a healthy and environmentally friendly meal option for travelers. Many airlines now offer a range of vegan meal options, including vegetarian vegan meals, vegan raw meals, vegan gluten-free meals, and vegan fruit platters. Passengers who wish to request a vegan meal should do so in advance, and they can typically do this online or by contacting the airline’s customer service department. So, if you’re a vegan traveler or simply looking for a healthy and delicious meal option during your flight, be sure to request a vegan meal on your next flight.
References and Further Reading
- “The Rise of Vegan Airline Food” by Siobhan Norton, The Independent, May 11, 2018. https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/vegan-airline-food-dietary-requirements-emirates-qatar-airways-american-airlines-a8342611.html
- “Vegan in the air: Which airlines have the best options?” by Nikki Ekstein, CNN Travel, July 5, 2019. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/best-airlines-for-vegan-travelers/index.html
- “Airline Meals: How to Request a Special Meal on Your Flight” by Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel, June 28, 2019. https://www.smartertravel.com/how-to-request-a-special-meal-on-your-flight/
- “The Best Vegan Airline Meals” by Ariana Dickson, PETA, July 9, 2019. https://www.peta.org/living/food/best-vegan-airline-meals/
- “Airline Vegan Food Options” by HappyCow, accessed February 24, 2023. https://www.happycow.net/travel/vegan-airline-food-options
