Intro
Tired of sad vegean meals and mystery meat alternatives?
Airlines are quietly serving some impressive plant-based meals. Emirates, alone, has over 300 vegan recipes, while budget carriers like Ryanair offer decent vegan lasagna for โฌ7.
Here’s which airlines actually get vegan food right.
Why Choose Vegan Meals?
Vegan meals are typically prepared separately, so they arrive fresher than standard options.
They often include more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, making them generally lighter and healthier.
On a recent Jet2 flight, the vegan breakfast was only 224 calories versus 393 calories for the standard option – a significant difference if you’re watching your intake.
How to Order Vegan Meals
During booking
Select “VGML” (Vegetarian Vegan Meal) in the special meals section. Most airlines with complimentary meal service include vegan options at no extra cost.
After booking
Update your meal preferences through your airline’s website or by calling customer service.
Timing
Request meals at least 24-48 hours before departure to ensure availability.
Top Full Service Airlines
EMIRATES
Leading the pack with over 300 unique vegan recipes, up from 180 in 2022.
They served over 450,000 vegan meals in 2023 and continue expanding their plant-based menu across their global network.
The variety is genuinely impressive – not just token options but proper meal planning.
CATHAY PACIFIC
Partners with celebrated Hong Kong vegetarian restaurant Veda, offering 16 dishes, including six appetisers and 10 mains, on select long-haul flights.
Executive Chef Raul Tronco Calahorra creates fusion flavours spanning North Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
This is restaurant-quality thinking applied to airline catering.
SWISS
Since 2009, they’ve collaborated with Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, for long-haul vegan options.
European flights offer buy-on-board choices like Bircher Muesli and Vegan Bulgur Salad, which can be pre-ordered.
The Hiltl partnership shows they take plant-based dining seriously rather than treating it as an afterthought.
CHINA AIRLINES
Features “Clean & Green Plant-based Cuisine” developed with Michelin Green Star-awarded Yang Ming Spring.
Economy passengers can pre-order dishes like Vegan Conchiglie Bolognese or Curry Steamed Rice with King Oyster Mushrooms.
The Michelin connection suggests they understand that vegan food can be sophisticated.
KOREAN AIR
Sources fresh produce from their own Jedong Ranch to create traditional Korean vegan dishes, including steamed barley rice with burdock and roasted shiitake mushrooms.
Available on international flights from Korea with advance booking.
Using their own farm produce for vegan meals shows a genuine commitment to quality ingredients.
Porter Airlines
Offers fresh vegetarian and vegan meal options, served with biodegradable cups, cutlery, and eco-friendly packaging.
Includes snacks like fava beans and shortbread. Note that some meals aren’t included in all fare types.
Alaska Airlines
Collaborates with Seattle-based Evergreens for specialty salads, including Stand Banh Mi Salad and Strawberry Fields for Chevre Salad, on flights over 1,100 miles.
Available for pre-order via their mobile app.
Low Cost Airlines
Jetstar
According to PETA (2017), Australia’s most vegan-friendly airline offers multiple buy-on-board options, including vegetable soup, mushroom risotto, and vegetable teriyaki noodles.
Plus snacks like Pringles, Cobb’s popcorn, and Harvest Box crunch.
Ryanair
Serves vegan lasagne with roasted vegetables and creamy soy-based bรฉchamel sauce for โฌ7.
Making plant-based dining accessible at budget prices shows the market is maturing.
Pegasus Airlines
Turkish low-cost carrier offering pre-order vegan options, including wraps with coriander sauce, aubergine, vegetables, and falafel (โฌ7.50) and Rigatoni pasta with fresh fruit and salad (โฌ14.50).
Practical Tips
Route-specific availability: Not all airlines offer vegan meals on every route. Check availability with your airline before assuming.
Premium upgrades: Some airlines offer enhanced vegan options for purchase that exceed standard special meal quality.
Alternative codes: Some airlines offer VJML (Vegetarian Jain Meal), which excludes root vegetables, or other specialised plant-based options.
Travel Day Preparation
Bring backup snacks, such as nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, or other non-perishable items.
Homemade foods are generally permitted, but liquids, gels, and spreads must meet carry-on restrictions.
Conclusion
Vegan airline meals range from genuinely impressive restaurant-quality dishes to basic alternatives that feel like afterthoughts.
Airlines with dedicated culinary partnerships typically deliver the best experiences.
Full-service carriers on longer routes generally provide the most satisfying vegan dining since meals are part of complimentary service rather than revenue-generating add-ons.
Choose full-service carriers with established culinary partnerships on routes exceeding three hours for the best vegan airline dining options.
Budget airlines can work for shorter flights if you research their specific offerings beforehand.
Always request vegan meals during booking rather than hoping for suitable options onboard.
With proper planning, plant-based travellers can enjoy genuinely satisfying meals at altitude across most major airline networks.
FAQs
Which airlines offer vegan meals?
Most major airlines offer vegan meals, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Alaska Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France.
Additionally, some budget airlines, like Ryanair and Jetstar, provide vegan options for purchase inflight.
Are vegan meals available on all flights?
Vegan meals are typically available on long-haul and international flights. However, availability on short-haul or budget flights may vary, so it’s best to check with the airline in advance.
What airlines have the best vegan meals?
Airlines known for their exceptional vegan meals include Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways.
These airlines offer diverse and flavorful vegan options, often in collaboration with renowned chefs and culinary experts.
Can I bring my own vegan food on a plane?
Yes, you can bring your own vegan food on a plane. Most airlines allow passengers to bring their own meals and snacks, but it’s important to check the airline’s specific policies and ensure that any liquids or gels comply with security regulations
How far in advance do I need to request a vegan meal on a flight?
It’s best to request a vegan meal at least 24-48 hours before your flight to ensure the airline can accommodate your request.
Are there any additional costs for vegan meals on flights?
On most full-service airlines, where a complimentary meal service is provided vegan meals are included in the ticket price.
However, budget airlines may charge extra for special meals, including vegan options.
