Intro
Plant-based dining at 37,000 feet has improved dramatically as airlines respond to growing demand.
From Emirates’ extensive vegan menu dating back to the 1990s to budget carriers offering quality plant-based options, here’s your complete guide to vegan airline meals.
Why Choose Vegan Meals?
Vegan meals are typically prepared separately, arrive fresher than standard options, and often include more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
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They’re generally lighter and healthier, with some airlines reporting vegan options containing significantly fewer calories than standard meals.
On a recent flight on Jet2 the vegan breakfast pre order was only 224kcal vs the standard breakfast offering 393kcal.
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 meal preferences through your airline’s website or call customer service.
Timing: Request meals at least 24 to 48 hours before departure to ensure availability.
Confirmation: Verify your meal selection appears on booking confirmations and boarding passes.
Top Full Service Airlines
EMIRATES
Leading the industry with over 300 unique vegan recipes, up from 180 in 2022.
Emirates served over 450,000 vegan meals in 2023 and continues expanding its plant-based menu across its global network.
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.
SWISS
Since 2009, it has 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.
CHINA AIRLINES
It features “Clean & Green Plant-based Cuisine,” developed with Michelin Green Star and awarded Yang Ming Spring.
Economy passengers can pre order dishes like Vegan Conchiglie Bolognese or Curry Steamed Rice with King Oyster Mushrooms.
KOREAN AIR
They source fresh produce from their own Jedong Ranch to create traditional Korean vegan dishes, including steamed barley rice with burdock and roasted shiitake mushrooms.
With advance booking, they are available on international flights from Korea.
Porter Airlines
Provides fresh vegetarian and vegan meal options, emphasising sustainability with biodegradable cups, cutlery, and eco friendly packaging.
It also includes snacks like fava beans and shortbread. (Note that some meals are not included in all fare types)
Alaska Airlines
The airline 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.
These salads are available for preorder via the airline’s mobile app.
Low Cost Airlines
Jetstar
According to PETA (2017), Australia’s most vegan-friendly airline offers multiple buy-on-board options, including Noodled vegetable soup, mushroom risotto, and vegetable teriyaki noodles.
There’s also snacks like Pringles, Cobb’s popcorn, and Harvest Box crunch.
Ryanair
Serves vegan lasagne featuring roasted vegetables and creamy soy-based bรฉchamel sauce for โฌ7, making plant-based dining accessible at 35,000 feet.
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. Verify availability with your airline.
Connection considerations: Confirm special meal requests transfer to connecting flights, especially when changing airlines or alliances.
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: Pack nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, or other non perishable items in case special meals don’t arrive or satisfy.
Security compliance: Homemade foods are generally permitted, but liquids, gels, and spreads must meet carry on restrictions.
Quality Expectations
Vegan airline meals vary dramatically between carriers. Airlines with dedicated culinary partnerships typically deliver restaurant-quality experiences, while others treat plant-based options as basic alternatives to standard meals.
Full-service carriers on longer routes generally provide the most satisfying vegan dining experiences since meals are part of a complimentary service rather than revenue-generating add-ons.
Final Recommendations
Choose full-service carriers with established culinary partnerships on routes over three hours for the best vegan airline dining. 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.
