As the demand for plant-based diets continues to soar, airlines worldwide are responding with an array of delicious vegan airline meals.
In this article, we’ll explore the top airlines offering the best vegan meals in 2024, how to pre-order them, and what you can expect from these culinary delights.
From Emirates’ vegan menu, which dates back to the ’90s, to Ryanair’s convenient on-board vegan lasagne, there’s a growing trend of airlines partnering with top-notch culinary brands to satisfy the appetite for vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
WHY CHOOSE VEGAN AIRLINE MEALS?
Choosing vegan meals while flying offers several benefits. Firstly, vegan meals are generally healthier and often lower in calories.
On a recent flight on Jet2 the vegan breakfast pre order was only 224kcal vs the standard breakfast offering 393kcal.
Vegan meals often include a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, making them a healthier and lighter choice compared to standard inflight meals.
HOW TO PRE ORDER VEGAN MEALS ON FLIGHTS
Pre-ordering vegan meals for your flight is a simple process as long as you’re within the ordering time limits.
Most traditional airlines allow you to request special meals during the booking process. Expect most long haul airlines to offer vegan meals, if you’re flying low cost, be prepared!
Hereโs a general step-by-step guide:
- During Booking: Look for the meal preference section and select โVGMLโ or โVegetarian Vegan Meal.โ Most airlines offer VGML special meals where a complimentary meal service is offered. It’s also possible to order a VJML, a vegetarian Jain meal which only includes root vegetables.
- Manage Booking: Visit the airlineโs website, log in to your booking, and update your meal preference.
- Customer Service: Call or email the airlineโs customer service to request a vegan meal.
Explore our inflight guides or airline section to view further detailed information on individual airlines.
Always confirm your meal request at least 24-48 hours before your flight to ensure the airline received your request!
TOP AIRLINES OFFERING VEGAN AIRLINE MEALS
1. EMIRATES
Emiratesโ foray into vegan cuisine dates back to the 1990s, primarily catering to specific routes like Addis Ababa.
By 2023, Emirates expanded its vegan menu to over 300 unique recipes, a significant leap from the 180 dishes available in 2022.
Over 450,000 vegan meals were served onboard Emirates flights in 2023.
In 2024, Emirates is set to debut a diverse selection of new vegan dishes.
2. CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific has teamed up with Veda, a celebrated vegetarian restaurant in Hong Kong, to introduce a menu featuring 16 dishesโsix appetizers and 10 mainsโavailable to economy and premium economy passengers on select long-haul flights from Hong Kong.
The menu, created by Executive Chef Raul Tronco Calahorra, offers a fusion of flavors from North Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
3. SWISS
Since 2009, SWISS has collaborated with Hiltl, the worldโs oldest vegetarian restaurant, to offer vegan options on select long-haul flights.
For European flights, SWISS provides a buy-on-board option in economy class, featuring dishes like Bircher Muesli and Vegan Bulgur Salad, which passengers can pre-order for a fee.
4. JETSTAR
Jetstar, a low-cost airline in Australia, offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options for purchase on domestic and international flights.
Celebrated as Australiaโs most vegan-friendly airline by PETA in 2017, Jetstar provides options like Noodled vegetable soup, Pringles, Cobbโs popcorn, Harvest Box crunch, mushroom risotto, and vegetable teriyaki noodles.
5. RYANAIR
Ryanair offers a vegan lasagne onboard for โฌ7.00, featuring roasted vegetables and a creamy soy-based bรฉchamel sauce, making it easy to dine vegan at 35,000 feet.
6. PEGASUS AIRLINES
Pegasus Airlines, a Turkish low-cost carrier, offers pre-order vegan and vegetarian meal options for a fee on most flights.
Vegan options include a wrap with coriander sauce, aubergine, vegetables, salad, and falafel, priced at EUR 7.50, and a Rigatoni pasta dish served with fresh fruit and salad for EUR 14.50.
7. CHINA AIRLINES
China Airlines offers a โClean & Green Plant-based Cuisineโ menu in partnership with Michelin Green Star-awarded Yang Ming Spring.
Economy Class travelers can pre-order dishes like Vegan Conchiglie Bolognese or Curry Stewed Rice with King Oyster Mushroom, enhancing the in-flight dining experience.
8. PORTER AIRLINES
Porter Airlines provides fresh meal options that are vegetarian and vegan, along with snacks like fava beans and shortbread.
Their menu emphasises sustainability with biodegradable cups and cutlery and eco-friendly packaging.
9. ALASKA AIRLINES
Alaska Airlines, in collaboration with Seattle-based Evergreens, offers specialty salads like the Stand Banh Mi Salad and Strawberry Fields for Chevre Salad on flights over 1100 miles, available for pre-order via the airlineโs app.
10. KOREAN AIR
Korean Air, sourcing fresh produce from its Jedong Ranch, offers traditional Korean vegan dishes like steamed barley rice with burdock and roasted shiitake mushrooms.
The airlineโs vegetarian menu can be pre-ordered on international flights from Korea, reflecting a farm-to-table ethos.
CONCLUSION
With more airlines offering delicious and varied vegan meals, flying has become a much more enjoyable experience for plant-based travelers.
By pre-ordering your vegan meal and knowing what to expect, you can look forward to a hassle-free inflight dining experience.
Explore the airlines page on Inflight Feed to research your upcoming trip.
If you plan on bringing food from home, call ahead to find out if the airline allows food on board. Most airlines do, but some are strict.
Bringing snacks like granola bars, trail mix, nuts, and seeds is an easy way to stay full during long flights.
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.
