While airline food has improved dramatically in recent years, the quality differs widely from airline to airline, and availability on low-cost airlines also varies. Check with the airline in advance to see what is available. If you have special dietary needs, let the airline know in advance or, for short flights, bring your own.
In-flight dining
The standard of airline food on major airlines is thankfully markedly better than it once was. Menus are constantly being improved, particularly on long-haul flights, and some airlines even enlist top chefs to help develop their menus.
National airlines normally offer complimentary food and drinks (though alcohol can costs extra). Some domestic budget airlines provide no food service on some or all of their flights, while others offer limited and no-frills options or you must buy food and drink on board, including water. $10 for a can of VB and tub of Pringles anyone?
Special meals
Most airlines cater for special dietary requirements if you let them know when you book – or at least make the request a day or more in advance of a flight. The selection of special meal options varies depending on the airline, but can range from vegetarian, low fat or gluten-free meals to Asian, kosher or halal cuisine. Another bonus of special meals is that they get served before the regular meal service, so you don’t have to wait if you’re hungry.
Even if you’ve made a special meal request, it is best to reconfirm 24 to 48 hours ahead of your flight and double-check when you check in. Special meals requests are noted on your boarding pass.
BYO
If the kids – or you – are picky or you need to take medication on a full stomach or just can’t live without your favourite snacks, you can always bring your own. You can pack food from home or grab something at the airport. On many international flights, however, there are limitations on what food you can bring into another country or in some cases, what food you can take on board. In any case, take only what you know you’ll eat during the trip.
Featured image by george ruiz
