Travel is exciting—new places, new adventures, and new foods! But airplane meals? That’s another story. For many vegans, airline food can feel tricky, especially on long flights where options are limited.
The good news? Most airlines DO offer fully plant-based meals if you know how to request them. And with just a little planning, you can enjoy vegan food on flights without stress.
Let’s make it easy!
🍅 What Vegan Options Do Airlines Offer?
Airlines often serve a “vegetarian” meal, but many of these still contain cheese, butter, cream, or eggs. That’s why vegans should look for the special meal code:
✔️ VGML — Vegan Meal
This is the standard international code for a 100% plant-based meal.
Some airlines also offer Jain meals, but these may vary and sometimes include dairy, so VGML is usually the safest choice.
In recent years, a few airlines—like Qatar Airways—have started offering premium vegan dishes in business and first class. That’s encouraging, but economy passengers can still get a VGML on most flights.
🛫 How to Request Vegan Food on Flights
To guarantee your vegan meal:
1. Book it early (ideally 48+ hours before your flight).
Airlines need time to prepare special meals, so don’t wait until check-in day.
2. Log in to “Manage My Booking.”
Here you can usually select your meal. Look for VGML.
3. If the website doesn’t work, call customer service.
Give them your booking code and request the special meal.
4. Double-check on the day of travel.
At check-in or at the gate, ask the agent if your VGML is confirmed.
A quick check can save you from going hungry!
🍽️ What If Your Vegan Meal Isn’t Right?
Mistakes happen. Sometimes meals arrive with butter, dairy rolls, or non-vegan desserts. Other times, the meal is simply small or bland.
If this happens:
- Let a flight attendant know right away.
This helps improve future meals and ensures feedback reaches the catering team. - Send a message to the airline after your flight.
Airlines often respond with miles, vouchers, or apologies—and your feedback helps other vegan travelers.
🧳 Pack Your Own Vegan Snacks (Just in Case!)
Even with a VGML, it’s smart to bring backup snacks—especially for long travel days.
Great vegan snacks that travel well:
- Nuts or trail mix
- Dried fruit
- Granola or snack bars
- Dark chocolate
- Crackers or pretzels
- Fruit leather
- Homemade sandwiches (for after security)
Tips:
- Choose foods that don’t spoil easily. Use this list for food guidelines for Europe and TSA guidelines.
- Remember airport security rules—liquids and spreads over 100ml are not allowed.
- Check local rules if flying internationally, as fresh produce may not be allowed through customs.
Being prepared means you’ll always have something tasty and filling, no matter what the airline serves.
🌍 Final Thoughts
Getting vegan food on flights is absolutely possible—you just need to request the VGML meal early, confirm it before boarding, and travel with a few snacks for backup. With these simple steps, flying as a vegan becomes comfortable, stress-free, and delicious.
🌱 Want More Vegan Travel Tips?
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💬 Let’s Discuss!
Do you have favourite vegan snacks for flying?
Have you had a great—or terrible—VGML experience?
Share your tips in the comments so we can help more vegan travelers!
