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Flying can be exciting, but for vegan travellers, it often comes with the extra challenge of finding a meal that aligns with their dietary choices. While many airlines offer various special types of foods, getting preferable vegan options on a flight is not always as simple as it sounds. In this guide, we explore how to secure a vegan meal on your next flight.
Most major airlines offer a variety of special meal options, including vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and, of course, vegan meals. However, this also depends on various factors, such as the specific airline, the route, and the class of travel. Generally, long-haul international flights are more likely to offer plant-based meals compared to short domestic flights.
There are also airline meal codes that help distinguish different dietary options. The standard code for a vegan meal is VGML (Vegan Meal). This means the meal will not contain any animal products, including dairy, eggs, or honey.
When purchasing your ticket, check if there is an option to choose a meal. If the option is not available during booking, log into the airline’s website or call customer service to request a vegan meal. Most airlines require at least 24 to 48 hours notice before departure to prepare special meals. Putting your request in as early as possible will ensure you get your preferred option.
Even if you selected a vegan meal when booking, it is always smart to double-check. Call the airline a day before your flight to confirm that your request is in their system. Some airlines allow you to check and modify meal preferences through their mobile app or website, so take advantage of this feature if available.
When checking in at the airport, ask the staff to verify that your meal request has been noted. Sometimes, special requests get lost or are not properly recorded, so confirming at this stage can help avoid surprises later. Once onboard, remind the flight attendants that you have requested a vegan meal. Doing so can prevent mix-ups, especially if there are multiple special requests on the flight. If there is a problem, flight attendants might be able to offer a solution, like adjusting a vegetarian meal to be fully plant-based.
Vegan meals can sometimes be confused with vegetarian meals that contain dairy and eggs. When requesting, ask for a VGML (Vegan Meal) specifically to ensure there are no hidden animal products. Other meals that might be plant-based but need verification include Asian vegetarian meals and Jain meals, as they can sometimes contain dairy.
If you have layovers with different airlines, check with each carrier individually to ensure a vegan meal is available on all segments of your journey. Some airlines handle meal requests separately, so a meal ordered for the first leg may not automatically carry over to the next.
Getting a vegan meal on a flight requires a bit of planning. Book early, confirm your meal request, and, if possible, bring your own vegan snacks for backup. As airlines continue to improve their plant-based offerings, vegan travellers will have even better options in the future.
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