In-Flight Meals: What You Need to Know Before Your Flight

Onboard dining is not just a matter of taste—it’s an integral part of the overall flight experience. This is especially true on international routes, where flight durations exceed several hours and passengers need to maintain their energy, comfort, and mood. For some, it’s a way to pass the time; for others, it’s a necessity, particularly when traveling with children, allergy sufferers, or individuals with medical restrictions. Although airplane meals might seem secondary, they depend directly on numerous factors that should be considered already at the stage of ticket booking.

What Determines In-Flight Meals?

The class of service is the primary factor that influences onboard dining. In economy class, passengers can expect a basic set—beverages, light snacks, and sometimes a hot meal on longer flights. In business class, however, the situation is different: here, full meals are served, often with options to choose from, including desserts and alcohol. Some airlines, such as Emirates or Qatar Airways, offer chef-curated menus presented on porcelain tableware complete with a wine list. In business class, dining has become part of the airline’s image, especially on routes to Asia and Europe, where competition is fierce.

Flight duration is also a crucial factor. On flights up to one hour, meals are not provided at all—with at most a glass of water offered. For flights lasting three hours or more, passengers get a hot meal. On flights over eight hours, two meal services are provided, including breakfast and dinner. For example, on the Moscow–Bangkok route, economy class passengers receive a hot dish (chicken with rice or pasta with vegetables), a salad, a roll, dessert, and beverages. Economy class tickets include these meals in the price, although some carriers, especially low-cost airlines, require you to pay for food separately.

The airline’s policy also plays an important role. For instance, both Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines include meals even on medium-haul flights, whereas Pobeda or Ryanair do not offer food at all, with even water needing to be requested separately. Therefore, when purchasing cheap flights online, it is essential to carefully review the terms—especially if you are flying with children or on a business trip, where comfort is key.

Free Meals: When and Under What Circumstances?

Free meals are most commonly provided on international flights and on routes lasting longer than three hours. On routes to Europe, Asia, or America, economy class passengers receive a hot meal, beverages, and dessert. For example, Lufthansa serves pasta with tomato sauce, quinoa salad, and chocolate mousse in economy, while business class passengers can choose from three hot meal options, along with starters, fresh baked goods, and alcohol.

However, the situation is different with low-cost carriers. On flights with Wizz Air or easyJet, meals are not provided, and you might even have to pay between 5 and 10 euros for a sandwich. Moreover, the quality of the onboard food does not always match the price, prompting many passengers to bring their own snacks. Remember, though: you cannot bring canned food in containers larger than 100 ml, unpackaged meat products, or liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml.

How to Pre-Order Your Meal?

If you have specific preferences, you can pre-order your meal—typically 24 to 48 hours before the flight. This is especially relevant for passengers with medical or religious restrictions. On airline websites, you can choose from options such as vegetarian, halal, kosher, gluten-free, diet, and children’s meals. For example, Turkish Airlines offers up to 15 types of special menus, including options for diabetics and allergy sufferers. When booking your ticket online, this option is available immediately after selecting your flight.

Special Dietary Requirements

Passengers with allergies, diabetes, or gluten intolerance can request special meals. As of 2025, most airlines offer these options free of charge, but they do require confirmation—either a medical certificate or prior notice. For example, Lufthansa’s allergy-friendly menu includes dishes without nuts, dairy, or gluten, while Finnair provides a lactose-free menu. It is important to remember that the meal composition cannot be changed once onboard, so everything must be arranged in advance.

Tips for Passengers

If meals are not provided, it’s a good idea to bring a snack along—nuts, energy bars, or dried fruits. As of 2025, the rules for carrying food in your hand luggage allow for solid items, but liquids are limited to containers of up to 100 ml with a total volume of up to one liter. Baby food can be carried without restrictions, including formula, purees, and water. You can ask for hot water onboard for a thermos or bottle, which is particularly important on flights with infants, where regular and safe nourishment is essential.

In-flight dining is not just about the food—it’s a key part of your travel experience. It depends on the class of service, route, airline policy, and your individual needs. Dining in business class and economy class are two vastly different levels of service, and understanding what to expect onboard can help you avoid unpleasant surprises. When booking your ticket, it is advisable to clarify the meal conditions in advance—especially if you are traveling with children, have dietary restrictions, or just want to ensure a comfortable journey at 10,000 meters.