Discover how to maintain your vegan lifestyle while traveling in the skies. This guide offers essential tips and tricks for ensuring you have delicious and suitable vegan options on your next flight.
Understanding Airline Vegan Meal Options
When it comes to flying as a vegan, it’s important to understand the meal options provided by airlines. While most mainstream US airlines offer vegan snacks such as pretzels, nuts, or other vegan options on short flights (under 6 hours), budget airlines usually have food for sale, but it’s important to note that Southwest does not provide a vegan snack.
United Airlines goes the extra mile by offering a fully vegan fruit bar for free and vegan trail mix for purchase. American Airlines also provides vegan pretzels, while Delta Airlines has multiple choices (including vegan milk for your coffee!). However, it’s worth mentioning that on these short flights, you may not necessarily need to eat, but if you do, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks like nuts, dried fruits, trail mix, and vegan protein bars.
Preparing for Your Flight: Vegan Snacks and Meals to Bring Along
For medium flights lasting 6-10 hours and long haul flights of 11+ hours, most airlines will provide a meal free of charge. To ensure you have suitable vegan options, it’s recommended to request a vegan meal up to 24 hours in advance. You can do this either online with the airline or by calling their customer service.
In addition to the provided meals, it’s a good idea to bring your own vegan snacks and meals to supplement your journey. Some suggestions include packing nuts, dried fruits, trail mix, and vegan protein bars. These snacks will not only keep you nourished but also provide a tasty and satisfying option during your flight.
How to Request Vegan Meals on Flights
To request a vegan meal on your flight, it’s important to plan ahead and make the request in advance. This can usually be done up to 24 hours before your flight. Most airlines allow you to request a vegan meal online through their website or mobile app. Alternatively, you can call the airline’s customer service and make the request over the phone.
When making the request, be sure to specify that you require a vegan meal and provide any additional dietary restrictions or preferences you may have. This will help the airline cater to your needs and ensure you have a satisfying vegan meal during your flight.
Navigating Short Haul vs. Long Haul Flight Meals
It’s important to note the differences in meal options between short haul and long haul flights. On short flights under 6 hours, you may only have access to vegan snacks provided by the airline or the option to purchase vegan snacks. As mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks to supplement your journey.
On the other hand, medium flights lasting 6-10 hours and long haul flights of 11+ hours generally include a meal provided by the airline free of charge. By requesting a vegan meal in advance, you can ensure that you have a suitable and delicious vegan option during these longer flights. Remember to plan ahead and make the request within the specified timeframe. If your a wild one like me and like booking last minute travel (like two hours before an international flight) then make sure to bring your own food.
Additional Tips for a Vegan-Friendly Flight Experience
Here are a few additional tips to ensure a vegan-friendly flight experience:
– Research the airline’s vegan meal options and policies before booking your flight.
– Pack your own vegan snacks and meals to supplement your journey.
– For Long Haul flights with US Carriers, expect the food to suck. Foreign carriers provide MUCH BETTER catering.
– Be prepared for potential limited vegan options on board and have a backup plan in case the provided meal falls short of expectations.
By following these tips, you can have a smooth and enjoyable vegan journey while flying.
