Airline meals are a frequent source of confusion: are they included in the fare, can I order a vegetarian menu, and what should I eat on a long flight so I don't go hungry? In this guide, Travel365 answers all of these questions step by step — from full-service carriers to low-cost flights.
Are meals included in the ticket price?
The answer depends directly on the type of airline. Before you buy, find out clearly what's included in the fare — it's often part of the final price.
- Full-service airlines (Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways): a hot meal and drink are almost always included, and on a long flight — twice
- On short flights (2-3 h), even a full-service airline often offers only a light snack or a drink
- Low-cost airlines (Wizz Air, Ryanair): meals are never included — you buy on board or bring your own
- Business class: a multi-course menu, often with a choice — included on every flight
Special meals: how to order
Most full-service airlines offer special meals for free — dietary, religious or health-related. You must order at least 24 hours before the flight, in the booking management area or via the airline's hotline.
- VGML — vegetarian (Indian-style, hot); VLML — lacto-vegetarian
- VGML/VOML — vegan, no animal products
- MOML — Muslim (halal); KSML — kosher
- GFML — gluten-free; DBML — diabetic; LSML — low-salt
- CHML — child meal; BBML — baby meal
Special meals are often served before the regular trays — meaning you're served first. If you want your food quickly during the flight, ordering a vegetarian menu gives you a small advantage too.
On a long flight: what and when to eat
On a long flight, eating doesn't just curb hunger — it affects your energy and jet lag. Try not to overdo heavy food or alcohol: at altitude your body digests slowly, and alcohol worsens dehydration.
Drink more water and limit caffeine. For the full set of long-flight tips, see the Travel365 guide "Surviving a long-haul flight: 10 practical tips".
If you work or watch a film during the flight, many airlines offer Wi-Fi on board — it works best once the cabin settles down after the meal service.
On low-cost flights — buy or bring?
On Wizz Air and Ryanair a sandwich, hot drink or chips costs $3-7 on board — far more than city prices. It's much better to bring your own snack: dry food, fruit or a sandwich is perfectly allowed in hand luggage.
Just remember the liquids rule: drinks over 100 ml won't pass security. Buy water inside the airport, after the security check. For the full hand-luggage rules, see "Carry-on luggage rules 2026".
- Allowed: dry food, sandwiches, fruit, nuts, bars
- Be considerate: strong-smelling food (e.g. fish) bothers fellow passengers
- Liquids: only water/drinks bought after security
- If you travel hand-luggage-only, a compact snack saves space too — see "Hand-luggage-only travel"
Practical tips
- Always order a special meal 24 h before the flight — it can't be changed on board
- On connecting flights, order a meal separately for each segment
- Have an allergy? Tell the airline in advance — nuts are in many dishes
- When flying with a child, pre-order a child meal and also keep a small snack on hand
- Find a cheap flight date with the Travel365 price calendar
Flying on an empty stomach reduces jet lag, especially when travelling east. If it's mealtime at your destination, eat lightly on board and have a full meal once you land.
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