How to Order Your Meal
At booking
Select VGML in "Meal Preferences" or "Special Requests" during checkout. This is the easiest time to do it.
After booking
Log into the airline's site, find "Manage Booking," and look for meal options. Some bury it under "Special Services." If you booked via Expedia or similar, go to the airline directly.
By phone
Can't find it online? Call them. Some airlines still require a phone call for special meals. Annoying, but it works.
Each leg separately
Request your meal for every flight segment. Systems don't sync between connections — your outbound VGML won't carry to your return.
Reconfirm
24 hours before: check online. At the gate: ask the agent. On boarding: mention it to cabin crew. This sounds excessive. It isn't. A 30-second check can save an 11-hour flight with nothing but bread rolls.
Timing matters
Most airlines need at least 24 hours notice. Some want 48. A few require 72. Earlier is always safer — do it at booking and forget about it.
Vegan Airline Meals
What VGML means, which airlines actually deliver, and why you should bring backup anyway.
What to Actually Expect
Most of the time, it works.
About 70% of VGML meals arrive as expected — a third are genuinely decent, the rest are basic but fine. It's not always exciting, but you'll eat. The trick is knowing which airlines consistently deliver, and what to watch for on the tray.
Based on 200+ vegan traveller responses
The main dish is usually good
Pasta, curry, stir-fry — the hot entrée is almost always properly vegan. Just do a quick tray check for butter packets or yogurt that sometimes sneak in alongside. Easy to spot, easy to set aside.
Departure airport matters
Same airline can vary by route — it depends which catering company loads your flight. Major hubs and vegan-friendly cities tend to do better. One more reason to check the directory.
Breakfast is the weak spot
Dinner service is solid. Breakfast can be underwhelming — often just fruit and a bread roll. For early flights or long connections, bring something from the airport. Problem solved.
Everything was clearly labelled and distinct from the vegetarian options. Fully planned out, balanced meals — not just the regular tray with meat removed. I was genuinely impressed.
Last time I flew, not only was my meal decent, I got it a solid 5 mins before everyone else. Small win but I'll take it.
Find Your Airline
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Always confirm with the airline. Policies change. Request VGML at least 24 hours before departure (48+ hours for some carriers). Check your booking confirmation to ensure the meal request is attached. Short-haul and domestic flights typically don't offer special meals in economy — treat them as buy-on-board and pack backup food.
Plan B
Because even good systems have off days.
If your meal doesn't show up
Flag the crew early: "I requested a vegan meal — could you check if one was loaded?" They can often find a spare VGML or pull something together from business class. Be polite — they didn't cause the problem.
Pack smarter, not more
Meal-replacement snacks, not just nibbles. Pro tip: mini condiment packets (sriracha, soy sauce) can transform a bland VGML into something decent.
- Protein bars
- Dried fruit
- Rice cakes
Find airport food before you're stuck
Check your airport the night before. Most have at least one solid vegan option — but finding it while running to your gate isn't ideal.
HappyCow has airport listingsInternational arrivals: plan ahead
Customs will confiscate fresh fruit and homemade food at many borders. Pack sealed, commercial snacks for after you land — especially if arriving late when shops are closed.
You're probably going to be fine.
7 in 10 meals arrive correctly. You now know which airlines to trust, what to check for, and what to pack. That puts you ahead of most travellers — vegan or otherwise.