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Airline Vegetarian Meals
With major changes in the airline security, and financial structures, customers who travel regularly will have noticed that on domestic U.S. flights hot meals are no longer served in economy class. This change has an add on effect to those wishing to have a vegetarian meal while flying.
An increasingly popular policy been adopted by the airlines is that on domestic flights of 3 hours or longer they will offer salads and sandwiches for sale on board. These items will not be vegan but some will be vegetarian.Snacks like peanuts, pretzels, crackers, and cookies along with beverages are still served in economy class.
For those travelling business class and first class they will still receive hot meals on domestic flights. If you require Vegetarian meal, or more particularly a vegan meal you should be aware that they are not readily available on all flights. While policy differs from airline to airline it is my experience that if advised in advance of a dietary requirement airlines will try to facilitate. Increasingly though airline practice is actually encouraging domestic travellers to bring their own meals.
For nutritional, comfort, and economic reasons this now proves the best option for vegetarian and vegan airline passengers. Be aware, however, that sharp implements will not be allowed, so wrap your food wisely.
International travellers in economy, business, and first class will still have hot meals with some vegetarian and possibly vegan options available. Again it is always a good idea to inform airlines of dietary requirements; many airlines try to facilitate. If you have not finished your meal by the time the flight has ended it is possible that on international flights you may not be allowed to take uneaten produce off the plane. This is in order to prevent the spread of disease.