How can a traveler tell if their flight will serve a meal? There are certain flights that will never have meal service. You can find this out just by looking at the length of your flight, and the time of day you will be flying.
One of your first thoughts about a long flight might be about meal service. You will want to know if a meal is being served, what your meal options are, and if you should bring a snack.
If you are wondering about meal service, pick up the phone.
If you are wondering about meal service, pick up the phone.
"The best thing to do is to call the airline and ask," says Milena Garita, Reservations Sales Representative with Continental Airlines.
There are certain flights that will never have meal service. You can find this out just by looking at the length of your flight, and the time of day you will be flying.
"It's my understanding that flights less than two hours will only have a snack/beverage service because it usually takes about that long just to get everyone served," says Garita.
If you are on a short flight, go ahead and eat a meal before you board, or plan to have one right after you land.
On international flights that take you through a traditional mealtime, you can expect that you will be served a meal. Some airlines have meals on short domestic flights, but you could be charged for it. It really gets tricky because each airline has it's own set of policies concerning meals and snacks.
You have choices when it comes to your meal, though this may not hold true for every airline.
"Most airlines will offer a choice," says Garita. "For example, if the service calls for cold food (i.e. sandwiches) they might offer a couple of different cold cut combinations. If it's hot food, there might be a choice of two entrees."
Passengers who have special requirements regarding food must let the airline know.
"If you have a special dietary need (diabetic, veggie, etc.), ask the airline if they offer a special meal," says Garita. "Some airlines still do, especially on the long-haul flights."
It's better to know about meal service ahead of time.
"If they don't offer a meal, or if they don't offer special meals, at least you can prepare yourself ahead of time to avoid having to be hungry the entire flight," says Garita.
Hungry passengers with no meal service do have an option. Most airlines know that people need access to food, even on a short flight.
"Airlines do offer snack and beverage service for the most part, even on flights with no meal service," says Garita.
You can bring along your own snacks as well, but remember to ask your airline if they have any rules relating to what you can, and can't, bring aboard. When choosing a snack, you want to think quick, easy, and clean.
Children tend to get hungry more often, and sometimes want a snack just because they are bored. If you are traveling with children, have their favorite snack available.
Your airline is always your best source of information about meal and snack service. Take a few minutes to find out so you can decide if you need to eat before your flight, or bring along some extra snacks.
