Airline meals… what’s included on your flight

If you’re flying economy on your next flight, get ahead and plan your in-flight meals before you’re even at the airport.

If you’re flying economy class in 2025, it pays to know what meal service to expect on your airline. Some carriers still offer complimentary meals even in economy, especially on long-haul flights, while others require you to purchase food and drinks on board. Below we’ve updated the meal policies for major airlines (UK and international) as of October 2025, including which airlines include free meals, which are buy-on-board, any pre-order options, and typical costs. Use this guide to plan your in-flight dining so you won’t go hungry in the air.

Summary Table, Economy Class Meal Options by Airline

Airline	Meals Included or Purchase	Pre-Order Options	Sample Costs (GBP)
Aer Lingus	Included on transatlantic; buy on board in Europe.	Special meals on long-haul (48h notice); no pre-order on short-haul.	Breakfast €10 (£9); sandwich €5 (£4) on short-haul.
American Airlines	Included on long-haul international; buy on board on most domestic flights.	No economy meal pre-order (complimentary snacks on flights >250 miles); buy-on-board snacks on flights >1100 miles (pre-pay via app available).	Snacks free (e.g. pretzels); buy meal box $10 (£8) on domestic.
British Airways	Included on long-haul (full meal + second service); short-haul offers a free snack & water, rest for purchase.	Short-haul: Pre-purchase from High Life Café for wider menu. Long-haul: Special meals (e.g. vegan, halal) can be requested 24+ hours in advance.	Short-haul sandwich £5; meal deal £8–£10. Long-haul meals, free.
Delta Air Lines	Included on long-haul international (full meal service); domestic flights offer free snacks with buy-on-board food on longer routes.	No pre-order for economy meals (special diet meals on long-haul available on request).	Complimentary snacks (pretzels, cookies) on all flights; fresh food items $10 on domestic flights.
easyJet	No free meals, all food and drink for purchase on board.	No pre-order service for meals (buy on board from the menu).	Meal deal (sandwich, snack, drink) from £8.50; sandwiches £5.
Emirates	Included, meals and drinks complimentary in economy on all flights.	Special meals (vegetarian, kosher, etc.) available free with 24h notice. Digital menu preview via app.	n/a (Full hot meals included in fare; e.g. multi-course dinner on long-haul).
Etihad Airways	Included, all meals and beverages free in economy on all routes.	Special meals (various diets) available with advance request.	n/a (Meals included; e.g. snack box on short flights, full hot meals on long-haul).
Jet2.com	No free meals, buy on board or pre-order hot meals in advance.	Hot meals can be pre-booked up to 24h before flight (from £10). On board, snacks and smaller hot bites sold.	Pre-order meal £10–£12 (e.g. English breakfast, vegan meal); onboard sandwich £4.70, hot wrap £7–£8.
KLM	Included, complimentary snacks on even short European flights; full meals on long-haul (with free drinks).	Special meals available on intercontinental flights (request 24h ahead). À la carte upgrade meals ex-Amsterdam available for €19–€30.	n/a (Included; e.g. free sandwich and drink on EU flights, full dinner on long-haul).
Lufthansa	Included on long-haul (hot meals, snacks, free drinks); buy on board on short-haul flights.	Long-haul: special meals on request. Short-haul: no pre-order (snack purchase in flight).	Coffee/tea on short routes €3; sandwich €6. Long-haul meals included (two meal services on most intercontinental flights).
Norwegian	No free meals on intra-Europe routes, food and drinks for purchase on board.	On flights >2 h 15 m, hot meals can be pre-ordered 36h prior.	Snack £3–£5; light meal or sandwich £6–£8. Pre-order hot meal £9–£11.
Qatar Airways	Included, meals and a selection of free drinks (including alcohol) in economy on all flights.	Special meal requests (vegetarian, etc.) available before flight. Digital menu accessible via app 14 days prior.	n/a (Complimentary multi-course meals on all flights; e.g. dinner with wine included).
Ryanair	No free food or drinks, buy on board only (nothing complimentary, not even water).	No pre-order for meals; can use the Ryanair app in-flight to order to your seat (card payment only).	Sandwich €6.50 (£5.50), hot meal (lasagne, etc.) €8.50 (£7.50); meal deal (sandwich + snack + drink) €12.50.
TUI Airways	Included on long-haul flights (meal and drinks included in fare); short-haul/medium-haul flights, no free meal.	Meals can be pre-booked on flights >3.5 hours (up to 3 days prior). Onboard café sells snacks and drinks on all flights.	Pre-book meal £10. Snacks on board (paninis, crisps, etc.) £3–£5. Long-haul meals included (typical dinner + snack service).
United Airlines	Included on long-haul international routes (complimentary meals, mid-flight snacks, and pre-arrival meal). Purchase on most domestic flights.	No economy pre-order; special meals available on international flights >24h duration (request in advance).	Buy-on-board sandwich $9 (£7) on domestic flights; international economy meals included in ticket.
Virgin Atlantic	Included, full meal service in economy (3-course main meal + second meal or snack, plus free drinks).	Special dietary meals offered (order at least 24h before).	n/a (Complimentary meals and refreshments on all flights, e.g. dinner, dessert, mid-flight ice cream).
Wizz Air	No free meals, buy on board from the Wizz Café menu.	No pre-order service available (all purchases made during flight).	Sandwich €6 (£5), soup £3–£4, snacks £2–£5. Combo meal deals around £10–£12.

Below we provide more details on each airline’s economy class meal offerings, followed by some frequently asked questions and a quick disclaimer about potential variations.

Aer Lingus (Economy Class)

Aer Lingus offers complimentary meals on its long-haul routes, such as flights between Ireland and North America. If you’re flying transatlantic in economy, you’ll receive free hot meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. (Alcoholic beverages cost extra on Aer Lingus economy flights.) On short-haul European routes, however, Aer Lingus does not provide free food or drinks. Instead, they have a buy-on-board menu called Bia, from which you can purchase snacks, sandwiches, and drinks during the flight. For example, you might pay around €5 for a sandwich or about €10 for a hot breakfast item on intra-Europe services.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: On long-haul flights, you can request special meals (vegetarian, kosher, etc.) at least 48 hours before departure. Short-haul flights have no pre-order meals, so plan to buy onboard or eat beforehand. Remember that even on long-haul, alcoholic drinks are not free in economy, if you’d like beer or wine, you’ll need to purchase it.

American Airlines (Economy Class)

American Airlines’ economy meal service depends on the route length. Long-haul international flights (e.g. UK to USA) include complimentary meals. On transatlantic services, you’ll typically get a main meal with a choice of entrée, a mid-flight snack, and a light meal before landing, plus free soft drinks, juice, tea/coffee, and usually a complimentary wine or beer with meals. In contrast, domestic and short-haul flights within North America do not include free meals. On flights over 250 miles in the US, American offers free soft drinks and small snacks (such as pretzels or Biscoff cookies) in economy. For anything more substantial, economy passengers can purchase items from the buy-on-board menu on longer flights. For instance, on flights over 1,100 miles, you can buy snack boxes or light meals (sandwiches, wraps, etc.), often in the $8–$12 range.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: American does not offer advance meal selection for standard economy tickets. However, if you have special dietary needs on an international flight, you can request a special meal (gluten-free, vegan, etc.) at least 24 hours before departure. On some longer domestic routes, American has introduced the option to pre-order and pay for buy-on-board food through their app, which can then be delivered to your seat during the flight. (This is handy to ensure your preferred item doesn’t sell out.) Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on domestic economy flights, while international economy typically includes wine or beer with meals at no extra charge.

British Airways (Economy Class)

British Airways has a two-tier approach to economy catering due to its mix of short-haul and long-haul operations. Long-haul BA flights in World Traveller (economy) still include full meal service. You’ll receive a hot meal after take-off (usually with a starter, main course, dessert, and drinks) and a second meal or snack before landing. All drinks (including wine, beer, and spirits) are complimentary on BA long-haul flights in economy. You can also request special meals (vegetarian, kosher, halal, etc.) for long-haul trips, be sure to order at least a day in advance.

Short-haul BA flights in Euro Traveller, however, do not include a free full meal. Instead, British Airways operates a buy-on-board system for food and most drinks on flights within Europe. There is a silver lining: BA will provide a complimentary bottle of water and a light snack (such as a packet of pretzels or a breakfast bar) to economy passengers on short UK/Europe routes. If you want anything more substantial, like sandwiches, wraps, or alcoholic beverages, you’ll need to purchase them from the onboard High Life Café menu. Prices are similar to high street cafés; for example, a sandwich might cost around £5 and a meal deal (sandwich plus snack and drink) about £8–£10.

Notably, British Airways brought back free snacks and water on short-haul flights in response to customer feedback, to differentiate itself slightly from low-cost carriers. For additional food on short flights, you can pre-purchase items before you fly. Using BA’s Manage My Booking or mobile app, you can order from a wider menu (including hot options like pies or all-day breakfast rolls) up to 12 hours before departure, and it will be delivered to your seat. This guarantees your choice and is often a better selection than buying last-minute on board.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: As mentioned, pre-ordering from the High Life Café is available on short-haul. On long-haul, you cannot pre-select the standard meal, but you can request a special meal if needed (BA offers a range of 15 special meal types to cater to dietary requirements). All special meal requests and short-haul pre-purchase orders should be made at least 24 hours before the flight.

Delta Air Lines (Economy Class)

Delta’s economy class service is known for being a bit more generous than some of its US counterparts. International flights (e.g. UK to USA or beyond) in Delta’s Main Cabin include complimentary meals and drinks. You’ll typically enjoy a full meal service with a choice of main courses, a dessert, and complementary beer, wine, or soft drinks. On longer intercontinental routes, Delta often offers a second meal or substantial snack before landing, and ice cream or mid-flight snacks on ultra-long segments. All non-alcoholic beverages are free, and alcohol is free on international flights in economy.

On domestic US flights, Delta provides free snacks and drinks on every flight over 250 miles, similar to its competitors. In fact, Delta was the first of the big U.S. airlines to reintroduce free coach snacks a few years ago. You can expect pretzels, peanuts or their signature Biscoff cookies, and complementary sodas, coffee, or water. For flights roughly over 900 miles, Delta’s Flight Fuel buy-on-board menu offers larger snack boxes for purchase, and on flights over 1,500 miles (typically 3+ hours), you can buy fresh items like wraps or snack plates. These for-purchase items range roughly from $5–$10 (about £4–£8). Notably, on a few premium transcontinental routes (such as New York to Los Angeles/San Francisco), Delta actually serves free meals in economy, aligning with a policy that all three major US airlines now follow on those specific long domestic flights.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: Delta does not generally allow economy passengers to pre-select meals (except in the special case of those premium transcon routes, where everyone gets a meal anyway). However, if you have a dietary restriction, Delta offers special meals on international flights; these must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. Delta’s complimentary snacks are standard and cannot be customised, but there’s usually a variety (savoury or sweet). For buy-on-board, there is no pre-order; you simply purchase on the flight (credit card or digital payments, as Delta is cashless). One cool feature: Delta provides free mobile messaging and entertainment on board, but any food orders still require flagging down a cabin crew or waiting for the service cart, there isn’t an app ordering system for food yet in Main Cabin.

easyJet (Economy Class)

easyJet is a low-cost carrier, and as such, it does not include any free meals or snacks in its economy class (in fact, all seats are economy on easyJet). All food and beverages are available only for purchase from the in-flight Cafe menu. This includes an array of snacks, sandwiches, toasties, and drinks. Despite the lack of included meals, easyJet’s buy-on-board pricing is relatively reasonable by airline standards, and they often run meal deal specials. For example, you can get a meal deal starting around £8.50, which typically includes a sandwich or main snack, plus a drink and a snack item. Individual items might cost roughly £4–£6 for a sandwich, £2 for a hot drink, £5–£6 for alcoholic beverages, etc.

One thing to note: easyJet flights have no free drinks service, so even water, tea, or coffee must be purchased (or you can bring your own). They do accept card payments (and often contactless) on board, as cash is generally not accepted.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: easyJet currently does not offer any pre-order meal service. You cannot reserve food in advance; you simply choose from what’s available during the flight. If you have specific dietary needs, the onboard menu usually has a few vegetarian or vegan options (for instance, a vegan sandwich or a gluten-free snack box might be available), but options can be limited. It’s a good idea to eat before flying or bring your own food if you have strict requirements and are flying with easyJet. Bringing an empty water bottle to fill after security is also wise, since water isn’t free on board. The crew will usually provide hot water for baby bottles or medication if needed, but for general consumption, be prepared to pay or bring your own.

Emirates (Economy Class)

Emirates is a full-service airline, and even in economy class, you will be well-fed. All meals and beverages are complimentary on Emirates flights, no matter the route. Economy passengers can expect a hot meal on flights at meal times (or even multiple meals on ultra-long-haul flights). For example, a typical Emirates long-haul economy service includes a printed menu, a choice of main course (often regional dishes reflecting your destination), a starter salad, a bread roll, a dessert, and unlimited free drinks (including wine, beer, juices, and soft drinks). On longer journeys, a second meal or substantial snack (like a sandwich or pizza pocket) is served before arrival. Even on shorter flights of a few hours, Emirates will provide at least a light meal or snack gratis.

Emirates is known for its attention to catering, so the quality and portion sizes in economy are usually quite satisfying. They also often add little touches like a chocolate with your meal tray, or ice cream as a mid-flight treat on longer flights.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: Emirates offers a wide array of special meal options at no extra cost, ranging from vegetarian and vegan meals to religious meals (halal, kosher), medical diets (diabetic, gluten-free), and baby/child meals. If you require a special meal, you need to request it at least 24 hours before your flight (this can be done through Manage Booking on Emirates’ website). Additionally, Emirates has a digital menu available: you can view the upcoming flight’s economy menu on their app or website starting about two weeks before departure. This lets you see what will be served. While you can’t choose a specific entrée ahead of time (aside from special meals), Emirates generally loads enough of each option, though choices can occasionally run out toward the back of the plane.

One more tip: Emirates provides free alcoholic beverages in economy, but if you prefer spirits or cocktails, they are also available (for free) upon request, just ask during the drink service. And if you’re not fond of the meal, the crew might be able to offer an alternative (like a vegetarian option) if spares are available.

Etihad Airways (Economy Class)

Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is another full-service Gulf carrier that treats economy passengers to complimentary dining. In fact, all meals and drinks are free in Etihad economy on all flights, short or long. The airline went through a phase of cost-cutting a few years back, but has maintained its inclusive meal service. Here’s what to expect:

• Long-haul flights: You’ll receive up to three meal services on the longest flights. Typically, that means a main meal after departure (with 2–3 hot main course choices, plus sides and dessert), another lighter meal or snack mid-flight (or breakfast if it’s an overnight), and then possibly a pre-landing snack depending on duration. All beverages are included; Etihad even provides a full bar service, so you can enjoy wine, beer, or spirits gratis in economy.
• Medium-haul flights (e.g. 4–6 hours): Expect one full hot meal (with a couple of entrée choices) and a smaller snack later on. Again, drinks are free.
• Short-haul flights: Even on shorter hops (say 2–3 hours or less), Etihad will serve a snack bag or light refreshment pack in economy, along with complimentary beverages. The snack bag might contain items like a sandwich or pastry and a small treat. This is a nice differentiator, as many airlines have gone to pure buy-on-board for short flights, but Etihad still offers a little something at no charge.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: Etihad has a wide range of special meals available (all food served is halal, by the way). If you need a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special diet meal, you can request it up to 24 hours before your flight. They have recently updated some policies: for flights under 3 hours, certain special meals may not be available, but on most medium and all long flights, they are. You cannot choose your exact meal from the standard menu in advance, but Etihad’s crew usually manages to accommodate preferences if you ask (for example, if you’d rather have chicken than beef, etc., they’ll try to get your choice). With free drinks included, feel free to enjoy an apéritif or a tea/coffee with your meal, it’s all part of the service, even in economy.

Jet2.com (Economy Class)

Jet2 is a UK-based leisure airline (and package holiday carrier) popular for flights from the UK to Europe and the Mediterranean. In economy class, meals are not included in the ticket price on Jet2. However, Jet2 sets itself apart from some low-cost rivals by offering a pre-order meal service. When you book your flight (or holiday) or up to about 24–48 hours before departure, you have the option to pre-book a hot meal for your flight. Pre-order meals cost roughly £10–£12 and come as a boxed tray with a hot entrée and sides, plus extras like a drink and snack. Examples include an all-day English breakfast, vegan chilli, sausage and mash, or a pasta dish. These are quite hearty. Jet2 markets them as “hearty and substantial”, and they do offer kids’ meal boxes as well. If you pre-order, the crew will serve your meal shortly after take-off, along with a complementary hot drink (tea or coffee) as part of the meal deal.

Jet2’s buy-on-board menu is also available if you didn’t pre-book. The Jet2 Café onboard offers snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, and even fresh hot bites like panini and toasties. Prices are reasonable for an airline: for instance, a ham & cheese toastie or a chicken tikka sandwich is around £4.50–£5, and larger items like a mac & cheese or chilli con carne ready meal (when available) are about £7–£8. They also have themed snack boxes (e.g. a “Ploughman’s Box” with cheese, crackers, and chutney for £5.50, or a kids’ snack box with treats for £4.50). Soft drinks, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks are for sale, expect around £2.50 for a soft drink, £3 for tea/coffee, and £6 for a miniature spirit or wine.

One unique item Jet2 added in 2025 is Costa Coffee on board. You can buy a range of Costa hot drinks like lattes and cappuccinos on Jet2 flights now, which pairs nicely with their new afternoon tea box (scones with cream and jam!) introduced for Summer 2025.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: As mentioned, pre-booking a hot meal is the way to guarantee a proper meal on Jet2. It’s recommended to add this when booking or soon after, because there is a cutoff (usually 24–48 hours before departure) and a limited number of pre-order meals per flight. Jet2’s pre-order menu includes vegetarian and even vegan options (for example, a vegan breakfast with tofu sausages, which costs about £11). If you have allergies or specific needs, you might be safer bringing your own food, as the buy-on-board selection, while diverse, could contain common allergens. Jet2 does not have a special meals program like big airlines; it’s either to pre-order their set options or buy snacks on board. All payments on Jet2 flights are cashless, so have a card handy for any onboard purchases.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Economy Class)

KLM still follows a more traditional service model, offering free catering in economy on all flights. On short European flights, KLM provides a complimentary snack and drink, even if the flight is only an hour or so. The exact offering depends on the time of day and duration: for a very short hop (say Amsterdam to London), you might get a small sandwich or pastry and a beverage. On slightly longer intra-Europe flights, economy passengers often receive a more substantial snack or a cold sandwich plus a sweet treat, along with coffee/tea and soft drinks, all free of charge. This is a point of pride for KLM, as many other European airlines have eliminated free food on short-haul. KLM’s snacks are also all vegetarian nowadays (they made this switch to simplify catering and be more inclusive).

On long-haul intercontinental flights, KLM economy includes full meal service. After take-off, a hot meal is served (typically a choice of two mains) with salad, bread, and dessert. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are complimentary with your meal. Later in the flight, depending on duration, they will offer a second service, either a hot snack or a light breakfast. Uniquely, KLM encourages economy passengers to ask for additional snacks or drinks mid-flight if you’re hungry; the crew usually stocks extra wraps, fruit, or ice creams for an “anytime snack,” and you can ring the call bell or visit the galley to request something outside scheduled meal times.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: KLM offers special meals on long-haul flights at no extra cost (covering all the usual dietary requirements). Ensure you order these through “My Trip” at least 24 hours before departure. One distinctive option KLM has for economy passengers is the À la carte meal program on intercontinental flights departing Amsterdam. For a fee (around €19–€30), you can pre-order an upgraded meal such as an Indonesian rice table, an Italian meal with Prosecco, or other themed choices. This is optional; if you don’t pre-book one, you’ll simply get the standard free meal. If you do pre-book, it replaces the regular meal with something a bit more gourmet. KLM’s regular economy meals are generally well-regarded, but the paid options can be nice for a treat or special occasion.

On European flights, no pre-order is needed or offered since a snack is given freely. There is no buy-on-board menu on KLM mainline flights (unlike some partners like Air France or Lufthansa that moved to BOB for short-haul, KLM hasn’t, though reports in 2023 suggested they were considering it). So enjoy the fact that you’ll get at least a little something on even a short flight. And as always, KLM’s flight attendants are typically happy to refill your coffee or offer you extra stroopwafels if available, just ask politely!

Lufthansa (Economy Class)

Lufthansa’s economy class meal policy has changed in recent years, resulting in a split between long-haul and short-haul services.

• Long-Haul: On intercontinental flights (e.g. Germany to Asia, Africa, the Americas), Lufthansa includes full meal service for economy passengers. Typically, you’ll receive two meal services: one shortly after take-off (a hot meal with a starter and dessert) and another lighter meal or breakfast before landing. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are complimentary on long-haul routes in economy. In fact, Lufthansa is known for offering a welcome drink service on long flights; often, you get pretzels and a drink to start, then the main meal, etc. They also usually come through with snacks like ice cream or a chocolate bar mid-flight. All of this is included in your ticket.
• Short/Medium-Haul (Within Europe): Since 2021, Lufthansa no longer provides free snacks or meals in economy on most flights within Europe. This was a notable change; they introduced a buy-on-board menu called “Onboard Delights.” Now, if you fly Lufthansa from the UK to Germany, or on any European route, you will get only a complimentary bottle of water in economy, and perhaps a small chocolate as a token gesture. Anything else, sandwiches, larger snacks, soft drinks, tea/coffee, beer, etc., must be purchased. For instance, a coffee might be around €3, a sandwich €5–€7, and a slice of cake or a salad in the €4–€6 range. Lufthansa’s buy-on-board menu is curated with some quality brands (they partnered with dean&david and Dallmayr for food and drinks), but it is a departure from the older days of free pretzels and drinks. Exception: if you’re flying on the relatively short domestic hops within Germany under 30–50 minutes, they might not even have a BOB service at all due to time, so essentially just water.

Because this shift was unpopular, Lufthansa has been testing bringing back some free items. In mid-2024, they trialled offering free coffee and tea on certain short routes, and even a full selection of free drinks (including beer and wine) on some flights, to see if it improves customer satisfaction. These trials are not fleetwide yet, so as of late 2025, the general rule remains: no free catering in economy on intra-Europe Lufthansa flights aside from water. It’s possible Lufthansa may reintroduce some complimentary services in the future.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: On long-haul flights, Lufthansa allows economy passengers to request special meals for dietary or religious needs (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, Hindu, Muslim, etc.) at least 24 hours before departure. The standard long-haul menu usually offers a couple of choices (one of which is often vegetarian). For European flights, since only buy-on-board is offered, there’s no pre-order of specific items; however, Lufthansa does let you pre-order paid meals on short-haul flights if you want to ensure availability. Through their website, you can pre-purchase items from the Onboard Delights menu up to 18 hours before your flight. This might be useful if you really want a particular fresh item (like a certain sandwich) reserved for you. If you have a tight connection or prefer not to bother, bringing your own snack is also common on Lufthansa now for European travel. All in all, if you’re on a long-haul with Lufthansa, you’ll be fed well for free, but on shorter trips, be prepared to pay for that sandwich or eat before you fly.

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Economy Class)

Norwegian Air is a low-cost carrier that used to operate both long and short-haul flights. As of 2025, Norwegian focuses on short-haul operations within Europe (its long-haul transatlantic flights were discontinued a few years ago). Economy class on Norwegian does not include free food or drinks on standard tickets. If you purchase a low-fare ticket, all meals and snacks are buy-on-board. This means on a typical flight from the UK to Scandinavia or the Med, you can buy snacks like sandwiches, wraps, chocolate, and drinks from the crew, but nothing is complimentary (not even water, generally).

However, Norwegian offers a useful option: pre-order meals on longer flights. If your flight duration is over 2 hours and 15 minutes, Norwegian allows you to pre-book a hot meal service. You need to do this up to 36 hours before departure, usually via their website under “My Travels” or during booking. The pre-order meal typically includes a hot entrée plus a sweet dessert, and it’s delivered to you about mid-flight. For example, on a 3-hour flight, they might serve a hot chicken-and-rice dish with a brownie, for about £10–£15 (often it’s priced in NOK or €; roughly €12). If you have a ticket that’s a higher fare bundle (like “Premium” or a package holiday charter on Norwegian), a meal might already be included, but for basic economy tickets, assume it’s not.

On shorter flights (under 1 hour), there is actually no service at all (no BOB) according to Norwegian’s policy, but that mostly applies to domestic hops in Norway/Denmark. From the UK, most Norwegian flights are longer than an hour and will have a buy-on-board service for those who want it.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: If you pre-order a meal, Norwegian usually has a standard set meal (they might have a chicken or beef option, depending on the route, or a breakfast on early flights). Unfortunately, they don’t offer a range of special meal types for short-haul; the meal is “what it is,” and all meals on Norwegian are halal (by sourcing) but not necessarily tailored to other diets. There’s no ability to request, say, a gluten-free or vegan special meal on these short flights. So if you have dietary restrictions, it may be best to bring your own food. The good news is that Norwegian allows you to bring your own snacks and sandwiches on board (as most airlines do). Also, note that Norwegian is cashless onboard; you’ll need a credit/debit card or mobile pay for buying anything in flight.

In summary, treat Norwegian like any other low-cost airline for European travel: eat before you fly or be ready to purchase onboard. The buy-on-board prices are pretty standard (around £3 for a soft drink, £5–£7 for a sandwich or snack box). If you’re flying a bit farther (e.g. 4-hour flight to the Canary Islands), using the pre-order meal option might be worth it for convenience and a hot dish.

Qatar Airways (Economy Class)

Qatar Airways is consistently rated highly for its economy service, and meals are definitely included for all passengers. Whether you’re flying a short 1-hour hop from Doha to Dubai or a 14-hour journey from London to Sydney (via Doha), economy class travellers receive complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages. On long-haul flights, expect a full dinner or lunch service after take-off (with a printed menu and usually three choices of main course, often a chicken, a beef or lamb, and a vegetarian option), followed by another meal or hearty snack before landing. They also offer mid-flight snacks on longer routes (sometimes the crew bring around baskets of cereal bars or packets of chips, and you can always request additional snacks or drinks between services).

All non-alcoholic drinks are free, which includes soft drinks, juices, water, tea, and coffee. Alcoholic drinks (wine, beer, spirits) are also complimentary in Qatar Airways economy on international routes (despite Qatar being a dry country on the ground, they do serve alcohol in the air). You can usually get wine with your meal and even request spirits or cocktails from the drink cart.

Qatar Airways is known for its generous hospitality, so portion sizes are decent and the food quality is good for airline standards. They often provide amenities like hot towels before meals and sometimes distribute small chocolates or candies after meals.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: Qatar Airways provides an online digital menu for flights (accessible via their app or by entering your flight details on their website about 1–2 weeks before departure), so you can preview what will be served. However, you cannot choose a specific meal in advance unless you are requesting a special meal for dietary reasons. Qatar has a wide range of special meals (vegetarian, vegan, Jain, halal, though all meals are halal by default, kosher, gluten-free, child meals, etc.). These must be requested at least 24–48 hours before departure. They even accommodate religious diets (note: if you order a kosher meal, it will be served sealed, since it’s prepared by a certified caterer).

One thing to remember: Qatar Airways flights can be quite international, and meal times might be odd hours due to time zone changes. If you have a tight connection in Doha, sometimes the first flight might have quicker service. But you will not go hungry, even on a short flight from Doha to, say, Muscat, they’ll hand out a sandwich or similar. Finally, like its Gulf rivals, Qatar’s economy service includes free snacks and drinks throughout, you can ask for a cup of noodles or a sandwich on long flights between meal services, as they usually stock some extra, and flight attendants will oblige if possible.

Ryanair (Economy Class)

Ryanair is Europe’s biggest low-cost airline, and true to its no-frills model, nothing is included for free in economy (which is the only class on Ryanair). All food and drinks on board must be purchased. There isn’t even a complimentary water or peanut service; if you want water, you’ll have to buy a bottle (about €3 on board). The airline’s Getaway Café menu offers a range of snacks, light meals, and beverages for purchase.

Here’s what you can expect from Ryanair’s buy-on-board:

• Snacks: Items like Pringles, nuts, chocolate, and cookies are around €2.50–€3.50 each.
• Sandwiches & Paninis: Options such as ham & cheese panini, chicken sandwich, etc., typically cost about €6.50–€6.75 (roughly £5–£6).
• Hot Meals: Ryanair usually has a few “warm” options (subject to availability) like a Beef Lasagne or Thai Green Curry, priced around €8.50 ( £7.50). These are small microwavable meals.
• Meal Deals: To save a bit, you can buy bundled deals. For example, a sandwich + a snack + a drink for €12.50, or a hot meal + drink + snack for €14. There’s also often a beer deal (beer + snack) and other combos.
• Drinks: Soft drinks and juices are around €3–€4. A tea or coffee is €3. (They serve Lavazza coffee.) Alcoholic drinks: beers €6, small wine €7–€8, spirits around €7–€9 with a mixer.

Importantly, Ryanair does not provide any complimentary drink or snack, not even on longer flights. So even on a 4-hour flight, you’ll need to purchase everything you consume (or bring your own food). They also do not have any free catering for children. If your child is flying, be sure to pack or buy something for them.

One convenient feature: you can use the Ryanair app in-flight to order food and drinks. Connect to their onboard Wi-Fi (it’s a free portal, not full internet) and you can browse the menu and place an order. The crew will then deliver your items to your seat, which avoids waiting for the cart to reach you. This system also sometimes offers a small discount (Ryanair has advertised 10% off if you order via the app versus buying from the trolley). Note that Ryanair is cashless, so you must pay by card or mobile payment.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: Ryanair does not offer pre-ordered special meals; there no way to request a gluten-free or vegetarian meal ahead of time. That said, their onboard menu often includes a couple of vegetarian options (e.g. a three-cheese toastie, or a vegan lasagne, which interestingly is both vegan and gluten-free). If you have allergies, exercise caution: their menu items are mass-produced and may not cater to all allergy needs (though allergen info is available from the crew or on their website). You are definitely allowed to bring your own food on Ryanair flights, which many budget-conscious travellers do. Bringing a sandwich or snacks from home or the airport is a good idea, especially given onboard prices and selection.

In summary, flying Ryanair means planning your food strategy: either buy on board or bring something. And don’t forget to bring a water bottle (you can fill it in the airport) because even water will cost about £2.50 for a small bottle in the air.

TUI Airways (Economy Class)

TUI Airways (formerly Thomson Airways) is a UK charter/leisure airline primarily serving holiday destinations. Meal service with TUI can vary based on whether your flight is long-haul or short-haul and what type of package you purchased.

• Long-Haul Flights (7+ hours): If you’re flying TUI long-haul (for example, to the Caribbean, Mexico, Orlando, etc.), meals are included in economy. TUI typically includes two meal services on a long-haul flight: one main meal after take-off and a lighter meal or snack before landing. These meals come with complimentary soft drinks, and usually a complimentary alcoholic drink is offered with the main meal as well. In addition, TUI long-haul flights have a complimentary bar service a couple of times; the crew will come through offering tea, coffee, water, juice, and wine/beer without extra charge. (Outside of those scheduled services, you can still purchase additional drinks or snacks if you wish.) One thing to note: TUI’s long-haul economy service does not have a mid-flight buy-on-board for hot snacks; they state that larger items like sandwiches or pot noodles are not sold on long flights, because they instead provide the included meals and snacks.
• Short & Mid-Haul Flights: For flights within Europe (e.g. UK to Spain, Canary Islands, Greece, Turkey, etc.), meals are not included by default in economy. However, TUI gives you the option to pre-order a meal if your flight is longer than 3.5 hours (which covers most mid-haul holiday flights). This is something you should add before you fly, ideally at the time of booking or via Manage My Booking up to 72 hours before departure. The pre-order meals on TUI short-haul are usually similar to what you’d get on a longer flight: for a morning flight, maybe an all-day breakfast, or for an afternoon, a chicken and mash or pasta dish, plus a small dessert. You typically do have to pay for these meals, roughly £10 per adult and £5–£6 per child meal (child meals are simpler, kid-friendly foods). If you don’t pre-book a meal on a short-haul TUI flight, you won’t get a free full meal on board.

During the flight, all passengers can purchase additional items from the TUI Café buy-on-board menu. This includes snacks like crisps, chocolate, sandwiches, and paninis, as well as hot and cold drinks. Prices might be around £3 for a tea, £5 for a sandwich, etc. They often carry things like pot noodles or instant soups for a few pounds, and treat boxes (like an afternoon tea box or tapas box) for around £5–£7.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: If you have pre-booked a meal, TUI usually offers a standard set of options (including a vegetarian choice). They also have a limited range of special meals (gluten-free, vegan, etc.) on long-haul flights; these can be requested in advance for no extra cost if a meal is included in your fare. On short-haul, if you need a special meal, it’s best to contact TUI in advance; otherwise, you may need to bring your own food, as the buy-on-board won’t cater to specific dietary needs beyond maybe a gluten-free snack available for purchase. One positive: drinks and snacks are always available for purchase on any TUI flight, so even if you didn’t order a hot meal, you can still get something to eat. And if you did pre-order a meal, note that it does not come with a drink included; you’ll get water or juice with the meal, but if you want a soda or beer, you’ll have to buy that (TUI does sometimes offer tea/coffee after the meal service on long flights as a courtesy).

TUI flights are cashless as well, so be ready with a card for onboard purchases. In summary, check your booking: if your holiday or flight indicates meals included (or you added them), then you’re set; if not, decide if you want to buy the meal in advance or just rely on the snack bar during the flight.

United Airlines (Economy Class)

United Airlines, like American and Delta, has different economy dining policies for long-haul vs. domestic flights.

On international long-haul flights (for example, UK to USA, or US to Asia), United provides complimentary meal service in economy. After departure, you’ll get a hot meal with a salad, bread, and dessert, and later in the flight, a snack or second meal is served (depending on flight length). United has even upgraded its economy meals recently. As of 2025, they introduced improved entrees and appetisers to enhance the experience. On flights over 12 hours, they typically include a mid-flight ice cream or sandwich snack as well, and a pre-arrival meal (which could be breakfast on an overnight flight). All non-alcoholic drinks are free, and beer or wine is usually offered for free with the main meal service on international routes. Additional alcoholic drinks can be purchased.

On domestic US flights (and flights to Canada, Caribbean, Central America), economy passengers get free coffee, tea, and soft drinks, plus a small free snack on flights roughly 2+ hours (often United’s signature stroopwafel in the morning or pretzels/biscoff later in the day). For any more substantial food, United has a buy-on-board menu called United Bistro on flights typically longer than 3-4 hours. This includes items like sandwiches, salads, snack boxes, and candy for purchase. Prices are about $8–$10 for a sandwich or snack box, which is roughly £6–£8. As an example, a turkey sandwich might be $9 and a cheeseburger wrap around $10. On premium transcontinental routes (e.g. Newark to San Francisco), United now offers something a bit extra: they introduced free economy meals on those flights as well, to stay competitive, so if you’re on one of those, you’ll get a meal at no charge.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: United currently allows economy passengers to pre-order special meals on long-haul international flights (similar to other carriers). You can choose from options like Asian vegetarian, Hindu, kosher, vegan, low-sodium, etc., by requesting it at least 24 hours before the flight. However, unlike some airlines, United does not let standard economy passengers pre-select their regular meal choice in advance; you’ll choose on board from whatever two options they have. There’s also no general pre-order for buy-on-board items in domestic economy; it’s first-come, first-served on the flight, though United has trialled letting passengers pay via the app or entertain the possibility of pre-paying for snacks in the future. If you’re in United’s MileagePlus program with top status, one perk is you may get a free snack box or alcoholic drink on domestic flights, but for most people, budget to pay if you want more than the complimentary mini-pretzels.

One more tip: United flights are cashless for onboard purchases, and they even allow using miles to pay for food/drinks now (valued at 1 cent per mile). Also, United’s longest flights, such as to Australia, include extra snacks; flight attendants might come around with pizza bread or empanadas mid-flight. If you’re ever unsure, check United’s route-specific info; they have a handy page listing which flights get free meals. But as a rule: international = free meals, domestic = buy your own (with a small free snack).

Virgin Atlantic (Economy Class)

Virgin Atlantic is a full-service British airline, and it provides a robust meal service to economy passengers. All meals and standard drinks are included in your fare on Virgin Atlantic economy. For a transatlantic flight, for example, the service typically goes like this: after take-off, you’ll receive a menu and then a three-course meal (usually a choice of main course, plus a salad appetiser and a dessert). This is served with your choice of complimentary drinks, soft drinks, juice, water, and usually wine or beer is offered during the meal service. Virgin is known for often including some British touches, like perhaps a little packet of Cadbury chocolates with your coffee or tea after the meal.

During the flight, Virgin Atlantic crew will come around with additional snacks or an “extra treat.” For instance, on many flights, they hand out free ice cream to economy passengers a couple of hours after the first meal, a nice perk. On longer flights (e.g. UK to Asia or West Coast USA), they may do a mid-flight snack service like a sandwich or a snack bag. And before landing, there is a second meal: either a light breakfast (if it’s an overnight flight arriving in the morning) or a snack/light meal (like afternoon tea with a sandwich and scone, or pizza bread, etc., depending on route). All of this is included.

Virgin Atlantic also often has a snack “Wander Wall” or galley basket on many flights, where economy and premium economy passengers can go help themselves to extra snacks (like crisps, fruit, chocolate) during the flight. Don’t be shy to ask if you’re peckish; Virgin prides itself on hospitality.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: Virgin Atlantic offers a range of special meals for dietary requirements at no extra charge; these must be requested at least 24 hours before departure (48 hours for kosher meals). Options include vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, gluten-free, lactose-free, diabetic, etc. They also have kids’ meals, which you can request for children (these tend to be things like chicken nuggets or pasta that are more kid-friendly). Unlike British Airways, Virgin does not charge for choosing a specific meal in economy, but you also can’t choose your exact main course ahead of time (you’ll choose between the two options on board). There isn’t a pre-book “buy-on-board” because everything is already included; however, Virgin does have some upgrade options like ordering a celebration cake or champagne for a special occasion, which you’d arrange before flying.

One more thing to note: all drinks in Virgin Atlantic economy are free except if you want something like an entire bottle of wine or upscale champagne (those you’d pay for). But standard spirits (gin, whiskey, etc.) with mixers, wine by the glass, beer, and soft drinks are all included. They usually do a couple of rounds of beverage service, one with the meal and at least one more later on. You can also go to the galley and request drinks between services. Virgin’s ethos is to keep passengers comfortable and satisfied, so their crew often come through with water/juice periodically to keep everyone hydrated.

Wizz Air (Economy Class)

Wizz Air is a low-cost carrier based in Hungary, and it operates a similar model to Ryanair and easyJet. No free meals or drinks are provided in Wizz Air’s economy class. If you fly Wizz Air, you’ll need to purchase any refreshments from the onboard Wizz Café menu. This menu features snacks (like crisps, chocolate bars, nuts), sandwiches and other light bites, and drinks (hot, cold, alcoholic). For an idea of prices: a simple sandwich (say, a cheese baguette or turkey baguette) costs around €6 (about £5), a cup of noodle soup about €3–€4, and soft drinks around €3. Coffee or tea is roughly €3, and beers or wine are about €5–€7 each.

Wizz Air does not have meal deals as extensive as easyJet or Ryanair, but they sometimes bundle a snack + drink for a slight discount (for example, a croissant + coffee special for a set price). They also introduced a few “Wizz Meal” combos, e.g. a vegan salad + apple chips + water for a certain price (one combo in a 2025 menu was £11 for a quinoa salad, apple crisps, and water). These offers can vary.

Importantly, Wizz Air is cashless onboard (card payment only) and they accept multiple currencies (pounds, euros, etc. at a predefined rate if paying by card.

Pre-order/Dietary Options: Wizz Air does not offer any pre-order meal service. All food is first-come, first-served from the trolley. So if you have specific needs, plan accordingly. Wizz’s menu might have a couple of vegetarian items (often a cheese sandwich or a meat-free risotto cup), but the choice is limited. They do not cater special meals for allergies or religious diets; it’s a buy-what-you-see system. You are absolutely allowed to bring your own food on board, and given the limited range, many experienced travellers will pick something up in the airport to eat during the flight. Just remember that Wizz (like most airlines) won’t chill or heat any personal food for you, and you shouldn’t bring overly aromatic meals out of respect for others.

A note for hydration: Wizz Air flights, especially to holiday destinations, can be quite crowded, and sometimes the trolley might take a while to reach you. It’s wise to buy a bottle of water in the terminal or carry an empty bottle to fill before the flight. That way, you’re not desperate if service is delayed. Also, Wizz Air’s buy-on-board occasionally runs out of popular items (like fresh sandwiches on later flights in the day), so have a backup plan if a meal is important for you.

Despite being low-cost, the cabin crew on Wizz are generally friendly and will help if possible. But in summary, expect no freebies, treat Wizz Air like flying a flying café where everything, including tea or coffee, must be paid for.

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Why airline food tastes so different?

Below are some additional frequently asked questions by economy class travellers regarding in-flight meals:

FAQs, Economy Class In-Flight Meals

Disclaimer: In-flight meal offerings are subject to change. Airlines may update their menus, pricing, and services at any time. The information above is accurate as of October 2025 to the best of our research, but we strongly recommend checking with your airline (via their official website or customer service) close to your travel date for the latest details on economy class meals and services. Bon appétit and happy travels!

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