Whether you’re flying short-haul or preparing for an international adventure, finding vegan-friendly meals in the sky can make or break your travel experience. Thankfully, more airlines are rising to the occasion by offering thoughtfully prepared plant-based options.
Best Airlines for Vegan Travelers
Finding satisfying plant-based meals while flying used to be a challenge, but today many airlines offer tasty, thoughtfully prepared vegan options. Here’s a closer look at the top carriers making plant-based travel easier and more enjoyable in 2025.
Emirates
Emirates sets the bar high when it comes to in-flight vegan dining. The airline offers an extensive range of gourmet plant-based meals, including jackfruit curry, couscous with roasted vegetables, and dairy-free desserts like chocolate cake and fruit tarts. Their vegan options are available across all classes when requested in advance (VGML), and during Veganuary and other global campaigns, Emirates has even featured plant-based options as part of the standard menu. Their attention to detail and quality ingredients make them a favorite among plant-based globetrotters.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways consistently earns praise for its delicious vegan meal offerings. Travelers can pre-order plant-based dishes across all cabins, including economy, where meals like spiced lentil stew, roasted vegetable couscous, and fresh fruit platters are often served. In premium classes, some vegan options may be available à la carte. With beautifully plated meals and an emphasis on regional flavors, Qatar Airways makes vegan dining at 30,000 feet feel special and satisfying.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is known for its culinary excellence, and that extends to its vegan offerings. By selecting the VGML meal in advance, travelers can enjoy thoughtfully crafted plant-based dishes made with whole grains, fresh vegetables, and global spices. Sample meals may include grilled tofu with quinoa salad, vegetable stir-fry, and dairy-free desserts. The airline’s exceptional service and attention to dietary needs make vegan flyers feel cared for throughout their journey.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa and its group of airlines—including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines—offer vegan meals on most long-haul routes when requested in advance. Meals may include sweet potato and quinoa salads, vegan ravioli, and seasonal fruit compotes. Lufthansa also publishes clear information about special dietary options, making it easy to select a plant-based meal with confidence.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines blends sustainability and tradition with its growing selection of vegan-friendly in-flight meals. When requested ahead of time, passengers can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes like vegetable bulgur pilaf, lentil stew, hummus, and fresh salad medleys. The airline’s culinary team emphasizes fresh ingredients and avoids overly processed food, resulting in hearty, home-style meals that go beyond the basics. Vegan meals are available on most international routes with a simple VGML request.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand has built a reputation for quality food, and that extends to its vegan offerings. The airline’s plant-based meals highlight locally sourced ingredients and New Zealand’s rich agricultural heritage, with options like mushroom risotto, tofu with root vegetables, and fruit-based desserts. Vegan meals are available across all classes when requested in advance. Combined with Air New Zealand’s sustainability focus—including goals to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050—this airline is a strong choice for conscious travelers.
British Airways
British Airways offers vegan meals across most international and long-haul flights, with the option to pre-order via the “Manage My Booking” tool. Typical dishes include vegetable curries, couscous salads, and dairy-free desserts. The airline has also begun incorporating plant-based options into its business and first-class menus, including a vegan afternoon tea experience on select routes. British Airways’ ongoing sustainability efforts and plant-based upgrades make it a solid option for vegan flyers heading to or from the UK.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic is another airline stepping up its vegan game. Passengers can pre-order VGML meals on most flights. In Upper Class, enjoy a mushroom pearl barley risotto with grilled king oyster mushroom, crispy capers, rocket, and lemon oil. Premium cabin passengers can savor a vegan chickpea and lentil cottage pie. The airline has also introduced vegan-friendly wines, including Nice canned wines.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Japan’s ANA offers vegan meals upon request for international flights, particularly those departing from Japan. Options might include rice dishes, sautéed seasonal vegetables, tofu, and miso-based sides. While the meals tend to be simple, they reflect traditional Japanese cuisine and showcase clean, whole-food ingredients. ANA is a great choice for travelers looking for light, nourishing plant-based meals with minimal processing.
Vegan Meal Tips for Air Travel
Planning ahead is key to enjoying a great vegan meal while flying. Since airlines usually require special meal requests to be made at least a day or two before departure, booking your VGML early ensures the kitchen has time to prepare your dish. It’s also a good idea to double-check your meal choice during online check-in or by calling customer service, just to be sure.
Because vegan options can sometimes be limited or vary by route, bringing your own snacks is a smart backup—especially on shorter or budget flights where meal service might be minimal. Finally, browsing recent reviews or social media posts from other vegan travelers can give you a heads-up on what to expect.
To make the most of your vegan in-flight dining experience:
- Always select the VGML (Vegan Meal) at least 24-48 hours before departure.
- Confirm your meal again during online check-in or via customer service.
- Bring your own snacks—especially on shorter or budget flights—to stay fueled and satisfied.
- Check forums or Instagram hashtags to see recent photos of in-flight vegan meals from your airline.
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