In-Flight Dining Tips

If you’re feeling hungry on your next flight, don’t despair: your in-flight crew is happy to help.

The Evolution of Airline Meals

While it may seem strange that anyone would want a second in-flight meal, some airlines offer a variety of decent fare, particularly on long-haul flights. Long gone are the days of cheese sandwiches and mystery “beef” stroganoff—at least for the most part.

Can You Request an Extra Meal?

When passengers are feeling a little peckish, crews usually do their best to accommodate them. According to an Aeroflot spokesperson, “Requests for extra food from passengers are not turned down. Passengers who ask for an extra meal will be given one, subject to availability.”

Rare but Possible Requests

Similarly, a British Airways spokesperson indicated that while such requests are rare, if a customer does ask for an extra meal, the crew will “accommodate where possible.”

What Happens at Meal Service?

For the most part, asking for an extra bag of pretzels is easily accommodated. However, any customer who wants seconds on their in-flight meal will need to wait until the end of service to see if there’s any leftover food. If so, the crew is typically happy to offer what’s left. A Virgin Atlantic spokeswoman confirmed this policy, stating, “If we have some left at the end of service, then we can always offer another.”

Why Ask for More Food?

Asking for more food is beneficial for travelers who have tight schedules and won’t have time to eat upon landing. Moreover, it can help save a few bucks—although travelers might receive some curious looks from neighboring passengers.

A Reality Check on Airplane Food

Airplane food—despite improvements—remains airplane food. Travelers should temper their expectations but can certainly enjoy the experience by knowing what to request!