What Airline Meal Best Suits Your Needs?

Dining on planes is a far cry from the Pan Am days when food was served on fine china, but if there's one advancement that "airplane food" has made in recent times, it's the art of the special meal. The fact that you can get some customization of your in flight cuisine is definitely to be applauded. Here's what you should know about special meals offered on flights.

Long-Distance Flights: Most special meals are offered only on international routes or on domestic flights that are more than 4-5 hours in duration. If you have specific dietary restrictions such as eating kosher or vegetarian food, chances are you can purchase your appropriate meal or snack on board. While some airlines like JetBlue offer a wide selection of free brand-name snacks on board, it also has the Eat Up boxes priced at $5.99, and includes kosher and vegetarian options.

Vegetarian Meals: These types of meals vary on airlines: you'll find very basic options (e.g. a breakfast roll and butter/jelly) on some airlines, and a fancier omelet on others. There are three types of vegetarian meals available on flights: dairy-free or vegan, meals with dairy and eggs (lacto-ovo) and Asian vegetarian.

Shape Up/Get Fit Meals: There are variations on this theme of "getting fit" (e.g. JetBlue's "Shape Up" box) but you get the idea--these are boxes and meals for the calorie conscious. Delta Airlines offers KIND bars and hummus; Virgin America offers low-fat cheeses and oatmeal and United offers low-cal Pop Chips and lighter snacks.

Medical Special Meals: These meals range from gluten-free options (for those with Celiac disease) and low-calorie meals for people with diabetes. Choose these meals if you want less processed sugar or less fried and fatty foods. If you need a gluten-free option, you'll likely get a meal that is free of wheat, barley, baked goods and pastas.   

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter for exclusive travel deals!

photo: andrewcurrie