How to Research Your Airline Meal

What if there was a website allowing passengers to get first hand knowledge of the meals and service on select airlines, a behind the scenes look at airline food and a glimpse into meal movies? Look no further!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer & Internet
• Flight Information

1. Aer Lingus NYC-Dublin Economy Class Meal Visit AirlineMeals.net:
   
   This website allows flyers to get first hand knowledge of the meals and service on select airlines, a behind the scenes look at airline food and a glimpse into meal movies. AirlineMeals.net is self-proclaimed as the world's first and leading website about nothing but airline food. The site features 7,000 photos of meals and full meal details from up to 350 different airlines plus the site ads more information each day. First, business, and economy class meals are also included: everything down to the bag of peanuts. (If you get any!) AirlineMeals also has a history of airline meals dating back to the 1950s.
   
   So how does one website accumulate so much information from around the world? From flyers and Internet users of course! The website allows customers of airlines to upload photos and reviews of flight meals as well as selecting a meal of the week.
   
   Sample Review:
   "At first I was scared to eat the chicken in gravy but it was edible--although the chicken was a bit fatty and on a bone. The roasted potatoes were good but minimal, the string beans and salad fair. I did not care for the indistinguishable dessert. The Andes mint was the highlight of the meal. "
2. Visit AirGuideOnline.com
   
   Another alternative website (although not as visually decorated as Airlinemeals) is AirGuideOnline.com. This website has a section dedicated to airline foods as well as general airline and airport information. The meals on this site are separated into airlines as well although the search to find your destination might be a bit tricky.
   
   One user notes his Caracas to Miami lunch experience on board American Airlines:
   
   “Some sort of vegetable/meat salad sandwich, plantain chip and a sugar cookie. "The sandwich was not even close to edible (for my standards). The plantain chips were tasty (from Venezuela) and the cookie was good. I give this meal a 4 just for the chips and cookie."
   
   Now that's honesty!
3. Visit VegParadise.com
   
   And of course for the business or pleasure traveler that requires a vegetarian or vegan meal, VegParadise.com offers information on sky high vegetarian dining. The website also includes a list of airlines and the extent of their vegan catering. The website also offers advice for times when “brown bagging” it on a select airline might be the only option.
   
   And for travelers who value cuisine, whether on the ground or in the air, contributing to these sites is suggested. If you have your digital camera handy, snap a photo and upload a review.
   
   Citizen journalism is now miles high and tasty too!

Tips & Warnings

• With these websites, you should have a pretty good idea of what to expect. I always recommend passengers bring fruit or pre-packaged granola bars to subsidize the meal.
• You can always ask the crew for second helpings. If they have extras, they can give it to you.
• Sometimes the "special" meals are better than the regular meals. Double check the vegetarian or "low-fat" meals on your select flight as well.
• Make sure you dispose of all fruit or unwrapped items BEFORE departing an international flight!