Vegan Travel: Eating Plant-Based At Airports

Eating vegan at the airport or on a flight is easier than ever, with vegan-friendly eateries popping up in airports around the world. It's always a good idea to bring your own snacks, such as nuts or energy bars, but if you forget, you can always check the airport's restaurant directory to see what vegan options are available. You can also request a vegan meal when you book your flight, or call the airline at least 72 hours before your flight to request one.

Request a vegan meal when booking your flight

When booking your flight, it's a good idea to request a vegan meal. Airlines don't want to make two separate meals for vegetarians and vegans, so requesting a vegetarian meal will usually mean you get a vegan meal. If you didn't submit a request when you purchased your ticket, be sure to call the airline at least 72 hours before your flight and then reconfirm your meal while checking in at the airport.

It's also worth checking the airport's restaurant directory, as most airports will have vegan options. You can order veggie sushi at a Japanese restaurant or a vegan pasta primavera at an Italian spot, or head to the airport Starbucks and pick up an all-vegan bento box.

If you're worried about going hungry, it's a good idea to bring some food from home. You can bring homemade food through security, although any knives or forks will be confiscated. A vegan sandwich, avocado Reuben, or crunchy vegetable wrap are all good options. Alternatively, keep some travel-friendly snacks like nuts or energy bars on hand.

Bring your own food from home

Bringing your own food from home is a great way to ensure you have a vegan meal at the airport and on the plane. You can bring food from home through security, although you will be subject to a pat-down search. It's best to avoid bringing cutlery or liquids, as these will be confiscated. Instead, make something that can be eaten with your hands, like a sandwich, wrap, or sushi. You could also bring travel-friendly snacks like nuts or energy bars, so you have something to eat during your flight.

Check the airport's restaurant directory for vegan options

If you're travelling as a vegan, it's a good idea to check the airport's restaurant directory for vegan options. Even your local airport is sure to have vegan options. For example, you could order veggie sushi at a Japanese restaurant or vegan pasta primavera at an Italian spot. Or, head to the airport Starbucks and pick up an all-vegan bento box.

If you're planning to eat on the plane, it's worth requesting a vegan meal when you book your ticket. If you didn't do this, be sure to call the airline at least 72 hours before your flight and then reconfirm your meal while checking in at the airport. Airlines don't want to make two separate meals for vegetarians and vegans, so you're likely to get a vegan meal if you request a vegetarian one.

If you don't want to rely on airport or airline food, you could always bring food from home. Although knives and forks will be thrown away at the security checkpoint, you can bring homemade food through. A sandwich, avocado Reuben or crunchy vegetable wrap are all good options because they're quick to make, easy to eat and won't smell too strongly. It's also a good idea to keep some travel-friendly snacks like nuts or energy bars on hand.

Keep travel-friendly snacks on hand

It's always a good idea to keep travel-friendly snacks on hand when you're on the move. Nuts and energy bars are a great option, as they're easy to pack and won't spoil quickly. If you're travelling with a companion, it's worth packing some extra snacks to share—you never know when you might need to trade for something more substantial.

If you're travelling with a carry-on bag, you can also bring food from home. Security agents will allow homemade food through, although they may give you a pat down. It's best to avoid bringing cutlery or liquids, as these will be confiscated at the security checkpoint. Instead, opt for sandwiches, wraps, or foods that can be eaten with your hands, like sushi.

It's also worth checking the airport's restaurant directory before you travel. Many airports now have vegan-friendly eateries, so you can plan to grab a bite to eat before your flight. Some airlines will also provide vegan meals if you request them at least 72 hours in advance, and then reconfirm your meal when checking in at the airport.

Check the airline's website for vegan options

It's always a good idea to check the airline's website for vegan options before you fly. Some airlines will allow you to request a vegan meal when you book your ticket, but if you didn't do this, you can call the airline at least 72 hours before your flight to request a vegan meal. You can also reconfirm your meal when you check in at the airport. Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada have collaborated with animal-free brands to create a better array of vegan meals on select flights.

If you're unsure whether your chosen airline serves vegan food, it's worth checking its website or giving them a call. That way, you can be sure that you'll have a vegan-friendly meal option during your flight.

It's also a good idea to bring your own vegan food from home or purchase some at the airport, especially for longer flights. Travel-friendly snacks like nuts or energy bars are easy to pack and will ensure you won't go hungry. You can also make a delicious vegan sandwich to bring on the plane, just be aware that any knives or forks will be confiscated at the security checkpoint.

Frequently asked questions