Are meals included in-flight?

As a general rule, you can expect to have to pay for food and drinks on short haul, regional and domestic flights. On long haul, international flights, meals, snacks, and drinks are usually included, but not always.



In the current aviation market of 2026, whether a meal is included depends almost entirely on the flight duration and the airline's "service model." On long-haul international flights (typically over 6–7 hours) with full-service carriers like Emirates, Delta, or British Airways, multi-course meals and snacks are still complimentary and included in your fare. However, for domestic flights or short-haul international trips (under 4 hours), the "buy-on-board" model has become the industry standard; you will likely be offered only a small snack or drink for free, with sandwiches or hot meals available for purchase. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Spirit, or EasyJet never include free meals, regardless of the flight length. If you have a specific dietary requirement, such as vegan or gluten-free, it is crucial to "pre-order" your special meal at least 24–48 hours in advance, as airlines rarely carry extra specialty meals for those who haven't requested them.

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flights under 2 hours: a snack. flights over 2 hours: a main meal. flights over 7 hours: a main meal and snack. flights over 12 hours: two main meals and a snack.

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As a general rule, you can expect to have to pay for food and drinks on short haul, regional and domestic flights. On long haul, international flights, meals, snacks, and drinks are usually included, but not always.

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Economy. Fabulous food and drink is always included in Economy. Quality, tasty hot meals served with a starter, your choice of wine, spirits, beer or soft drinks – and pudding, of course.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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Foods you can't pack in your carry-on
Think: creamy cheeses, liquid chocolate, liquid coffee, creamy dips and spreads, gravy, honey, hummus, ice cream, jam, jelly, juice, syrup, peanut butter, salad dressing, sauce, salsa, soda, soup and yogurt.

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Rules Protect Airline Passengers Airlines must return planes to the gate and let passengers off any time a flight is sitting on the tarmac for three hours (domestic flights). Airlines must provide passengers with adequate food and water within the first two hours of any tarmac delay.

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“Airlines across the country have largely aligned their service levels to match each other, so it's easy to predict what you're going to be served when—on most domestic flights, a drink and snack service will be offered after takeoff, and depending on the length, you might be offered a refill as you get closer to ...

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Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

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Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring sandwiches through airport security in your carry-on baggage. If the sandwiches aren't already pre-packaged, they should be wrapped or placed in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

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Think the usuals, like shampoo, toothpaste, and aerosol or roll-on liquid deodorant (solid deodorant isn't regulated by the 3-1-1 rule). But here are some surprising items that the TSA prohibits in carry-on luggage.

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The 3-1-1 Rule refers to three core components that govern how many liquids you can bring in your carry-on bags: Each liquid must be in a 3.4-ounce or less container (3), all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag (1), and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag (1).

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United offers complimentary meals in coach on international flights. In coach class on North American flights (including flights to the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico) of two hours or longer, a complimentary snack is given.

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Traveler pro tip. Don't worry if you forget your headphones for your flight. If they're available, you can request free earbuds.

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Yes, you may ask politely [for more free food]. The idea of hoarding plane food might seem stingy at best – and downright ludicrous at worst. After all, in-flight cuisine has something of a bad reputation. Why would you want to eat more of it than is strictly necessary?

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Blankets. Business and first-class flights offer comfort items like blankets during the flight. You must leave them on board when you're leaving the plane as they can be reused. “Paying more to travel in a better class does not entitle passengers to take items offered for the journey,” says Webber.

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TSA-approved snacks and meals
  • Sliced veggies with a (smaller than 3.4 ounce) container of hummus.
  • Protein bars.
  • Dried fruits and nuts.
  • DIY charcuterie box (with hard, not creamy, cheeses)
  • Muffins and pastries.
  • Beef or mushroom jerky.
  • Popcorn.
  • Whole wheat crackers.


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Water bottles must be empty. If you get to the TSA checkpoint with a water bottle containing any liquid, you must drink it or throw it away.

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