Changes to Qantas Special Meals - 1 Oct 24

[tdimdad]

Controversial statement: vegans in the main probably less likely to fly frequently as a general rule given that a good number seem predisposed to thinking of planes as killing the planet.

I expect this one to be deleted. I simply caveat that with the fact that this seems to be where things have taken us: that speaking our minds on general (non-political) societal issues is considered offensive to so many.

There are many reasons to be vegan. I happily take vegan if that's an option and freely available. But that's because I minimise especially beef & dairy (and that alone reduces my methane footprint in addition to the body feeling a lot better). But I also happily fly when needed.

 

[Port Power]

Many of the J menu items on international flights look to be gluten free anyway. Perhaps not made in a GF environment, but that is not always a problem. Why can’t allergens be listed on the main menu? I would even prefer a steak over the GF meal, which is sometimes the same on all three legs of a journey! If I do ask or a menu item, there might not be one available after ever other passenger is served. Not to mention those tucked away for the FAs to eat!

 

[VPS]

Many of the J menu items on international flights look to be gluten free anyway. Perhaps not made in a GF environment, but that is not always a problem. Why can’t allergens be listed on the main menu? I would even prefer a steak over the GF meal, which is sometimes the same on all three legs of a journey! If I do ask or a menu item, there might not be one available after ever other passenger is served. Not to mention those tucked away for the FAs to eat!

Most of the airlines now seem to have a tablet with the allergens listed. I don't know why they can't publish that and make everyone's life a lot easier

 

[tdimdad]

Why can’t allergens be listed on the main menu?

This, this and this! In all hospitality environments, be it onboard, in the lounge, or your local coffee shop.

About the steak. That's been often my GF meal. The trouble? I don't eat steak. Like ever. Even less when my body clock says it's past midnight and sleep time. And I hate food waste with passion. What can you do??? Looking at you, QF1 ex-SIN...

 

[HSB44]

Despite the sarcasm this is useful for people who have multiple allergies so they can at least be sure allergens haven't been added.

Although funnily enough not suitable for me since they seem to use a plethora of cheap melon which I have a severe intolerance for.

I'm actually surprised how many options there are.

My partner is allergic to the skin of some melons! Not the melon itself, just the skin. Melons can be tricky for allergies!! My sympathies

 

[HSB44]

Most food/catering/ and other bulk food prep establishments use this. This is to reduce wastage - in terms of cost, ingredients, labour among other things. I know someone from a meal prep service that caters to a few airlines and they are often told to make sure that the meals are planned in a such a way that - most pax can have that meal and it will satisfy most of the *minimum* dietary requirements.

So I understand that anything *vegetarian* on a flight is going to be the same or similar meal (with one item added/removed) to the baseline vego meal.

Sometimes, the side-veg component of a meat meal will be served as the main-veg component of a vego meal.


The area where most airlines skimp on special meals is the dessert bit. This get a bit tricky from what I'm told. Apparantly, desserts don't hold/freeze/stay fresh for longer than other savory meals, so there is going to be a compromise when it comes to having given a choice. Which is why QF, for a long time, use to give me an apple or an orange or a banana AND dried fruits in a packet AND sultanas along with my special meal. All this comes roped bag - to avoid contaminants.

But I have been able to ask nicely and get an ice cream or other desserts on offer - most of which are not *strictly* vego - as they have eggs in the dessert.

On international flights with the kids we try to order them diabetic meals, and if their dessert is not sufficiently 'palatable', we share the dessert from our regular meal

 

[JessicaTam]

On international flights with the kids we try to order them diabetic meals, and if their dessert is not sufficiently 'palatable', we share the dessert from our regular meal

Is that to keep the hyperactivity inducing sugar levels down?

 

[HSB44]

Is that to keep the hyperactivity inducing sugar levels down?

Not so much hyperactivity... More to reduce the extremity of the meltdowns

 

[Chicken]

Controversial statement: vegans in the main probably less likely to fly frequently as a general rule given that a good number seem predisposed to thinking of planes as killing the planet.

I expect this one to be deleted. I simply caveat that with the fact that this seems to be where things have taken us: that speaking our minds on general (non-political) societal issues is considered offensive to so many.

Half the Indians are vegos just to avoid any hassle, and many of them fly business.

 

[jdp]

This, this and this! In all hospitality environments, be it onboard, in the lounge, or your local coffee shop.

QF were until recently very good at GF options in the lounges. They were marked with a star on the flip card menus at the food stations.

Last few weeks visiting Melbourne Domestic Business, Sydney Domestic Business, Adelaide Domestic Business and Auckland First lounges, the only options marked GF were the fresh fruit. The international First lounges with a restaurant at least will accommodate with options when you ask.

I was in the Melbourne domestic Business lounge last week for the changeover between Breakfast and Lunch menu's. With breakfast, lunch and all-day dining, the only marked GF option was the fruit.

Even if it's a "risk of cross-contamination" what does that speak to your kitchen hygiene if you can't keep your cheese and flour separate? If your plain yoghurt is contaminated with wheat?