Lyla Lindsey
Virgin Australia offers a variety of meal options for its passengers, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and global flavours. While the airline provides a range of choices, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, passengers with specific dietary requirements or allergies may face challenges. Currently, Virgin Australia does not allow Business Class customers to pre-order special meals, and special meal requests are not available on Domestic and International Short Haul flights. However, passengers can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages onboard if needed. This article will explore the options available for passengers who wish to change their meal preference when flying with Virgin Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meal preference options | Vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, halal, vegan, low-sodium, low-fat, diabetic-friendly |
| Meal preference availability | Not available on Domestic and International Short Haul flights |
| Meal preference request method | Log into My Booking and select a specific meal option |
| Meal preference request deadline | More than 24 hours before flight departure for special meals, 48 hours for kosher meals |
| Meal preference restrictions | Only applies to the main meal, not snacks and condiments |
| Meal preference recommendations | Bring your own snacks if you have special dietary requirements |
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What You'll Learn
Dietary requirements and allergies
Virgin Australia does not offer the possibility for Business Class customers with dietary needs or allergies to pre-order a special meal. There is no possibility to request this online or through the call centre. The two pre-designated menu options in Business are generally the only meals available on board each flight. However, Virgin Australia does have additional snacks available to Business Class passengers from its secret “pantry” menu, such as packets of chips and chocolates. On longer flights, there are also various accompaniments served alongside the main meals, such as cheese and crackers, pastries, and/or dessert.
On its domestic and international short-haul flights, Virgin Australia does not offer special meal options. However, a range of food and beverage options are available for purchase from their on-board menu, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. If these are unsuitable, passengers are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board.
For economy class travellers, the airline does not provide complimentary meals. Instead, you can purchase an array of items from their onboard menu. In December 2022, the menu offered fresh food choices like wraps and sandwiches for AUD$12 or noodles for AUD$8. They cater to specific dietary needs such as Halal, Gluten-Free, and Vegan/Vegetarian options.
If you are flying on a Virgin Australia flight domestically or internationally, you’ll receive complimentary Madame Flavour tea, Grinders coffee, and water. The Virgin Australia onboard menu offers a range of hot and cold snacks, as well as drinks for sale.
Virgin Australia cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment on board its aircraft. If you have a life-threatening allergy, you must carry appropriate medication with you, within easy reach, and be able to administer it if required.
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Economy class meal options
Virgin Australia does not provide complimentary meals in economy class. Instead, the airline offers a buy-on-board program with a variety of purchasable food and drink options. Coffee, tea, and water remain complimentary for all economy class passengers, but anything beyond that will be available for purchase. The onboard dining experience offers a fresh take on in-flight cuisine, blending locally sourced ingredients with global flavours to create a contemporary, cafe-inspired experience.
The onboard menu offers a range of hot and cold snacks, as well as drinks for sale. The most substantial offering is gluten-free 'gourmet' instant noodles, with a choice of beef or vegetable, at $7.50. Other options include cheese and crackers and Australian wine. Vegetarian options are also available onboard but are subject to availability.
Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board. However, Virgin Australia cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment on board its aircraft. If you have a life-threatening allergy, you must carry appropriate medication with you and be able to administer it if required.
Please note that requests for special meal options are not available on Domestic and International Short Haul flights.
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$12.86
$7.64
Business class meal options
Virgin Australia's business-class dining offers a contemporary café-style dining experience in the sky. Once onboard, passengers are greeted with a welcome drink (juice, water, or bubbles) and served a choice of two freshly prepared hot meals, plated by the cabin crew for a restaurant-style presentation. There are a variety of menu options on rotation, with different choices offered at breakfast compared to lunch or dinner. Generally, one of the Virgin Australia Business Class meals will contain meat, while the other will be vegetarian.
On most Virgin Australia domestic flights, business passengers are offered a choice between two main meals. However, Virgin Australia does not offer the possibility for business-class customers with dietary needs or allergies to pre-order a special meal. The two pre-designated menu options in business class are generally the only meals available on board each flight.
Some examples of meals served in Virgin Australia's business class include:
- Mustard chicken with mashed potatoes and vegetables
- Gnocchi with creamy mushroom sauce
- Beef quesadilla with charred corn salsa
- Waffles with rhubarb mascarpone
- Passionfruit mango pancake stack
- Chicken noodle salad with nuoc nam dressing
- Pork in sticky lemon sauce
Virgin Australia does have additional snacks available to business-class passengers from its secret "pantry" menu, such as packets of chips and chocolates. On longer flights, there are also various accompaniments served alongside the main meals, such as cheese and crackers, pastries, and/or dessert.
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Special meal requests
While Virgin Australia does not offer pre-ordering of special meals for Business Class customers with dietary needs or allergies, they do provide a buy-on-board menu with a variety of purchasable food and drink options. This menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options. Additionally, passengers are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board. However, Virgin Australia cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment, so passengers with life-threatening allergies must carry the necessary medication and be able to administer it if needed.
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Bringing your own food
Firstly, it's important to note that Virgin Australia does offer a variety of food options for purchase on their flights, including hot and cold snacks, drinks, and gluten-free and vegetarian choices. However, if you have particular dietary needs or simply prefer to bring your own food, you are welcome to do so.
When bringing your own food, make sure to follow the guidelines for what is allowed onboard. Non-alcoholic beverages and food items that are not liquid or gel-based are typically permitted. It is also important to be mindful of any potential allergens in your food, as Virgin Australia cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment. If you have a severe allergy, be sure to carry the necessary medication with you and ensure it is easily accessible during the flight.
Some travellers recommend bringing a "picnic" or a cold meal from the airport, as the quality of onboard food may vary. This can be a good option if you want a more substantial or familiar meal during your flight. Additionally, bringing your own food can be a good way to support any specific dietary needs, such as allergies or dietary restrictions, as you can ensure the ingredients and preparation meet your requirements.
Overall, bringing your own food on a Virgin Australia flight is a viable option and can enhance your travel experience by providing you with greater control over your meal choices.
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Frequently asked questions
You can change your meal preference by logging into 'My Booking' and selecting a specific meal option. This must be done at least 24 hours before your flight, and 48 hours if it's a Kosher meal.
For economy class, there is a buy-on-board program with a range of food and drink options available for purchase. Tea, coffee, and water are complimentary. In business class, passengers are offered a choice of two freshly prepared hot meals.
Yes, Virgin Australia offers a range of specialised inflight meals for those with specific dietary needs. These include meals that are low in fat, sodium, or sugar, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and Kosher.
To request a special meal, log into 'My Booking' and select your preferred meal option. This must be done at least 24 hours before your flight, and special meal requests are only available for the main meal.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board. However, Virgin Australia cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment, so if you have a severe allergy, you must carry the appropriate medication with you.
