Which Airlines Still Serve Free Meals? (Full List for 2025)

Introduction

In 2025, the landscape of in-flight dining varies significantly across airlines, especially when comparing domestic and international services, as well as budget versus premium carriers. Understanding which airlines offer complimentary meals can enhance your travel experience.

Which Airlines Still Serve Free Meals?

Domestic Flights: Complimentary Meals

On domestic routes, complimentary meal offerings are becoming less common, with many airlines opting for buy-on-board models. However, some carriers continue to provide free meals to enhance passenger satisfaction.

Airlines Offering Free Meals on Domestic Flights

While many airlines have moved toward a buy-on-board model for domestic flights, several still provide complimentary meals or snacks, particularly in premium cabins and on longer routes. The availability of free meals depends on flight distance, class of service, and airline policy. Below is a detailed look at which U.S. airlines still serve free meals on domestic flights, what’s included, and what passengers can expect.

1. Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is known for offering some of the best in-flight food options among U.S. carriers, especially in premium cabins.

First Class

✔ Complimentary meals on flights over 900 miles.
✔ Includes hot entrées, salads, and side dishes.
✔ Beverages include alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and coffee/tea.
✔ On morning flights, expect hot breakfast options such as omelets, fruit, and yogurt.

Main Cabin (Economy Class)

✔ Complimentary snacks on all flights. Choices typically include:

• Biscoff cookies
• Pretzels
• Almonds or mixed nuts
  ✔ For flights over 1,500 miles, passengers can purchase fresh meals such as sandwiches, wraps, and fruit plates.

📌 Tip: Delta SkyMiles members with status may receive complimentary upgrades to First Class, increasing the likelihood of receiving a free meal.

2. Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines is one of the only U.S. carriers that still offers free meals in economy class on domestic flights. Since most of their routes are long-haul flights to/from Hawaii, they maintain a more traditional meal service.

Main Cabin (Economy Class)

✔ Complimentary meal on all flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland.
✔ Meals are inspired by Hawaiian cuisine, with options like:

• Teriyaki chicken with rice
• Macadamia nut cookies
• Fresh fruit
  ✔ Vegetarian and special meals available upon request.

First Class (Premium Cabin)

✔ Complimentary multi-course meal with Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
✔ Free premium beverages, including Hawaiian rum cocktails, wine, and soft drinks.

📌 Tip: Hawaiian Airlines’ meal service is included in all fare classes, making it a great choice for travelers looking for complimentary meals on a long domestic flight.

3. Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines balances complimentary snack options with a variety of fresh meals for purchase in the main cabin.

First Class

✔ Complimentary chef-curated meals on most flights.
✔ Menu changes seasonally, featuring hot entrées, fresh salads, and soups.
✔ Passengers also receive free alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Main Cabin (Economy Class)

✔ Complimentary snacks such as:

• Stroopwafels
• Trail mix
• Granola bars
  ✔ Meals are available for purchase on flights over 1,100 miles and include:
• Signature fruit and cheese platter
• Hot sandwiches and grain bowls
• Protein snack packs

📌 Tip: If you’re flying longer routes (Alaska to the lower 48 states), consider pre-ordering a meal through the Alaska Airlines app to guarantee your selection.

4. American Airlines

American Airlines offers complimentary meal service in First Class on most domestic flights over 900 miles but has limited free options in economy class.

First Class

✔ Complimentary hot meals, salads, and snacks on flights over 900 miles.
✔ Breakfast options include scrambled eggs, fruit plates, and yogurt parfaits.
✔ Lunch and dinner offerings may include grilled chicken, pasta dishes, or grain bowls.

Main Cabin (Economy Class)

✔ Complimentary snacks such as:

• Pretzels
• Biscoff cookies
  ✔ Meals available for purchase on longer flights, with options like:
• Fresh sandwiches
• Chicken wraps
• Protein boxes

📌 Tip: If you’re flying Flagship First on a transcontinental route, expect a premium multi-course meal with enhanced dining options.

5. United Airlines

United Airlines provides complimentary meals in First Class on longer flights, with free snacks available in economy.

First Class

✔ Complimentary meal service on flights over 800 miles.
✔ Meals include hot entrées, salads, fresh bread, and dessert.
✔ Complimentary drinks, including wine, beer, and spirits.

Main Cabin (Economy Class)

✔ Complimentary snacks include:

• Stroopwafels
• Pretzels
  ✔ Meals available for purchase on flights over 1,500 miles, with selections like:
• Fresh sandwiches
• Grain bowls
• Snack boxes

📌 Tip: On premium transcontinental routes (such as Newark to Los Angeles or San Francisco), United provides an enhanced meal service in Polaris Business Class.

Recap: Which Airline Has the Best Free Meals on Domestic Flights?

If you’re looking for free meals in economy, Hawaiian Airlines is the best choice for complimentary hot meals on domestic U.S. flights.

For premium travelers, Delta and United offer some of the best First Class meal services, particularly on longer routes.

✔ Best for Free Economy Meals: Hawaiian Airlines
✔ Best First Class Meals: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
✔ Best for Buy-On-Board Fresh Meals: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines

📌 Tip: If free meals are important to you, consider flying First Class on longer flights or choosing an airline like Hawaiian that still offers full meal service in economy.

International Flights: Complimentary Meals

On long-haul international flights, complimentary meals remain a standard offering, even as domestic carriers have shifted toward buy-on-board models. Many full-service international airlines continue to provide multi-course meals, snacks, and complimentary beverages, including alcoholic options.

Below, we explore which airlines still provide free meals in economy class on international flights, what to expect in terms of quality and variety, and how they compare.

1. Emirates

Emirates is widely recognized for its exceptional in-flight dining experience, even in economy class. The airline provides multi-course meals with a strong focus on quality and regional flavors.

Economy Class

✔ Two complimentary meals on long-haul flights.
✔ Internationally inspired menu with options such as:

• Middle Eastern dishes like chicken biryani.
• Western-style meals such as grilled fish with vegetables.
• Vegetarian options, including pasta or lentil-based dishes.
  ✔ Free beverages, including soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and complimentary alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, and spirits).
  ✔ Snacks available between meals, such as sandwiches or fruit.

📌 Tip: Emirates allows passengers to pre-order special meals (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, etc.) at no extra cost.

2. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is known for its gourmet meal offerings, even in economy class, where passengers enjoy restaurant-quality dining.

Economy Class

✔ Two complimentary meals on most international routes.
✔ Premium meal choices, including:

• Asian-inspired dishes like beef rendang or chicken satay.
• Western dishes such as grilled salmon with mashed potatoes.
  ✔ Complimentary drinks, including a selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails.
  ✔ Mid-flight snacks, such as sandwiches or noodle cups, available on request.

📌 Tip: Passengers flying economy on long-haul routes (12+ hours) often receive an additional snack service.

3. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways offers a five-star dining experience in all cabin classes, making its economy class meal service one of the best among international airlines.

Economy Class

✔ Multi-course meals served on all international flights.
✔ Rotating menu featuring global cuisine, including:

• Arabic dishes like lamb machboos.
• Western-style entrees such as grilled chicken with rice.
  ✔ Complimentary beverages, including alcoholic drinks (wine, beer, spirits), soft drinks, and juices.
  ✔ Mid-flight snack service, including sandwiches and desserts.

📌 Tip: Qatar Airways frequently partners with celebrity chefs to create premium meal experiences in all cabin classes.

4. British Airways

British Airways provides complimentary meals on all long-haul flights, with an emphasis on British and international cuisine.

Economy Class (World Traveller Cabin)

✔ Two meal services on long-haul flights (one hot meal and a lighter snack).
✔ Main course selections include:

• Classic British fare like shepherd’s pie.
• Pasta and chicken-based entrees.
  ✔ Free beverages, including wine, beer, soft drinks, and tea/coffee.

📌 Tip: British Airways’ meal service is better on long-haul routes but may be scaled down on shorter international flights to Europe.

5. Air France

Air France is known for its high-quality meal service, even in economy, where passengers receive free meals inspired by French cuisine.

Economy Class

✔ Two complimentary meals on intercontinental flights.
✔ Menu includes French-inspired dishes, such as:

• Beef bourguignon with vegetables.
• Ratatouille with rice.
  ✔ Complimentary wine and champagne, along with other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
  ✔ Light snacks available between meals, such as croissants or pastries.

📌 Tip: Air France also offers a paid gourmet meal upgrade option for economy passengers who want an elevated dining experience.

Other Airlines Offering Complimentary Meals on International Flights

In addition to the top five airlines listed above, several other international carriers provide free meal service in economy:

Full-Service Airlines with Complimentary Meals

✔ Japan Airlines (JAL) – Traditional Japanese meals like sushi and miso soup, plus Western options.
✔ Korean Air – Bibimbap, Korean-style rice dishes, and other premium meal options.
✔ Turkish Airlines – Mediterranean and Turkish dishes, along with free alcohol.
✔ Lufthansa – Hot meals with European and German specialties, including pretzels and sausages.
✔ Cathay Pacific – Asian-fusion meal service, with free snacks between courses.

Budget Airlines with Limited or No Free Meals

🚫 Norwegian Air – No complimentary meals in economy; must purchase food in advance.
🚫 Scoot (Singapore Airlines’ low-cost carrier) – No free meals, only buy-on-board options.
🚫 AirAsia X – Must pre-order meals before departure or purchase during the flight.

Recap: Best Airlines for Free Meals on International Flights

For long-haul flights, most full-service international airlines still provide complimentary meals, making them a better option than budget airlines if you prefer free in-flight dining.

✔ Best for Gourmet Meals: Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air France
✔ Best for Generous Portions & Free Alcohol: Emirates, Turkish Airlines
✔ Best for Regional Specialties: Japan Airlines (Japanese cuisine), Korean Air (Korean dishes)

📌 Tip: If you’re flying on a budget airline, always check whether meals are included or need to be pre-ordered to avoid going hungry on long flights.

Budget Airlines: Buy-On-Board Meal Options (2025 Guide)

Unlike full-service carriers that provide complimentary meals, budget airlines operate on a buy-on-board model, meaning passengers must purchase food and drinks separately. While these airlines often have lower base fares, meal costs can quickly add up—especially on longer flights.

Below is a breakdown of which budget airlines offer buy-on-board options, what types of food are available, and tips for saving money on in-flight meals.

1. Ryanair

Ryanair is a low-cost European carrier that does not include meals in its ticket prices. Instead, passengers can purchase food and drinks from the “Getaway Café” buy-on-board menu.

Food & Beverage Options

✔ Hot & Cold Snacks:

• Sandwiches (chicken & bacon, cheese & ham).
• Breakfast options like croissants and muffins.
  ✔ Hot Meals:
• Pre-packaged pasta dishes.
• Instant noodles.
  ✔ Drinks:
• Soft drinks, coffee, tea.
• Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits).
  ✔ Kids’ Meals:
• Snack boxes with crackers, fruit gummies, and juice.

📌 Tip: Ryanair allows passengers to bring their own food, but hot drinks and alcohol purchased outside the airline are not permitted on board.

2. EasyJet

EasyJet, another popular European budget airline, provides a buy-on-board menu through its “Bistro” service. While no meals are included for free, the airline offers a variety of hot and cold meal options.

Food & Beverage Options

✔ Breakfast Choices:

• Bacon baguette.
• Granola & yogurt.
  ✔ Snacks & Light Meals:
• Tapas-style snack boxes with crackers, olives, and hummus.
• Fresh sandwiches and wraps.
  ✔ Hot Drinks & Alcohol:
• Lavazza coffee and herbal teas.
• Wine, gin & tonic, and cocktails.

📌 Tip: Passengers can pre-order meals online before their flight, which guarantees better prices and availability compared to ordering on board.

3. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is one of the few U.S. budget airlines that provides free snacks, but it does not serve full meals on any of its flights. Instead, passengers can purchase additional snacks and drinks.

Food & Beverage Options

✔ Complimentary Snacks (All Flights):

• Pretzels or snack mix.
• Nabisco cookies or crackers.
  ✔ Buy-On-Board Snacks (Longer Flights):
• Cheese & cracker boxes.
• Protein bars.
  ✔ Complimentary Drinks:
• Coffee, tea, juice, and soda.
  ✔ Alcoholic Drinks (Available for Purchase):
• Beer, wine, and cocktails ($6-$10 per drink).

📌 Tip: On holidays or special occasions, Southwest sometimes offers free alcoholic drinks, such as on Valentine’s Day or Halloween.

4. JetBlue Airways

JetBlue offers one of the best snack selections among budget airlines, with complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for all passengers. However, full meals must be purchased separately.

Food & Beverage Options

✔ Free Snacks:

• Cheez-Its, PopCorners, and pretzels.
• Sweet treats like chocolate chip cookies.
  ✔ Buy-On-Board Meal Options:
• Fresh sandwiches and salads.
• Protein snack boxes with nuts, cheese, and crackers.
  ✔ Complimentary Beverages:
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and juices.
  ✔ Alcoholic Drinks (Available for Purchase):
• Beer, wine, and spirits ($8-$12 per drink).

📌 Tip: JetBlue’s Mint Class (Premium Cabin) includes complimentary gourmet meals, but all economy passengers must purchase full meals.

Other Budget Airlines with Buy-On-Board Meal Service

Many other budget airlines follow the same model of selling food and drinks on board rather than offering free meals.

European Budget Airlines

✔ Wizz Air – Offers sandwiches, instant noodles, and alcoholic beverages.
✔ Norwegian Air – No free meals; hot meals and snacks must be purchased in advance.
✔ Vueling Airlines – Sells tapas boxes and sandwiches, with no complimentary items.

North American Budget Airlines

✔ Spirit Airlines – No free snacks; everything must be purchased on board.
✔ Frontier Airlines – Sells pre-packaged snacks and soft drinks; no complimentary options.
✔ Allegiant Air – Offers snack packs and alcoholic drinks for purchase.

📌 Tip: Many budget airlines charge premium prices for food and drinks, so bringing your own snacks is often the best way to save money.

How to Save Money on In-Flight Meals When Flying Budget Airlines

💡 1. Bring Your Own Food – Most budget airlines allow pre-packaged snacks and sandwiches, but hot food or liquids (like soup) may not be allowed.
💡 2. Buy Food at the Airport – Prices for meals and snacks are often cheaper at the airport than on the plane.
💡 3. Pre-Order Online (If Available) – Some airlines offer meal pre-orders at a discount compared to buying on board.
💡 4. Check Credit Card Perks – Some travel credit cards offer food & beverage discounts on certain airlines.

Final Thoughts: Which Budget Airline Has the Best Food Options?

✔ Best Free Snacks: JetBlue, Southwest Airlines.
✔ Best Buy-On-Board Variety: EasyJet, JetBlue.
✔ Best for Alcohol Selection: Ryanair, EasyJet.
✔ Best for Pre-Order Meal Options: Norwegian Air, EasyJet.

📌 Tip: If you’re flying on a budget airline, always check whether meals are included or need to be purchased in advance to avoid going hungry on long flights.

Passenger Reviews and Meal Experiences: How Do Airline Meals Compare?

Passenger reviews provide valuable insights into the quality, variety, and consistency of in-flight meals across different airlines. While some carriers are praised for their restaurant-quality dishes, others receive mixed feedback, particularly regarding portion sizes, taste, and freshness.

Below is a detailed breakdown of passenger feedback on in-flight meals across multiple airlines, based on real experiences from flyers.

1. Delta Air Lines

Overall Passenger Sentiment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
✔ Highly rated First Class meals
✔ Good portion sizes & quality ingredients
✔ Economy snacks appreciated, but paid meal options could improve

First Class & Delta One (Premium Cabins)

• Delta’s First Class and Delta One international meals are highly rated, with hot entrées, salads, and dessert options.
• Passengers often praise the fresh ingredients and rotating seasonal menus.
• Complimentary wines, craft beers, and cocktails add to the premium dining experience.
• Frequent Compliment: “Delta’s First Class meals are among the best for U.S. airlines—fresh, flavorful, and well-presented.”
• Common Complaint: “Some flights serve cold meals instead of hot ones, especially on shorter routes.”

Economy Class & Buy-On-Board Meals

• Complimentary snacks like Biscoff cookies, almonds, and pretzels are appreciated by passengers.
• Economy meal options (paid) are decent but not as high-quality as premium cabin meals.
• Frequent Compliment: “The free snacks are great, and I like that Delta offers better buy-on-board options than some competitors.”
• Common Complaint: “The pre-packaged sandwiches and wraps feel overpriced for what you get.”

📌 Verdict: Great First Class meals, decent snacks, but economy meals could be better.

2. American Airlines

Overall Passenger Sentiment: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
✔ Good meal service in premium cabins
✔ Some economy meals feel generic and uninspired
✔ Inconsistent quality between domestic and international flights

First Class & Flagship Business (Premium Cabins)

• First Class meals get positive feedback, particularly on longer routes with multi-course dining and chef-curated menus.
• Business Class meals on international Flagship routes receive mixed reviews—some passengers love them, while others complain about lack of variety.
• Frequent Compliment: “American Airlines’ First Class meals have improved significantly, especially on longer domestic flights.”
• Common Complaint: “Meal presentation is great, but the food itself is hit or miss—sometimes dry or lacking seasoning.”

Economy Class & Buy-On-Board Meals

• Complimentary snacks like pretzels and cookies receive neutral feedback—better than nothing, but nothing special.
• Buy-on-board options like sandwiches and wraps are often described as “average at best”.
• Frequent Compliment: “The breakfast options are decent, but they could offer more variety.”
• Common Complaint: “The economy meal portions are too small for long-haul flights.”

📌 Verdict: Improving in premium cabins, but economy meals and buy-on-board options need work.

3. United Airlines

Overall Passenger Sentiment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
✔ Major improvement in meal quality in recent years
✔ Good balance of healthy and hearty meal options
✔ Complimentary snacks in economy well received

First Class & Polaris Business (Premium Cabins)

• United’s Polaris Business Class meals receive solid reviews, with multi-course dining and premium drinks.
• First Class domestic meals are decent, but not as well-received as Delta’s.
• Frequent Compliment: “Polaris meals are high-quality with a good mix of flavors and fresh ingredients.”
• Common Complaint: “They sometimes run out of meal choices before reaching the last rows in Business Class.”

Economy Class & Buy-On-Board Meals

• Complimentary snacks like stroopwafels, pretzels, and snack mix are fan favorites.
• Buy-on-board options include grain bowls, sandwiches, and snack packs, but some passengers feel they are too expensive.
• Frequent Compliment: “Love the stroopwafels—best airline snack in the U.S.!”
• Common Complaint: “The hot meals available for purchase are very average for the price.”

📌 Verdict: One of the better U.S. airlines for meal quality, especially in Polaris Business.

4. Condor Airlines

Overall Passenger Sentiment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
✔ Passengers love the pre-order meal options
✔ Better-than-expected economy class meals
✔ Premium meals rival full-service airlines

Pre-Order Economy Meals

• Condor is unique in that it offers pre-order meals in economy, allowing passengers to upgrade their dining experience.
• Meals are fresh and flavorful, often including German and European-inspired dishes.
• Frequent Compliment: “For a low-cost carrier, Condor’s meal quality exceeded my expectations!”
• Common Complaint: “If you don’t pre-order, the standard economy meal isn’t as good.”

📌 Verdict: One of the best economy meal options for budget-conscious international travelers.

Honorable Mentions: Passenger Reviews from Other Airlines

Emirates

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – “Easily one of the best economy meals I’ve had—plenty of options, great flavors, and free drinks!”

Singapore Airlines

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – “The food feels like it was made fresh just for me. Love the variety and the quality!”

Qatar Airways

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – “One of the few airlines where I actually look forward to the meals.”

British Airways

⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – “Decent meals, but nothing extraordinary. At least they still offer free food in economy!”

Final Thoughts: Which Airline Offers the Best Meals?

✔ Best Overall Meal Quality (All Cabins): Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates
✔ Best Domestic First Class Meals: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
✔ Best Economy Class Meals on a Budget Airline: Condor Airlines
✔ Best Complimentary Snacks in the U.S.: JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines
✔ Most Improved Meal Service: United Airlines, American Airlines

In 2025, the availability of complimentary in-flight meals varies widely depending on the airline, route, and class of service. While many full-service carriers continue to offer free meals on international flights, domestic offerings are more varied, with some airlines providing complimentary meals or snacks and others adopting a buy-on-board model.

Budget airlines typically do not include free meals but offer items for purchase. For the most current information, it’s advisable to check the specific airline’s website or contact their customer service before your flight.

📌 Final Tip: If meal quality matters to you, consider flying premium cabins on top-rated international airlines, or pre-ordering meals on budget carriers like Condor to ensure a better dining experience.

Please note that in-flight meal offerings are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always verify with the airline directly before your flight.