in-flight meal

Meaning

This phrase refers to the food and beverages served to passengers during a flight. These meals are typically included on long international flights but might require purchase on shorter, low-cost flights. The term is neutral and used by both airlines and passengers.

Examples

• I forgot to request a vegetarian in-flight meal when I booked my ticket.

  I forgot to request a vegetarian in-flight meal when I booked my ticket.

• The in-flight meal was surprisingly delicious, especially the warm bread.

  The in-flight meal was surprisingly delicious, especially the warm bread.

• Do we get a complimentary in-flight meal on this eight-hour flight?

  Do we get a complimentary in-flight meal on this eight-hour flight.

• I usually eat at the airport because I don't really like the in-flight meal options.

  I usually eat at the airport because I don't really like the in-flight meal options.

• The flight attendant started serving the in-flight meal about an hour after takeoff.

  The flight attendant started serving the in-flight meal about an hour after takeoff.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I ordered a special flying meal for my trip.

  ✓ I ordered a special in-flight meal for my trip.

  The correct adjective for food served during a flight is 'in-flight', not 'flying'.

• ✗ They served us an on-flight meal.

  ✓ They served us an in-flight meal.

  While 'onboard' is acceptable, the standard term for the scheduled food service is 'in-flight meal'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you have allergies, you should order your ___ in advance.

  💡 The food served on the plane.

  Show answer

  in-flight meal

• Is the ___ included in the price of the economy ticket?

  💡 The lunch or dinner served during your flight.

  Show answer

  in-flight meal