FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
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Posts: 30,520
They do not use the Y special meals in J and F. However, the special meals for J and for F are the same. They somewhat vary in quality. KSML is often very good, Vegetarian and Asian Vegetarian can sometimes be quite good and sometimes not good at all.
As mentioned you can pre-order your main course but only on flights from London, in which case there will always be a vegetarian option. However, for other dishes and meals, it will all depend on demand and on your status (BA prioritises meal choices by status) so if vegetarian or Halal are important for you I would certainly order them.
If you do a search, there is a thread on vegetarian and vegan special meals which should have photos etc. I think it may also be available through the dashboard.