Special Meal Request in Business Class Same Quality as Regular?
Jun 9, 2019, 3:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 4
Special Meal Request in Business Class Same Quality as Regular?
Hi,
My wife and I are traveling to and from Japan from Los Angeles in Business Class on JAL next month. We both have special meal requirements and are wondering if we order special meals will we be getting "business class quality" meals with the same level of amenities and preparation as we would get from selecting from available choices in business class...or if we order a special meal if we'll end up getting the same kind of special meal that would be served in economy classes?
Anyone have any experience ordering special meals in business class on JAL that could provide any insight would be appreciated.
Thank you!
My wife and I are traveling to and from Japan from Los Angeles in Business Class on JAL next month. We both have special meal requirements and are wondering if we order special meals will we be getting "business class quality" meals with the same level of amenities and preparation as we would get from selecting from available choices in business class...or if we order a special meal if we'll end up getting the same kind of special meal that would be served in economy classes?
Anyone have any experience ordering special meals in business class on JAL that could provide any insight would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Jun 12, 2019, 6:01 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: JAL, KrisFlyer
Posts: 40
I've only had the special meals in economy, but JAL's were the only ones that weren't absolute garbage (I'm looking at you, United). They're usually outstanding, IMO. I would assume the ones in BC are excellent.
Jun 12, 2019, 6:27 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 4
Thanks DillPickles! (Now I need a pickle...) I expect the food to be generally good but am excited about the possibility of BC level food / service even if selecting a special meal. Fingers crossed!
Jun 12, 2019, 8:31 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YYZ, NYC
Programs: Marriott Gold, JGC, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, AC 25K
Posts: 1,025
What kind of special meal? You may be disappointed with vegetarian tho, a recent trip report (LAX-KIX) has only the following with VLML type
These are the main meal.
That's it.
Second Meal
Basically all cold dishes, the economy ones seem better based on google search.
I don't think Japanese carriers caters to vegetarian meals well, even NH F offering looks bland. You'll still get good service but FA can't do much with whatever is catered. If the food disappoints, you can always order additional light snacks but be mindful they may not fit your dietary criteria. Check the regular menu online too.
These are the main meal.
That's it.
Second Meal
Basically all cold dishes, the economy ones seem better based on google search.
I don't think Japanese carriers caters to vegetarian meals well, even NH F offering looks bland. You'll still get good service but FA can't do much with whatever is catered. If the food disappoints, you can always order additional light snacks but be mindful they may not fit your dietary criteria. Check the regular menu online too.
Jun 12, 2019, 8:48 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YYZ, NYC
Programs: Marriott Gold, JGC, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, AC 25K
Posts: 1,025
I think that's the special meal: western vegetarian that you call to reserve.
There should also be an option in the regular menu that's vegetarian, but that would be limited to just the main course and one light snack.
There should also be an option in the regular menu that's vegetarian, but that would be limited to just the main course and one light snack.
Jun 16, 2019, 10:50 am
#7
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: JGC Diamond, OW Emerald, Amtrak Select Plus,Hotels.com Gold
Posts: 249
The regular Biz menu also uses terms like "Suitable for 'light vegetarian'..." so take it with a grain of salt. I've had the special dietary meals in Y and it's been a crapshot. I remember one time for a "snack" I was given a small roast beef sandwich and I remember feeling all the surrounding eyes glaring at me for the hefty sandwich I got. However, on another occasion I was just given a single banana.
Jun 20, 2019, 10:09 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,757
I do find that the quality of the regular meals greatly exceed the quality of special meals in JAL's premium cabins.
Jun 20, 2019, 10:59 am
#11
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,433
There's shouldn't be any hoping involved. Full menus are available in advance of your flight, if there aren't enough items of interest to you, then you can request a special meal.
I do find that the quality of the regular meals greatly exceed the quality of special meals in JAL's premium cabins.
I do find that the quality of the regular meals greatly exceed the quality of special meals in JAL's premium cabins.
Jun 21, 2019, 12:53 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2016
Programs: IHG Platinum Elite, AS MVP Gold 75K, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 219
Jan 15, 2020, 4:36 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,433
Any recent experiences with first class vegetarian meals?
From JFK-NRT ordering from the regular menu was fine, since they had a nice pasta and a vegetarian noodle dish. However, from HND-JFK the menu seems to have only one dish, a hummus light meal, and no vegetarian noodle dish. Am I misreading https://www.jal.co.jp/inter/service/...912_202002.pdf ?
If I order the special vegetarian meal, can I order something from the regular menu?
From JFK-NRT ordering from the regular menu was fine, since they had a nice pasta and a vegetarian noodle dish. However, from HND-JFK the menu seems to have only one dish, a hummus light meal, and no vegetarian noodle dish. Am I misreading https://www.jal.co.jp/inter/service/...912_202002.pdf ?
If I order the special vegetarian meal, can I order something from the regular menu?
Jan 21, 2020, 9:42 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,433
We just finished lunch service, so perhaps the next meal will be better.
Jan 22, 2020, 2:55 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,166
Unfortunately, I completely agree. There were sufficient vegetarian items on the regular menu JFK-NRT in F and the quality was perfectly acceptable. I ordered the vegetarian special meal HND-JFK in F and it was underwhelming, at best. I asked the FA for an item from the regular menu (both orally and pointing to the menu) and she giggled, but then did not bring the item.
We just finished lunch service, so perhaps the next meal will be better.
We just finished lunch service, so perhaps the next meal will be better.
