Where You Can Still Get Free Meals on Airplanes

Germany's largest airline Lufthansa offers free meals and drinks in Economy Class on almost all routes. Exceptions are very short routes like Frankfurt-Luxembourg, where there is no on-board service. The meal varies depending on the duration of the flight. On short-haul flights, only snacks are provided, while medium-haul flights offer hot meals and long-haul flights include full menus.

Lufthansa also caters to special dietary needs. Passengers can order a vegan meal, or kosher and halal options. These special meals must be ordered up to 24 hours before departure, with no additional fees.

Condor is one of those German airlines where food in Economy is not always free: On flights within Europe and to North Africa, you can pre-book a meal, but you must pay extra - meals start at 4.49 Euros. Drinks are also not included in the standard Economy fare.

On long-haul flights, a hot meal and a snack before landing are included in the price, and in Premium Class, the in-flight meals are always free.

At Lufthansa's subsidiary Eurowings, only the expensive BizClass includes a meal in the price for short and medium-haul flights. In the Basic and Smart fares, snacks and drinks can be purchased on board. For long-haul flights, it's different: In the standard Economy fare Smart, you receive a free hot and a cold meal with a drink.

The airline of the TUI Group also offers a very limited service. In the Perfect fare, a snack and a non-alcoholic drink are included. In the cheapest Pure package, you have to buy snacks and drinks starting at 6.90 Euros.

Not surprisingly, Ireland's low-cost carrier Ryanair does not offer free meals on board. On the plane, you can purchase a menu consisting of a snack, a drink, and a main dish for 10 Euros. On selected flights, special dining options, like a breakfast package, can be pre-ordered.

The Norwegian low-cost airline offers various fares: In the cheapest LowFare rate, no meals or drinks are included. On long-haul flights, the LowFare+ and Flex packages include the Economy menu consisting of a three-course meal and a small cold meal. On other flights, you can purchase snacks starting at four Euros.

In Emirates' Economy Class, a multi-course meal is included in the price. You can usually choose between two main courses. The selection of beverages is also diverse. Additionally, you can pre-order a special menu, like a diet meal, up to 24 hours before departure with Emirates.