This afternoon I travel to New Zealand! It will be my first time flying on Virgin America and Virgin Australia airlines. While Virgin Australia assures me that they offer vegan meals onboard, Virgin America does not. They are allowing me to bring my own, pre-packaged meals onboard. Apparently, the two airlines are run and overseen by different parent companies.

In order to prepare for my journey from Boston to Los Angeles on the first leg of the lengthy flight, I purchased several food items at my local grocery store. My flight to L.A. will be in early evening, so I purchased a dinner meal at the grocery store to bring with me. I bought a Mary Jane’s vegan pasta, dried camping meal. It only needs hot water added to it and presto.. a wonderful vegan meal!

My returning flight from New Zealand, via Los Angeles will be in early morning. That said, I purchased a packaged oatmeal to bring with me. Just add hot water and voila.. a vegan breakfast! As a backup, I purchased a Dr. McDougall’s Asian soy ginger soup to pack in my tote bag.

I also purchased a few vegan snacks for my lengthy flights. Raisins, chocolate Bumble Bar, and Nature’s Path Pumpkin N Spice granola bar, and Kashi strawberry cereal bar round out my purchases.

I am well-prepared for my flights on the non-vegan airlines! It is always a good idea to call the airlines in advance. You are allowed to bring pre-packaged food items onboard to eat. The airlines can simply give you some hot water to add to your meals. Being vegan may be a bit challenging at times, but being well-prepared will ensure you have a happy, meal-filled flight!