Ordering Food and Drinks on the Plane: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Traveling by air can be exciting, but for many passengers, one of the most confusing or stressful moments is interacting with flight attendants when it comes to ordering food and drinks. Unlike in restaurants, the options are limited, time is short, and service is often done quickly while the cabin crew moves down the aisle. Knowing how to order food and drinks on the plane in English can make your flight experience smoother, more comfortable, and even more enjoyable.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: when to order, what to say, how to handle special requests, and common English phrases to use when dealing with cabin crew.

1. When and How Food Is Served on Planes

Before you can order, it’s important to understand how airline meal service works.

Short-Haul Flights (1–3 hours)

• Many low-cost airlines do not include meals in the ticket price. Instead, food and drinks are available for purchase.

• The flight attendants push a service cart down the aisle, and you can order when they reach your row.

• Some airlines also allow pre-ordering meals online before your flight.

Medium- to Long-Haul Flights (4+ hours)

• Most international flights include meals and drinks.

• The cabin crew will usually serve meals after takeoff and sometimes before landing.

• You may be offered a menu or asked to choose between two or three options (e.g., chicken or beef).

• Drinks, including alcohol on many carriers, are offered during meal service and sometimes between meals.

Knowing the service style helps you prepare so you’re not caught off guard when the cart arrives.

2. How to Read the Airline Menu

If your airline provides a menu (paper, digital, or announced by crew), look for:

• Main courses: Chicken, beef, fish, vegetarian.

• Snacks: Sandwiches, instant noodles, chips, or chocolate.

• Beverages: Water, juice, soda, coffee, tea, beer, wine, spirits.

If no menu is given, flight attendants will typically announce the choices aloud.

3. Useful English Phrases for Ordering

Here are some practical expressions you can use:

Asking What’s Available

• “What meals do you have today?”

• “Could you tell me the options, please?”

• “Do you have a vegetarian option?”

Ordering Meals

• “I’ll have the chicken, please.”

• “Can I get the pasta, please?”

• “I’d like the vegetarian meal.”

Ordering Drinks

• “Can I have some water, please?”

• “I’d like an orange juice.”

• “May I get a cup of coffee?”

• “Do you have green tea?”

• “Can I order a beer?”

Polite Additions

Always add please and thank you. Air travel is busy and stressful for crew members, and politeness goes a long way.

4. Special Dietary Requests

If you have allergies or specific dietary needs, you should request these when booking your flight, not on the plane. Most airlines require 24–48 hours’ notice for special meals. Examples include:

• Vegetarian or vegan

• Halal or kosher

• Gluten-free

• Diabetic

On the plane, if you’re unsure about the food, you can ask:

• “Does this meal contain nuts?”

• “Is this vegetarian?”

• “Could you please confirm if this has dairy?”

5. How to Ask for Extra Items

It’s common to want extra drinks, more bread, or a refill. Here are ways to ask:

• “Could I have another glass of water, please?”

• “Can I get some more bread?”

• “May I have an extra napkin?”

• “Could I get another cup of coffee?”

Remember: refills may be available on drinks like water, juice, or coffee, but alcohol is often limited.

6. Paid vs. Complimentary Service

Depending on your ticket type, you may or may not need to pay.

• Complimentary (included in ticket): Usually on full-service international airlines.

• Paid (buy on board): Common with budget airlines and short flights.

To confirm, you can ask:

• “Is this included in the ticket?”

• “Do I need to pay for the drinks?”

• “Can I pay by credit card?”

7. Handling Common Situations

If Your First Choice Is Not Available

• “Okay, I’ll have the beef instead.”

• “What other options do you have left?”

If You Don’t Understand the Crew

• “Sorry, could you repeat that slowly?”

• “Could you show me the choices?”

• (Pointing is acceptable if you’re unsure of the English word.)

If You Spill or Drop Something

• “Excuse me, could I get some tissues?”

• “I accidentally spilled my drink. Can you help me clean it up?”

8. Alcohol on Planes

Alcoholic drinks are common on long-haul flights but not always on domestic or budget flights.

• “Can I have a glass of red wine, please?”

• “Do you have beer?”

• “I’d like a gin and tonic, please.”

Tips:

• Drink slowly—alcohol has a stronger effect at high altitude.

• Be respectful; airlines may refuse service to intoxicated passengers.

9. Snack Service Between Meals

On longer flights, you may feel hungry between meals. Some airlines allow you to:

• Request snacks from the galley: “Excuse me, do you have any snacks?”

• Ask for instant noodles: “Do you serve cup noodles?”

• Get more drinks: “Could I have some juice, please?”

10. Final Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Listen carefully: When the cart comes, flight attendants often repeat the options quickly.

• Be polite: “Please” and “thank you” make a big difference.

• Prepare early: If you want something specific, keep your choice ready when the cart arrives.

• Hydrate often: Airplane cabins are very dry, so ask for water regularly.

• Respect limitations: Not everything is available; be flexible with your choices.

Conclusion

Ordering food and drinks on the plane doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the service process, learning common English phrases, and practicing polite communication, you can make your in-flight experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you’re asking for a simple bottle of water or selecting a full meal, confidence in English will help you interact smoothly with the crew and ensure you get what you need during your journey.

FAQ:Ordering Food and Drinks on the Plane

What should I say when the cart reaches my row?

Make eye contact, smile, and speak clearly: “Hello. What are the meal options today?” Once you hear them, choose quickly: “I’ll have the chicken, please.” For drinks, add: “And an orange juice, please.” Always end with “Thank you.” Polite, concise requests help the crew serve you and your neighbors efficiently.

How do I ask about what’s included vs. what I must pay for?

Ask directly and briefly: “Is the meal included?” or “Are soft drinks complimentary?” On many short-haul or low-cost flights, food and alcohol are buy-on-board. On most long-haul flights, at least one meal and soft drinks are included. If needed, confirm payment methods: “Can I pay by credit card?”

What phrases help when I can’t understand the options?

Use simple, respectful requests: “Sorry, could you repeat that more slowly?” or “Could you please show me the choices?” You can also paraphrase: “Did you say beef or pasta?” If there’s a language barrier, pointing to the menu or cart item is fine: “That one, please.”

How do I handle special diets or allergies on the plane?

Order special meals (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free) before your flight—usually 24–48 hours in advance. On board, verify ingredients: “Does this contain nuts/dairy/gluten?” If you have a severe allergy, tell the crew early: “I have a severe nut allergy. May I confirm the meal is nut-free?” Carry your medication and snacks as backup.

What if my first choice is unavailable?

Stay flexible and ask about remaining options: “No problem—what’s still available?” Then choose promptly: “I’ll take the pasta, please.” If nothing fits your diet, request a snack alternative: “If there’s no vegetarian meal left, could I have extra bread, salad, or fruit?” Politeness increases the chance of a helpful workaround.

How do I ask for extra items like bread, water, or napkins?

Use short, specific requests: “Could I have another cup of water, please?” / “May I get an extra napkin?” / “Do you have more bread?” If the cart has moved on, press the call button once and wait. When the crew arrives, say: “When you have a moment, could I have a refill?”

What’s the polite way to order alcohol?

Keep it simple and moderate: “May I have a glass of red wine, please?” or “A beer, please.” Altitude can intensify alcohol’s effects, so pace yourself and hydrate. If the crew declines further service (for safety), accept gracefully: “Understood. Water is fine, thank you.”

Can I bring my own food and ask for hot water?

Most airlines allow non-smelly, dry, or cold foods. For cup noodles or baby formula, many crews can provide hot water when safe: “Could I have some hot water, please?” During turbulence or service pauses, you may be asked to wait. Avoid strong odors and dispose of packaging neatly.

How do I ask for coffee or tea the way I like it?

State the drink first, then how you take it: “Coffee, please—no sugar, a little milk.” / “Black tea with lemon, please.” If options are unclear, ask: “Do you have milk or creamer?” For strength or temperature, be flexible: “If possible, could it be less strong?”

What should I do if I spill a drink or drop food?

Signal calmly: “Excuse me, I spilled my drink. Could I have some tissues and a new cup, please?” Keep your seatbelt fastened while cleaning to avoid further spills. The crew will help with towels, seat covers, or a quick clean-up when conditions allow.

When is the best time to request something outside of meal service?

Press the call button after the main service is finished or visit the galley (if permitted). Avoid requests during safety demonstrations, turbulence, or when carts block the aisle. Phrase it kindly: “When you have a moment, could I get some water?” Patience earns better service.

How can I ask for kid-friendly meals or milk for a child?

Preorder a children’s meal if available. On board, specify the need: “Do you have a kids’ meal?” / “Could we have milk and an extra straw, please?” For heating baby bottles or food, ask: “Is it possible to warm this?” Some airlines can assist; timings may vary for safety.

What do I say if I need to refuse food or drink?

Decline succinctly and politely: “No, thank you—just water.” / “I’ll skip the meal, thanks.” If you’re sleeping when service starts, you can leave a note on your tray table: “Please don’t wake me for the meal.” Alternatively, ask before dozing: “Could I be woken for meal service?”

Can I get snacks between meals on long flights?

Many long-haul flights stock light snacks in the galley. Ask: “Do you have any snacks available between meals—like fruit, crackers, or noodles?” If not visible, the crew may offer options. Hydration is key: “Could I also have a bottle of water?”

How do I request refills or a second alcoholic drink appropriately?

Space out requests and check availability: “If possible, may I have another beer later?” For non-alcoholic drinks, “Could I have a refill of water, please?” Crews may limit alcohol per passenger for safety. If they decline, accept with: “No worries—water is fine.”

What payment phrases are useful on buy-on-board flights?

When ordering, clarify price and method: “How much is the sandwich?” / “Can I pay by card or cash?” When ready: “I’ll take the combo with water, please.” Keep your card or digital wallet available to speed up service, and wait for the crew to return your receipt if provided.

How do I handle turbulence or a paused service?

When the seatbelt sign turns on, service may stop immediately. Secure items and wait. If you need something essential (e.g., airsickness bag, tissues), press the call button once: “When it’s safe, could I have a bag/tissue, please?” Safety always takes priority over service speed.

What’s a respectful way to request ice, lemon, or a specific mixer?

Add the modifier after the main drink: “Still water with ice, please.” / “Coke with no ice, please.” / “Gin and tonic with a slice of lemon, if available.” If an item isn’t stocked, accept alternatives quickly to keep the line moving.

Can I change my mind after ordering?

If the crew hasn’t opened or placed the item, it may be possible: “Sorry—could I change to the pasta instead, if it’s not too late?” If service is advanced or the item is prepared, the answer may be no. Thank them regardless: “Thanks for checking.”

How should I dispose of trash or recycle on board?

Keep waste on your tray until the collection pass. Ask early if needed: “Could you please take this cup and wrapper?” Some airlines separate recyclables; if you’re unsure, ask: “Do you recycle cans or bottles?” Avoid stuffing sharp items into pockets of the seat in front.

What if I feel unwell and can’t eat?

Tell the crew briefly: “I’m feeling unwell—could I have water and an airsickness bag?” They can provide ginger ale, tissues, or assistance. If you have medication, request water discreetly: “When you can, may I have water for my medication?”

How can I politely ask for main-cabin extras like a second bread roll?

Be specific and courteous: “If there’s any spare bread, could I have another roll, please?” Availability varies by flight load and catering. If not possible, accept alternatives: “A packet of crackers would be fine—thank you.”

What’s the best wording for temperature or dietary preferences without sounding demanding?

Use “if possible” and “when convenient”: “Could I have my tea with extra hot water, if possible?” / “If available, do you have a dairy-free creamer?” This signals flexibility and respect for the crew’s constraints.

Can I save a drink or snack for later?

Yes, if packaging allows and crew agrees: “Is it okay if I keep this sealed juice for later?” For open beverages, secure the lid and stow the cup in your tray’s recess when the seatbelt sign is off. Avoid sticky or strong-smelling items to keep the cabin pleasant.

How do I ask for water proactively to stay hydrated?

Request a bottle during service: “Could I have a bottle of water, please?” Between services, press the call button once or visit the galley if permitted: “When you have a moment, may I get some water?” Small, frequent sips are better than large infrequent drinks at altitude.

What if my seatmate orders while I’m away or sleeping?

You can ask the crew later: “I missed the service—are meals or snacks still available?” If not, ask for alternatives: “Could I have crackers, fruit, or noodles?” For future flights, leave a short note: “Please wake me for the meal,” or preorder a special meal that is served first.

Any final etiquette tips for smooth in-flight ordering?

Prepare your choice before the cart arrives, speak clearly, use “please/thank you,” and be flexible with substitutes. Keep requests concise so the aisle doesn’t back up. Hydrate often, secure hot drinks carefully, and respect crew safety instructions. Thoughtful communication leads to faster, friendlier service for everyone.

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