Qantas brings back vege meals to short-haul domestic flights

Qantas has bowed to public pressure over its simplified meal offerings and will reinstate a vegetarian option on short-haul flights in coming weeks.

Qantas has bowed to public pressure over its simplified meal offerings on short-haul domestic flights and will reinstate a vegetarian option in coming weeks.

The change of heart came after Planet Ark founder and chief executive of Do Something Jon Dee spoke out about his distress that people with specific dietary requirements or preferences were no longer being catered for on flights of under 3.5-hours duration.

His complaint attracted widespread media attention and online discussion resulting in a policy change by Qantas.

People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) even wrote to Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, demanding the airline offer only vegan meals “which could be enjoyed by everyone”.

A statement from the airline said in coming weeks, Qantas would carry vegetarian meals in economy on all domestic flights under 3.5-hours.

“As an example, for evening meal service a zucchini and corn fritter could be carried on-board in addition to a chicken and leek pie,” said the statement.

“We will also reintroduce fresh fruit on board which was paused during the pandemic and due to high levels of wastage.”

Executive manager of product and service Phil Capps said Qantas had “heard the message loud and clear about having vegetarian offerings on all our flights”.

“We’re making that change as a priority,” said Mr Capps.

“We had to make a lot of alterations to our service during Covid and we’re still in the process of bringing things back and updating others.”

Qantas is offering vegan options for passengers in all cabins on international flights.

Mr Dee welcomed the announcement, which he said showed Qantas had “listened and acted quickly”.

“The simple fact is this is a decision that should never have been made,” Mr Dee said.

“Qantas is known for being a premium service airline of which Australians have been very proud and the decision to cut vegetarian food and other special meals sends entirely the wrong message to its customers.

“Alan Joyce should ask himself how on earth he allowed the airline to alienate so many people.”

Among other changes being made by Qantas included an increase in the time that complimentary alcohol was served on board with economy passengers now able to get a free beer or wine from 4pm instead of 5pm.

On flights longer than 2-hours free booze was served from midday.

Mr Capps said Qantas was also in the middle of a “broader menu refresh” for the domestic network that would roll out from October and include new vegetarian options.

“There’s a lot of work happening to get Qantas back to its best and that includes listening to the feedback from our customers as we keep investing in our product and service,” said Mr Capps.

Jetstar and Virgin Australia offered vegetarian options on their pre-purchase or “buy on-board” menus.

Qantas international flights catered for a variety of dietary needs including gluten-free and dairy-free, as well as vegan and vegetarian.

The airline made the point they were the only domestic carrier to include food and beverages, baggage and on-board Wi-Fi in the cost of an economy airfare.