I'm vegan but planning on going to Stuttgart, Germany and Essex and London, England. On the plane I requested a vegetarian meal (vegan isn't an option). Does anyone know if that contains a lot of dairy and eggs? I'm more concerned about about what I'm going to find to eat in Germany. I'm going to be in Germany for a week, and England for a month. Help?
2008-08-11T21:29:22Z
I wish I could bring my own food onto the plane, but the airline I'm flying with doesn't allow people to bring on their own food. You can't even bring water after the bomb scares :(
2008-08-11T23:35:57Z
great website, veganeatingout
housefullofboys32008-08-12T00:35:10Z
Favorite Answer
About 2 weeks ago we flew over from the States to Korea. I am a vegetarian and requested a veg. meal. I eat some dairy, and expected to see some in my meals, however, there was not (I am not complaining) and I was pleasantly surprised. The meals were yummy, as I had a veggie stir fry for dinner and a veggie pasta for lunch. For breakfast, there were pastries which I declined.
You can pack your own granola, snacks, sandwiches, and fruits...make sure you eat the fruit before getting off the plane because you will have to toss it out once you land. Don't take any water or drinks (but you can purchase them from vendors in the airport once you get throught security and take as many as you wish on the plane).
I have lived in Germany and you can find many vegetarian or vegan meals in restaurants and products in the stores.
In the UK the stores are a lot like in the States, so you will fare well with finding foods to eat and prepare.
For the plane ride pack your own lunch. Like sandwiches, fruit, energy bars, nuts and seeds. (The VG option usually contains dairy) I am a vegan airline pilot and always pack meals for 3 day pairings. When out of town, there are grocery stores you can shop at, just like home. The UK has a high percentage of vegetarians, so you will find good support there. I am not too sure about Germany. They seem to like their sausages.lol. Enjoy your trip.
Ps, I am 100% certain you can bring your own food on the plane. Just make sure you consume the fruit before dissembarkment. You will only be inspected for liquids and gels (and weapons) when you leave the country to go to Europe. Food is only inspected for when you enter Germany, and that is only if you claim it or get caught with it in customs which is a rare event anyway. If in fact your airline prohibits the consumption of your own food, I would bring it to the attention of the Human Rights Commision. The only item that I am aware of that you can not consume of your own, is alcohol. In any event, bring food and eat it on the plane. No sane flight attendant would ever say anything. And if they do, tell them to go F%$k themself. lol You can buy water on the secure side of the airport and bring it on the plane also. Or bring an empty water bottle and fill it once you get through security.
If you got the vegetarian meal, there will (most likely) be a side of vegetables or fruit. You can eat that and maybe ask for more? That's a long trip so that wouldn't be rude or anything to ask. Anything you can eat, eat. but the meal itself is probably not okay. Just have a really good meal before you get on the plane, can you bring gum? That seems to be about all you can do, I'm sorry. England and Germany do have a different culture, but i'm sure you will be able to find fruits and vegetables somewhere ar a market. And when you go out maybe just get a salad. Take vitamins with you!! I know you need some kind of substantial food, so take it with you, maybe?? Thats a hard one, but i'm sure you will be fine =)
Germany is full of health nuts of every description, so it shouldn't be a problem at all to find vegan restaurants. Just make sure you know the German word for vegan before you go. London is the most cosmopolitan city in the world, so that shouldn't be a problem, either. In Essex you might have to do a bit of looking, especially in the many small villages and towns where the only eatery may be a pub. As for the airline, try explaining to them that you'r a vegan and nothing they offer suits you. Maybe then, if you arrange it in advance, they will let you bring your own food.
I always have Luna bars or some kind of snack with me. Clif also makes Nectar bars, dried fruit and nut bars, and those are pretty good. If you can get it through the security checkpoints, nobody should be checking your bag for snack-type foods.
I understand that many airports have changed the rules, and you can bring bottled water on the plane, provided you purchased it after going through the security gates.
Go to www.happycow.net to find veg and veg-friendly restaurants all over the world.
As for vegetarian versus vegan, there are times to practice what I've heard called "vegan diplomacy," and this might be one of them.