Kosher airline meal facts for kids

A kosher meal served on an El Al flight.

A kosher airline meal is a special meal served on airplanes that follows the rules of kashrut. Kashrut is a set of Jewish laws about food. Many airlines offer these meals if you ask for them when you book your flight.

These meals not only contain food that is kosher, but they also have other things to help observant Jews. For example, they might include a copy of Tefilat HaDerech (the Traveler's Prayer) and special prayers said before and after eating. They also often have a type of bread called mezonot bread, which allows observant Jews to eat it without needing to perform a special hand-washing ritual.

Kosher meals are one of several special meal options airlines offer. Similar meals, packaged in double wrapping with a special kosher certification, are also found in other places like cruise ships, hospitals, or at special events. The double wrapping is important because it allows the meals to be heated safely in ovens that are not kosher, without the food touching non-kosher surfaces.

On airlines, kosher meals are the most requested special meal. They have even become popular with people who are not Jewish. Some non-Jewish passengers believe kosher foods are cleaner and healthier. However, these meals can cost airlines about twice as much as regular meals, so sometimes airlines charge a bit more for them.

History of Kosher Airline Meals

A Turkish Airlines kosher airline meal, showing the typical mezonot bread.

Kosher airline meals first became an option in the 1960s. This was to help Jewish travelers who followed kosher laws.

Things to Know About Kosher Meals

Cost of Kosher Meals

A kosher airline meal served on a Cathay Pacific flight.

Even though airlines usually offer kosher meals at no extra cost to passengers, they are quite expensive for the airline. Smithsonian Magazine has reported that kosher airline meals are the most expensive type of meal served on planes.

Keeping Kosher Rules

Sometimes, mistakes can happen. Airline staff might accidentally mix dairy and meat foods, even though Jewish law says these should not be eaten together. Or, dairy might be served too soon after a meat meal.

During the Jewish holiday of Passover, special care is taken to avoid chametz. This is bread or other foods that have risen for too long. Sometimes, by mistake, meals containing chametz are served during Passover.