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What are some of the typical children's meals served on planes? We are flying between Bangkok and NZ on Saturday and I am wondering whether I should order one for one of my kids. They haven't really been raised on European dishes, so I am really not sure if it is a good idea or not. I know the younger one (4) is better off with the choices offered as he will probably find the children's meal too bland, but the older one is fussy (he prefers curries to plainly cooked food, but doesn't like everything mixed together!). I am thinking that maybe I should just order one and we can swap items as needed, but it would be good to know what we may be given!

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1

It depends on the airline. My son, the fussy eater, rarely touches his but his dad often eats the kids meal because it is better than the adults one (usually). We have received spaghetti, chicken & rice, or sandwiches on various flights. Emirates, for example, gave our son way too many sweets in his lunch box so beware. I tend to take some sandwiches, dried fruit, crackers and cheese and apples from home.

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2

ITA. Depends on the airline. I worked for two airlines and the children's meal was always something greasy like hambugers, hotdogs and fries. The parents complained but we couldn't change unless we had extra (which was rare). Now, when I fly with my kids, we order Kosher since we don't eat pork and Kosher is usually pretty tame and child-friendly. There are other selections like fruit plates, Halal, other dietary meals (diabetic, etc.) On our flight next week, my exotic eater and I are getting Asian meals while the other two are sticking to Kosher.

You can't really ask for things plain because everything's prepared ahead of time. Sometimes they can leave a sauce in the ramekin but that's not that often.

Always bring snacks and never completely depend on the airline for their food. I once had a mother on a long haul flight begging us for food because her children were hungry. She had brought NO snacks and we were in the middle of cooking the meal but it wasn't ready. All I could offer her was some bread.

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3

Thanks! I finally ordered it for him, since he wanted to try it and we start the long journey in a few hours (first leg, Indian food though). I do have lots of snacks and will pick up something more substantial in Bangkok, just in case. Last year I ordered him Asian veg, but now he likes meat. What is in the halal meal usually? This time we are on Thai Airways, but I usually vary between Malaysian, and Singapore Airlines and the meals are usually nice!

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4

We ordered Asian chicken or fish. This was an option on Air France. It was good. The other two were happy with Kosher.

If you don't have dietary restrictions, like I do with meat and dairy, you have more choices.

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