Flying with kids can be difficult, even for the most seasoned flyers. Knowing more about kids plane meals and what to expect in regards to foods served on a plane can help families plan ahead and make the flying experience smoother for everyone, including little ones.
In this article I provide examples of foods my son has been served on planes with the hope that it helps you in deciding which plane meals to order in advance or what types of foods you might need to take with you onboard.
I will keep updating this article as my son flies more (he is 17 months old as of Nov 2023), and I will continue to write other articles on food and travelling with kids to help make for smoother flights. (You might like to read my articles on foods to eat when travelling with a 3 month old, and foods to eat when travelling with 7 month old.)
Child Meals
Fiji Airways Business Class – Melbourne to Nadi, Fiji (return) October 2025
Having enjoyed our flight on Fiji Airways in May 2025 we thought we would fly them again when we headed back to Fiji in October 2025 with our little 3 year old frequent flyer. Their new Pacific Rim menu was being offered on their A350 services (which we were flying) and so I was interested to see what the child meal was like (compared to May 2025 below). First flight was a cold chicken and potato salad and a chocolate mousse cake. Second flight was breakfast and was bowl of yogurt, bowl of fruit, plate of pancakes and a muesli bar.
Fiji Airways Business Class – Melbourne to Nadi, Fiji (return) May 2025
When travelling on Fiji Airways with my 3 year old frequent flyer we ordered him a Childs Meal in advance. It came with a dish of macaroni and cheese with chicken and peas, a bowl of chopped fruit, a muesli bar and a bowl of dessert which looked like some form of flavoured mousse (I didn’t get to try it as the little frequent flyer got to it first).
Infant/Baby Meals
Japan Airlines – Babies and kids plane meals
My son has had a couple of meals on Japan Airlines flying between Australia and Japan: one meal for babies up to 8 months, and one for babies 9 months – 2 years. Both meals were ordered in advance of flying.
Baby Food (BBFD) – listed on their website as being suitable for babies up to 8 months
When flying Australia to Japan he had a baby food meal which consisted of two pouches of baby food and a fruit juice popper (juice box). It also included a bib.
Baby Meal (BBML) – listed on their website as suitable for 9 months- under 2 years old
When flying from Japan to Australia he had a baby food meal which consisted of both cold and hot foods. Just after take-off we were given a paper bag which included a banana, a box of rusks and a drink. Then he was served a hot meal with a fruit drink which came out with foil over the meal and consisted of three flavours. I must admit I am not exactly sure what the flavours were but he loved all three of them.
Finnair – Babies and kids plane meals
When flying between Japan and Europe with Finnair they didn’t have a special meal for babies that could be ordered in advance, however they did have jars of baby food on board which were offered to him. The jar of food he was offered was pureed pear. They also provided a very helpful child’s bag and bib with Moomin characters. Their website states meals can be ordered for children 2+years.
Emirates – Babies and kids meals
Flying on Emirates between Australia and New Zealand we ordered my 11 month old son a baby food meal which was a selection of baby food pouches. He was also given a toy and a small pouch with baby wipes and a few other useful items.
I will be flying internationally with my son again in April 2024 so look out for more examples of foods. I regularly fly domestically in Australia and so will also provide updates on what foods he is offered (if any).
