In-flight dining has long carried a reputation for being underwhelming, with many travelers accepting that food at 35,000 feet rarely matches meals on the ground. Sensory scientists have frequently pointed out that dry cabin air, reduced air pressure and altitude can dull taste buds and suppress our sense of smell, often making even well-prepared dishes seem bland. Still, one Japan Airlines passenger was unprepared for just how minimal their experience would be.
The incident involved a business class traveller who had pre-ordered a VGML, the airline industry’s standard code for a vegetarian vegan meal. Expecting a plant-based breakfast with several components, the passenger instead received a single banana, neatly placed on a tray. The experience quickly went viral after being shared online, reigniting debates over airline catering standards and whether premium cabin fares always translate into premium service.
According to the passenger, identified online as Kris_Chari, a flight attendant had confirmed before take-off that breakfast would be “a banana”. The traveller assumed this meant the meal would include a banana among other items. Once the tray arrived, it became clear that the banana was the entire meal.
Online Reactions Highlight Passenger Expectations
Photos of the solitary banana soon made their way onto aviation forums and social media platforms, where reactions ranged from amusement to disbelief. Some users joked about the fruit being promoted to “special meal” status, while others questioned how a full-service airline could justify serving such a sparse offering in business class.
Several commenters pointed out that vegan breakfasts are widely available across many cultures, especially in regions like South Asia, where plant-based diets are common. Dishes such as idli, poha, vegetable curries and flatbreads were cited as examples of simple yet filling vegan meals that could easily be adapted for airline catering. Others argued that even a basic combination of fruit, bread and spreads would have been more appropriate.
There were also voices defending the airline, stating that a banana technically meets vegan requirements and that passengers always have the choice to accept or decline the meal. However, critics countered that business class ticket prices set certain expectations, particularly around comfort, service and dining quality.
Special Meals And Airline Catering Challenges
Airlines typically offer a wide range of special meals, including vegan, halal, gluten-free and medical diets, designed to accommodate diverse passenger needs. These meals are often prepared separately from standard catering and loaded in limited quantities, which can sometimes lead to inconsistencies. Even so, industry observers note that premium cabin passengers generally expect more thoughtful presentation and adequate portions.
For airlines, balancing cost control with customer satisfaction remains an ongoing challenge, especially as fuel prices, labour costs and supply chain pressures continue to rise. Yet incidents like this can be reputationally damaging, particularly in an era where a single photo can quickly spread across the internet.
For frequent flyers in Singapore and the wider region, the episode serves as a reminder to manage expectations when ordering special meals, even in premium cabins. While airlines market business class as a more refined travel experience, this case shows that surprises can still occur at cruising altitude — sometimes in the form of a lone banana on a tray.