Japan Airlines Passenger Served a Single Banana as Vegan Business Class Breakfast
A business class passenger flying with Japan Airlines expected a thoughtful plant-based meal after pre-ordering a vegan option. Instead, the traveler was handed a single banana, neatly placed on a tray and accompanied by a pair of chopsticks.
The flight, which departed from Jakarta and was bound for Tokyo, quickly became a viral talking point. The incident occurred in February 2023 on a long-haul route where business class passengers typically receive multi-course service.
While neighboring travelers were served plated dishes like seared tuna with salad, cheese, and bread, the vegan passenger’s entire breakfast consisted of one piece of fruit. Photos and firsthand accounts spread quickly, sparking disbelief, jokes, and frustration in equal measure.
What Actually Happened on the Flight
According to the passenger, who later shared details on aviation forums and with reporters, the situation unfolded before takeoff. A flight attendant confirmed the special meal request, known by the airline code VGML, and explained that breakfast would be a banana. The passenger assumed the fruit would be part of a larger tray.
After departure, the banana arrived alone. It was served with chopsticks and standard cutlery, reinforcing that this was not a placeholder or appetizer but the full meal service. The passenger later clarified that the banana itself was fresh and of good quality. The issue concerned substance, balance, and expectations in a business-class cabin where meals are a key part of the experience.
Lunch later in the flight improved only slightly. The vegan option reportedly consisted of plain spaghetti described as lightly seasoned, while non-vegan passengers were offered choices such as grilled salmon or a Western-style omelet with sides.
Japan Airlines Responds
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Inahohara315
Japan Airlines issued an apology after the story gained traction. The airline explained that the banana was intended as a light refreshment option for special meals on that specific flight and route. It acknowledged that the offering failed to meet its usual standards of hospitality, particularly in business class.
The airline also stated that it would review its special meal service in response to growing demand and passenger feedback requesting vegetarian and vegan options. While no immediate policy overhaul was announced, the apology confirmed the airline recognized the gap.
A Broader Pattern Across Airlines
Airplane food has a famously mixed reputation. Dry cabin air, reduced pressure, and altitude all dull taste and smell, which is why in-flight meals often rely heavily on salt and umami. Even with those limitations, passengers generally expect parity across meal types, especially in premium cabins.
This incident struck a nerve because it highlighted a mismatch. Business class tickets cost significantly more, and travelers often choose airlines based on service consistency. A single banana, regardless of freshness, felt out of step with the experience being sold.
It also tapped into a broader issue. Vegan and plant-based travelers frequently report limited options, substitutions that lack protein, or meals that are improvised rather than planned. As more passengers adopt plant-forward diets for health, ethical, or religious reasons, expectations around in-flight catering continue to rise.
Japan Airlines is not alone in facing scrutiny over special meals. Similar stories have surfaced involving other major carriers, including long-haul flights where vegan passengers received minimal food or were initially offered only drinks.
In some cases, flight attendants have attempted to assemble makeshift meals from side items once the issue was raised.