Flying with FlyDubai and curious about what meals are served in economy class? Whether you’re taking a short-haul or a long-haul flight, food and drink options can make a huge difference in your travel experience. In this detailed review, we explore everything you need to know about FlyDubai economy class food — from what’s included to quality, taste, and value for money.
What Is FlyDubai’s Approach to Economy Class Food?
FlyDubai, a budget-friendly airline based in Dubai, offers a hybrid approach to in-flight catering. The food offering in FlyDubai economy class varies depending on your ticket type, route, and flight duration.
FlyDubai serves over 90 destinations, and on most routes, food is not included by default with the basic economy fare. However, you can pre-order meals or buy food on board, with a menu that features a variety of hot dishes, snacks, and beverages.
This means your experience with FlyDubai economy class food largely depends on your choices before and during the flight.
What Kind of Meals Are Offered in FlyDubai Economy?
Pre-Ordered Meals
When booking your ticket or managing your booking online, you’ll have the option to pre-order a hot meal. This is highly recommended for flights longer than three hours. Pre-ordered meals usually include:
- A main dish (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available)
- A bread roll or side salad
- A dessert or sweet treat
- A bottle of water
Pre-ordering ensures that your preferred meal is available and served early during the meal service. The menu often rotates depending on the route and season, offering international and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Buy-on-Board Options
If you didn’t pre-book your meal, you can choose from a selection of snacks, light meals, and drinks available on board. These include:
- Hot sandwiches or wraps
- Muffins, cookies, and chips
- Soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee
- Alcoholic beverages (on select flights)
Prices are reasonable, though naturally higher than ground prices. Availability may vary by flight duration and time of day.
How Is the Quality of FlyDubai Economy Class Food?
Taste and Freshness
The quality of FlyDubai economy class food is surprisingly good for a low-cost carrier. Pre-ordered meals arrive hot and are generally flavorful, with portions that are satisfying for the average traveler. Popular dishes like chicken biryani, pasta arrabiata, and vegetarian rice meals are well-seasoned and well-presented.
Presentation and Packaging
Meals come in sealed trays, similar to standard airline meals. While presentation isn’t fancy, it’s clean and practical. Disposable cutlery is provided, and the packaging is environmentally conscious — a nice touch.
Dietary Options
FlyDubai caters to several dietary needs, but special meals (like vegan, gluten-free, or religious meals) must be requested in advance. If you have allergies or strict dietary restrictions, bringing your own snacks is advised.
Comparing Short-Haul vs. Long-Haul Food Experience
Short-Haul Flights (Under 3 Hours)
On short-haul routes such as Dubai to Muscat or Kuwait, food service is limited. You’ll find:
- Light snacks and drinks available for purchase
- No complimentary meal
- Pre-order options may be minimal
It’s best to eat before your flight or bring snacks if flying short-haul with FlyDubai.
Long-Haul Flights (Over 4 Hours)
On longer flights, like Dubai to Prague or Zanzibar, the food experience improves significantly. Pre-ordered meals are more filling, and you may receive an additional snack or drink service.
For these routes, pre-ordering is highly recommended to avoid limited availability mid-flight.
Is FlyDubai Economy Class Food Worth the Cost?
Given the low ticket prices on FlyDubai, the food service adds reasonable value. While it’s not included in the basic fare, meals are fairly priced and decent in quality. Pre-ordering meals often costs around $10–$15, which is comparable or better than many airport meals.
If you’re flying for more than three hours, investing in a hot meal makes the trip more comfortable and satisfying.
Tips to Get the Best Food Experience on FlyDubai
- Pre-order your meal online when booking or managing your flight.
- Choose your dish wisely based on reviews — chicken and rice dishes often score well.
- Bring your own water or snacks for short-haul flights.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to buy food on board — options can run out.
What Drinks Are Available in Economy Class?
FlyDubai offers a selection of beverages for purchase, including:
- Soft drinks and water
- Juices
- Tea and coffee
- Alcohol (beer, wine, spirits — on select flights only)
Water is included with pre-ordered meals, but on shorter flights, you’ll need to purchase it. It’s a good idea to bring a sealed bottle if you’re not planning to buy on board.
Customer Feedback: What Are Passengers Saying?
Online reviews show mixed but generally positive feedback for FlyDubai economy class food. Passengers often mention:
- Good taste and portion sizes for pre-ordered meals
- Limited but decent snack options for purchase
- Clean packaging and timely service
However, some passengers note that food can run out quickly on busy flights, especially for those not pre-ordering. Others mention that vegetarian and special meal options could be more varied.
Should You Order Food on FlyDubai?
If you’re flying FlyDubai economy class, your food experience depends largely on preparation. Pre-ordering your meal ensures you get the best quality, especially on long flights. While the food isn’t luxurious, it’s practical, fresh, and better than many expect from a budget airline.
Planning a trip with FlyDubai soon? Be sure to pre-order your meal and check the latest menu options when booking your flight. A little preparation goes a long way to improve your in-flight comfort.
FAQ: FlyDubai Economy Class Food
Do you get food on FlyDubai economy class?
Food is not included by default in basic economy class. You can pre-order meals or buy food on board.
What kind of food is served on FlyDubai?
FlyDubai offers hot meals, snacks, and drinks. Pre-ordered meals include a main dish, sides, and water.
Can I bring my own food on a FlyDubai flight?
Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, provided they meet airport security requirements.
Is water free in FlyDubai economy class?
Water is only included with pre-ordered meals. Otherwise, it must be purchased on board.
Are vegetarian or special meals available?
Yes, but they must be requested in advance during booking or through the manage booking option.
