How to Order Special Meals on China Eastern Airlines: A Vegan Traveler’s Guide

As a frequent flyer with China Eastern Airlines, I’ve experienced my fair share of cramped seats and limited legroom (let’s be honest—their planes aren’t winning comfort awards, even on long haul flights). But here’s the good news: their in-flight meals are surprisingly decent, especially if you know how to navigate their special meal system. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or have dietary restrictions, here’s your step-by-step guide to ensuring a stress-free, plant-based dining experience at 30,000 feet.

Here's how to order you special meals on China Eastern!

China Eastern’s standard meals often include meat or dairy-heavy dishes so they’re rarely vegan-friendly. By pre-ordering a “Vegetarian Vegan Meal” (VGML), you’ll enjoy:

• Fresh, plant-based dishes like stir-fried veggies, tofu, and seasonal fruit
• Avoidance of last-minute “oops, this has fish sauce” moments
• Priority meal service (your food arrives before others!)

I usually stick with the Vegan/Strictly Vegetarian/VGML meal on Chinese airlines as I am nor sure about the VJML.

1. Via third party provider: as I booked my tickets on trip.com, I asked them to request my special meal through their chat service, it was really easy. Afterwards I double checked on the airline's web page and the special meal was accepted and recorded.
2. Online form
   1. Visit the Special Meal Request Portal.
   2. Enter your flight details and select “Vegetarian Vegan Meal” from the dropdown.
   3. Submit and double check.
   4. Take a picture or a screenshot in case your special meal is not on board, in this case at least you can prove that you requested it.

   Pro Tip: Submit your request at least 48 hours before departure—China Eastern’s kitchen team needs advance notice!

I have to admit that my meals were pretty decent, and that is a relief considering how uncomfortable their planes are.

Here's some pics from my trip Cairo-Shanghai on August 2025.

1. Double-check Before and after boarding
   Check your personal page on the company's website  and politely remind both the check in and flight attendants: “I pre-ordered a vegan meal—could you confirm it’s loaded?” This avoids mix-ups.
2. Bring Backup Snacks
   While China Eastern delivers 95% of the time, I always pack some extra food (you know that airport vegan options can be scarce and super expensive).