Our answer
It depends on the airline, but you almost always have more choice than in economy.
Some airlines offer true dine-on-demand in business class: you order what you want, when you want it, from the menu at any time during the flight. Several Middle Eastern and Asian airlines are known for this, and some European airlines offer it on certain routes.
Other airlines, including many US airlines, serve the main meal at a set time after take-off. But you can still:
- Skip the meal and sleep, then ask for something later.
- Ask for your meal to be held. The crew will often keep it for you if they can.
- Ask for an express meal. Some airlines serve everything on one tray so you can eat quickly and go to sleep.
- Eat in the lounge before boarding, then just have a snack or breakfast on board.
Just tell the crew when you board how you’d like to eat. In business class they’re used to it and happy to help.
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Answered by the Global Business Flights team, booking business and first class since 2017. Last reviewed November 2026.
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