I'm sure I don't need to tell you guys as you prepare guest beds, scuttle around crowded shopping centres or grip glasses of wine, but the holidays can be a... stressful time.
Not only are all of your relatives and so-called loved ones under one roof for at least one day under the influence of alcohol, but after yet another year of political polarisation, you can be sure that someone will casually mention Brexit or the Trump administration and the whole thing will rapidly go nuclear.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]]
So, my food lovers, as you head to airports and trains stations around the world quietly dreading the next couple of weeks, maybe it's worth making a quick stop to Popeyes first. America's oft-forgotten fried chicken joint has come up with a creative way of dispelling those travel nerves.
Along with plenty of other things, 2018 was the year of the extravagant, inappropriate emotional support animal. Already this year, we've had people kicked off of planes for trying to bring emotional support peacocks, squirrels, pigs or actual tarantulas on a flight, but somehow, we've managed to outdo both of those.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Popeyes]]
Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the Emotional Support Chicken: a box of fried chicken you can now take with you on that long flight to help you get to your destination not only feeling good, but feeling full as well.
Setting you back around $8.49 (the same price as the ground version), a chicken tenders Emotional Support you is the best way to get through your long flight without airplane food, and you know what the best part of it is? It's all TSA-approved.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Popeyes]]
With the box - as you can see - shaped exactly like a chicken, there's a description on the front of the box that shows Popeyes have got a sense of humour about the whole thing:
"This chicken provides comfort and nourishment during stressful air travel. Unlike other chicken, it is marinated in real Louisiana spices for 12 hours and must be permitted to fly without restriction. Do not leave unattended, as Popeyes is not responsible for lost or stolen chicken."
Following on from this humour theme, Hope Diaz, CMO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen said in a statement that they were following in the footsteps of the emotional support peacock with their latest release.
"We know holiday travel can be frustrating, and there's no better way to ease stress than with a box of delicious POPEYES® fried chicken and a good laugh. We appreciate how comforting emotional support animals are and wanted to create our own version. The good news is that our emotional support chicken is permitted to fly without any restrictions – one less worry for busy travelers!"
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]]
There's only one catch, though - the Emotional Support Chicken is only available for a limited time, and only travellers passing through Terminal C of Philadelphia International Airport can pick up the chicken meal. Still, if you were thinking of visiting Philadelphia any time soon, this might to be the time to do it!
For many of those who suffer from debilitating mental and physical health problems, emotional support animals (ESAs) are an essential part of everyday life. Most often, these animals are dogs or cats, and they help their owners to cope with any stress or difficulties they might encounter on a day-to-day basis.
As helpful as they are, though, ESAs sometimes create certain problems for their owners. Renting a home or living in shared accommodation can be difficult, for example, and taking an animal into a store or restaurant will almost always turn a few heads (and maybe even start a few arguments).
So, when Brooklyn-based artist, Ventiko, attempted to board a United Airlines flight with her emotional support peacock, she probably should have expected to be turned away.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BejLT9WhZ5z/?taken-by=dexterthepeacock]]
Ventiko - whose real name is not known - was planning to travel from Newark to Los Angeles, but was turned away by the airline because her peacock, Dexter, was not allowed on board. According to United's policy, Dexter should have been able to travel in the cabin for free, as he is a registered ESA. However, due to his weight and size, he was excluded from the usual rules.
As a result, Ventiko offered to purchase an extra seat for the bird, but Dexter was still denied his right to board the plane.
Admittedly, the artist was warned three times, before she even got to the airport, that her peacock would not be allowed to fly with her, but she still turned up with Dexter in the hopes that she could persuade them to change their minds. After six hours of being told "no", however, the pair gave up, and decided they would drive to LA instead.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BeejEFChTct/?taken-by=dexterthepeacock]]
Ventiko originally bought Dexter, along with a peahen named Etta, for an art installation she was working on. After the project was complete, she found a home for the pair. Unfortunately, Etta disappeared, and Dexter was apparently traumatized by this. So - although she was not originally intent on keeping the bird - Ventiko rescued the peacock once more, and decided to keep him as her pet.
The pair do pretty much everything together, and Ventiko claims that she has "never left the house without having at least one person react."
And, after their airport mishap made headlines, Dexter and Ventiko became somewhat of a meme on the internet.
Some people didn't see any issues with having an emotional support peacock:
[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/CruisinSoozan/status/958537954317643776]]
Whereas others didn't really take it all that seriously:
[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/ryanclinton/status/958539400497041408]]
Since Ventiko was turned away from her flight, United has changed their policy on emotional support animals. In a statement for the airline, spokesman Charles Hobart said that the incident with Dexter "further illustrates the need for change, and the need to revise and enhance our existing policies so customers are certain what they can bring on board and for the overall safety and comfort of everyone on board the aircraft.”
ESAs are still permitted onboard, but airlines are allowed to refuse reptiles, rodents, and spiders, as well as animals that are too large or heavy, pose a threat to health or safety, or would disrupt service. As of Thursday, United have also said that they won't cater to nonhousehold birds, exotic animals, or any creatures that exude a "foul odor".
A woman has been left horrified after a man next to her on a flight whipped out a box containing an entire rack of ribs, which does seem like a weird choice for an inflight meal.
Flying can be a stressful endeavor. The airport itself can be a mess of queues, long waits, and staring at a departure board to ensure your flight actually exists.
Once on the plane, the stress usually reduces due to just having to sit until reaching the destination - unless you have a fear of flying, of course.
But then comes the age-old debate of whether airplane food is good or not. It would appear that one man decided that he didn't want to partake and brought an entire meal with him instead.
Taking snacks onto a plane is socially acceptable, even pushing it as far as a sandwich - providing it isn't something smelly like tuna or egg.
But when Lanna Tolland boarded her flight at Glasgow airport, she definitely didn't expect to see an entire restaurant-quality meal unveiled next to her.
It would appear that the hungry man had visited the Italian chain restaurant Frankie & Benny's and came aboard the flight with an entire rack of ribs covered in BBQ sauce, buttered corn on the cob, and a portion of fries.
A meal like that sounds perfectly fine in a restaurant or the comfort of your own home - but in an enclosed space where you can't exactly open a window seems a bit unfair.
Lanna wrote on Twitter: "No chance is the guy next to me eating a full rack of ribs plus sides on this plane."
It would seem that not everybody agreed that what the man did was socially unacceptable, as the image caused a debate amongst viewers.
One person penned: "This is a realistic nightmare," but was quickly met with a response: "You're a baby then. let the man eat."
"I feel like there is a line on what’s acceptable to bring to eat in a plane. Sandwich? Good. Chips? Good. Full plate of BBQ? As much as I love BBQ - over the line," another Twitter user wrote.
"Only way I’m letting this behavior slide is if I’m getting one or two. A rib tax. A pork penance," another viewer penned, with someone else writing: "I once had a dude bust out a full crab dinner next to me on a flight… cracking the legs and everything…"
Speaking of weird unwritten rules on a plane, a flight attendant took to TikTok to reveal to passengers why they shouldn't wear shorts on a flight.
Offering other advice such as instructing people not to touch the toilet flush with their bare hands, and not resting their head against the window because who knows who has been in that seat beforehand.
In regards to the shorts, he said: "Don't - or try not to - wear shorts when you're on an airplane. It's the same thing as the window; you never know how clean it's going to be. So, if you have pants, you're going to have less germs."
Everyone will need another holiday after all this aircraft drama.
Credit: PA Images[/caption]
The image that pulled you in and piqued your interest? We all know that image, not that one species of course (well, perhaps) but more so that point in time where our stomachs are rumbling and we are salivated at the prospective food on offer or pre-ordered on that long-haul flight that seemingly never ends.
This is a feeling we all know, and while we are on such a subject of culinary-related feeling, something else we all know is that often, these meals can be unpredictable based on literary or photographic menus and examples. "Interesting" is perhaps the best word for some of what we have ingested on our journeys through the skies and sometimes that word is just a polite way of saying something that isn't actually that polite.
Sometimes, however, it can be positive. So, without further ado, here are 30 in-flight meals we wish we could have had!
[post_page_title] #1 When Three Decisions Become One Super-Feed [/post_page_title]
A fry-up-style brunch? Some fruit and yogurt for something sweet or a little continental? When you have time to make breakfast let alone decide which way to go, it can often be a toughy.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BvHD4RmjWh1/]]
Boxes ticked. This in-flight meal bridges all three and not only boasts plenty of choices but as mile-high-meals go, it's pretty balanced. And so begins a list of tasty, tasty, imagery.
[post_page_title] #2 Good Food, EXCELLENT Presentation [/post_page_title]
Now this one may look impressive via its ingredients and given the context of where it's being served, it's top-notch. But! That's not why it stands out.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BvEfEV7j0He/]]
Look at that crockery? The clear, black or foil containers are nowhere to be seen nor are the flimsy plastic cutlery. There's even a REAL NAPKIN. This meal was brought to you by the Aero-Restaurant service, dine a mile-high in style.
[post_page_title] #3 Presentation [/post_page_title]
This is another that does the job and has enough nutrients, but admittedly, it is a little simple.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BvB6RzlAtH6/]]
Personally back before going veggie, I'd had no issues eating this but again, presentation really makes the cake or tosses the salad or whatever. Look at that dinner tray! Swish.
[post_page_title] #4 Bridging Cuisines and... More Excellent Presentation [/post_page_title]
Why settle for simple themed meals set around a single locale? Why even bother with courses? Why not send it all at once?
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_VfCQg76b/]]
That's exactly what this flight crew did, it's certainly a tray-full and a little messy, but this is certainly a meal and a half! One that is yet again adorned with a napkin rolled for royalty.
[post_page_title] #5 Sometimes, They Just Out-Do Themselves [/post_page_title]
I can't say I've had my own fair share of high-class, first-class, business-class meals on flights. Although I can absolutely say that I've never had an in-flight meal that DIDN'T hit the spot as it were, my experience bar a few sneak-peaks into the world beyond standard-class is very limited. However, this list is opening my eyes.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_VfCQg76b/]]
Imagine if this person was off on holiday somewhere nice, looking forward to the local cuisine only to arrive and be utterly disappointed with an unquenchable longing for what they had high in the sky, imagine that.
[post_page_title] #6 It's The Little Details... [/post_page_title]
We talked about courses earlier and how they weren't strictly possible or rather carried no real use. Well, perhaps, they are possible, just minutely, via a few excellent little details.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu6L_KnBhm_/]]
Shiney, well-polished cutlery in order of each course set for a simple, quality lunch. Sorted. But where is the posh-napkin? Tut-tut.
[post_page_title] #7 What Time Zone Are We In? Who Knows? But It's Breakfast Time [/post_page_title]
I don't know about you but, the constant change in time zones that I went through on two or three-part journeys while traveling on very little sleep was utterly tiring. Expensive airport food was what it was, ok and pricey, and in-flight meals such as the next one were the stuff of dreams.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu3sxhWhDgG/]]
The stuff of dreams, indeed. Tired and weary, this would be an excellent wake-up call, although, let's face it, you probably weren't actually asleep.
[post_page_title] #8 And Why Aren't Restaurants EXCLUSIVELY On Planes? [/post_page_title]
Again, another entry entered for obvious reasons, entirely justifying its entry upon entering in such an enigmatic manner. Words.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu1DHVPBCXe/]]
Hats off to Japan Airlines and their international first class. You win, take it, TAKE IT ALL.
...don't fret, it isn't actually a competition, and I have plenty more plates for your perusal.
[post_page_title] #9 I Love Lamp [/post_page_title]
Much like Mr. Brick Tamland, I also love lamp, especially more so after seeing this in-flight feed. I have twenty-one more of these to show you, I've just eaten a gargantuan amount of food in order to fuel my brain for maximum word-work, and I suddenly want to bin-this all off, book a flight and chow-down.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BuykY3qDSsY/]]
"Hello, yes, Emirates [...] yes, that's the one, one of those, please! Oh yes, my apologies and a seat on the plane. Where? It doesn't matter."
[post_page_title] #10 From Sea To The Sky [/post_page_title]
There you are, tired out of your mind, eagerly awaiting your in-flight meal and the one-time you managed to sleep you missed the announcement on what the food was and the cabin crew didn't want to wake you. You have no idea what you are going to get and you really, really hope it's not something disappointing.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BuwAIwXhn8R/]]
Ten-thousand and more feet up and you're dining on lobster. Boom! Face! I bet you didn't see that one coming, did you?
[post_page_title] #11 Air-Food May Surprise You [/post_page_title]
On some flights I've taken, the food on offer was often exactly what you would expect from the region from which the plane either took-off from or rather the airlines' origin. It's a relatively common occurrence but that's not always the case, and you should really never resign yourself to that theory for more than a few resolute seconds.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Butbkamh5GN/]]
Air Canada has absolutely annihilated that theory with this selection and again, if this was a competition, this could easily win it, even despite that crappy plastic spoon. That's right spooney, I see you.
[post_page_title] #12 Consistency Is Key [/post_page_title]
Reputation for airlines is paramount, and it goes without saying that the food served on those long-haul, first-class cabins needs to be nowhere near any sort of culinary compromise.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Buq2Xizhd64/]]
Emirates knows this all too well.
[post_page_title] #13 You Know You Made The Right Choice When... [/post_page_title]
... it doesn't look, feel or taste like it was preprepared back on the ground.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BuoRXofBwj-/]]
"Hello, yes, everything is fine with my meal. I was wondering if I could stay on after we land. Yes! just stay here, the food is utterly divine."
[post_page_title] #14 Soup Of The... Skies? [/post_page_title]
If you're in want of a simple meal, one to warm the gut as much as your soul after a long day, sat down, not really moving, then Qatar Airways have your back.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BuluPb9h421/]]
This looks lovely, to be honest, and there isn't really much more I can say. It's tough sitting down all the time in comfy luxury seats with all that legroom, I'd need some tasty, soul-warming sky-soup too.
[post_page_title] #15 Going The Extra (Vertical) Mile! [/post_page_title]
On my travels, I saw examples from either end of the spectrum when it came to parenting and/or the behavior of young children. Admittedly, any flight can be distressing for a child full of boundless energy and constant needs of nurturing. This next example via AirAstana has the remedy for such an instance.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BujHoTkgNG9/]]
What excellent service this is, really.
[post_page_title] #16 10,000+ Feet Up Is No Excuse... [/post_page_title]
... to compromise quality.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BugotUMl81M/]]
If this list is teaching anything, it's that crappy, sub-parr culinary displays are not only lazy up there on the cusp the heavens but need-not exist at all! This champion of such an ethos itself striving for quality, at least from the context of this list, is unambiguously food hailing from and themed around the continent of Asia.
I mean, JUST LOOK AT IT!
[post_page_title] #17 Holiday Prep? Or Holiday Ruination? [/post_page_title]
I say the latter half of that title in jest but still! You often go away to find culinary delights and on the way, simply eat to sustain yourself before true relaxation starts.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BuWPooKDK_q/]]
I made the joke earlier of sorts but really, I'd never leave the plane of I was being fed this well!
[post_page_title] #18 AeroFoodPorn [/post_page_title]
Now we've seen some true edible imagery on this list thus far, and if the NOT-competition had a sub-NOT-competition focussed around the presentation and yet another sub-focus on restaurant-likeness, then this would be a clear forerunner NOT-winning.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BuRGE2zjfVP/]]
Triangular plates. On a flight. "Hello, yes, everything is fine and dandy over here, this food is excellent but I wish to ask you a question... Can I pay you for these plates? I simply MUST have them".
[post_page_title] #19 Eating Better Than Usual [/post_page_title]
I like to think I cook well, it takes a little time but gathering up all the ingredients and preparing it all into a balanced, hearty yet healthy meal is something I endeavor to do as often as I can.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BuOoI8xh_cD/]]
Actually, on second thoughts, sod all that. I'm now selling all my-worldly possessions to globe-trot across the airways and sample the stratospheric kitchen of wonder.
[post_page_title] #20 I Did Napkin-See That Coming [/post_page_title]
That's right, my within-the-context-of-the-list obsession with napkins is back, this time accompanying combination of the good, the healthy and decadent.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BuL8ghljckn/]]
Joking aside traveling such great distance via THE SKY was something human beings were never meant to do, yet we do and that's that. What's also "that" is how double-plus-ungood it can make you feel. This tray-full of delight chucks a few nutrients at you in a more than satisfactory manner and even throws you a little treat while it's at it.
Cheers, United Airlines.
[post_page_title] #21 Size Matters [/post_page_title]
Size does matter when it comes to a famished stomach and salivating mouth. Some in-flight chow-times can be quite minuscule and in truth, that can be just right but then hunger hits and the grump begins, a sizable plate is required to satiate such a feeling.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BuL8ghljckn/]]
That's why this one was chosen from the hundreds of examples I have on my screen, anyway. A full belly is a happy one, no matter how many feet in the air.
[post_page_title] #22 Adorable AND Edible [/post_page_title]
Said title speaks for the image inserted.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt569_RFkOq/]]
Said title continues to speak for image inserted.
[post_page_title] #23 Calories Are Calories... [/post_page_title]
This example, this far down this list of unambiguous tastiness prompted me to chuckle. Calories are calories. Nothing, bar water, is calorie-free, remember that!
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt3ZOgggheE/]]
Now, because I am indeed a massive nerd (and a lead-bartender) I decided to work out, based on the assumption that these bottles are 5oml, how many calories this "meal" would be. The answer is: 1080. Now that is a sizable "meal".
And that isn't counting the tasty, tasty, addictive carton of pringles behind it all...
[post_page_title] #24 Healthy In-Flight [/post_page_title]
This next one is another excellent example of the quality available and why you shouldn't just settle for packaged sandwiches, crisps, and adorable booze. The above example exempt, of course!
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BtTTlN5B-6G/]]
Once again, we have another high-quality set of plates set to restore the healthy body and mind of the weary traveler! Air Canada, expect some inquiries from me!
[post_page_title] #25 The Only Way To Fl-EAT [/post_page_title]
This next image is what it is.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BtJGq6PAfvh/]]
And that is pure excellence. Just gaze upon it, that has nearly every major craving and food-group covered and even a few bits to make you feel less guilty about tall those tasty carbs.
[post_page_title] #25 The Only Way To Fl-EAT V2 [/post_page_title]
So far down this list, if you are anything like me, you will be close forsaking going out to eat ever again.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BtLreQZgvYZ/]]
"So what are we doing for dinner tonight?" they ask.
"Pack your bags, we're going on a plane," I reply.
[post_page_title] #26 From Full-Craving to Full-English [/post_page_title]
The English breakfast is world-renowned for obvious reasons, so much so that you can find it in just about every country around the world in some form or another and in huge diversity within its own place of origin. It's one of those things that people just crave when they have rumbling belly and/or a stonking hangover. Don't lie now! I saw that nod!
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3FPxWlzdG/]]
Now, this may not be the prettiest or the greatest quality, but by ye gods, it is on here by its own right.
[post_page_title] #27 Simple And Filling Wins The Stomach [/post_page_title]
Sticking with a little simplicity after a list of overt displays and grandiose recipes we have this simple approach to stomach-filling.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BsOkRuNlP-C/]]
What more can you really say? It looks as if it does the job until the next time he cabin crew wakes you ahead of your next feeding time.
[post_page_title] #28 Comfort In What You Know [/post_page_title]
Beer and burger, burgers and beers, beers and burgers. It never gets old and neither should it! It's such a versatile, please-all combination that no matter where you are, it satiates most. Why should this be any different up in the air?
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BrFvmBBDfnI/]]
It shouldn't, and as a result of simplicity, this entry is one of the best on this list - buns down.
[post_page_title] #29 Just Desserts [/post_page_title]
I'll be honest, although I've stated more than once that not all air-nums are sub-par and boring, I've still been surprised into knee-jerk reaction salivation more than once on this list. And well, this next example...
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BrIXBjtD4OK/]]
Need I say more?
[post_page_title] #30 Wined, Dined and Fly-ned? You Get The Idea [/post_page_title]
To close these thirty courses of food I wish I was eating right now, we have more than one mouthful.
Off somewhere on a business trip? Traveling on your own to discover yourself and the vibrant world around you? Well then, while on the plane quaking in your seat or realizing how much you're going to miss your loved ones and the dog, home-cooking might just be the closure you need.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BrIXBjtD4OK/]]
A hearty meal to bolster a heart of adventure! How poetic! Sustenance for a stomach that is empty, how fortuitous!
Right, I bid you adieu. I'm all packed and ready to get fat on the tastiest of journeys.
Travelers were left stunned after they saw an unusual passenger joining their flight recently - an enormous Great Dane dog.
Many people are nervous fliers, but for most, it's something they can try and take their mind off by listening to music or trying to sleep through it.
However, others might need a little bit more help - such as the assistance of an emotional support animal.
While you might imagine that to be a smaller animal, one traveler brought a Great Dane approximately the size of a small horse with them on a recent flight.
See the footage below:
The footage was shared by Rob, who goes by the handle @clearpath_coach on Instagram, as he joked: "Me: Have we taken this support animal thing too far? Society: Hold my beer."
He added in the caption: "Returning from #bandondunes. The flight attendant’s reaction is everything."
In the clip, the air hostess can be heard saying "Ow" and flinching after the ginormous dog stepped on her toe on its way in.
In a follow-up video, he revealed that the massive pooch was in fact given its own seat, adding: "She survived and he got his own seat..all [good]."
People flooded the comments to share their thoughts, writing: "So the person who has an anaphylaxis allergy to pet dander can what? Hold their breath the entire flight?"
Others added: "If you want to take a dog, take a dog, but don't pass it off as a service dog just to circumvent policy."
Some were more amused by it, writing: "Id rather this than a bunch of rude screaming kids. That dog can sit next to me anytime," and: "I'd rather sit next to the sweet giant than another person."
According to the American Kennel Club, Great Danes can weight between 140-175 pounds, so it's no wonder the flight attendant may have flinched when it put all its weight onto her toes.
Some people did think letting it ride in the cabin was a bit much, writing: "The flight attendant didn’t do anything wrong. Everyone is not a dog person. All due respect that’s a huge difference between traveling with a small dog and larger dog."
Others added: " love dogs but this s**t is getting out of hand," and: "I’d be livid if I was sitting next to this man. Y’all gotta have SOME consideration for other people."
However, it does seem like this won't be a common occurrence (much to the disappointment of those of us who would love to see a big cuddly pup in the cabin) as the US Department of Transportation recently moved to tighten regulations around flying with emotional support animals.
Passengers were stunned to see the dog enter the plane. Credit: urbazon/Getty Images
It has stated that only trained service animals should be allowed to join their owners in the cabin, according to the New York Post.
The US Department of Transportation states: "Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) a service animal means a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
"Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are not service animals."
It adds: "Airlines are required to recognize dogs as service animals and accept them for transport on flights to, within and from the United States. Airlines, though not required, are free to transport other species for passengers if they choose to do so."
A passenger on a flight has split opinions after he insisted on eating a meaty burger while sitting next to a vegetarian.
I think most of us can agree that plane food isn't exactly the height of fine dining unless you're in first class, and then the meals suddenly look incredible.
But for the majority of us, we'll have to make do with questionable meals or the snacks that we purchased before boarding the plane.
With that being said, most flights will now offer meals that cater to all dietary requirements - including vegetarians... though that won't mean that those around you won't opt for meat.
Plane food has definitely improved over the years. Credit: Juan Silva/Getty
Speaking of this, a passenger aboard an eight-hour flight recently sparked a mid-air dispute by indulging in a burger while sat next to a veggie.
The airborne fast-food drama unfolded when the hungry passenger, faced with minimal complimentary snacks, opted for a heartier meal during a stopover.
"I checked with the gate agent to see if I can bring food onboard, and she happily reassured me that I could. I went and got a burger, fries, and a drink. When I was allowed to put the tray down, I did and started to eat," they shared on Reddit.
However, not everyone on the plane was delighted by the aroma of the mid-flight feast. The man's enjoyment of his meal hit a snag when a neighboring passenger expressed her disdain for meat and fried foods, claiming that the smell was making her ill.
The Redditor's inflight meal caused a bit of a commotion. Credit: Cate Gillon/Getty
"I know I’m right when it comes to the airline rules, but the food is pungent in an enclosed area, and she’s still glaring at me," the Redditor said.
Turning to the internet for validation, the man sought public opinion on whether his in-flight dining behavior was inappropriate. To his relief, a majority of Redditors rallied behind him.
One person said: "This is a plane, not this woman's personal living room. I cannot believe how rude some people are on planes - she needs to fly private if she wants it 100% to her demanding standards."
A second added: "Public transportation sucks, but eating on a plane is normal and acceptable so unfortunately it was her thing to deal with. It's not like you can easily wait until you land to eat cold mushy food."
Is it okay to bring a burger onto a plane? Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty
While a third concluded: "Tell her the sooner she stops complaining, the sooner you will finish your food, and the sooner she will not have to smell it anymore."
That being said, I'm a firm believer that some foods shouldn't be consumed on public transport. I'm looking at the people who unwrap a tuna sandwich on trains.
What are your thoughts?
Featured image credit: Nikolett Szabo / 500px/Getty