A passenger aboard a Japan Airlines flight recounted being given a banana served with chopsticks as part of the vegan inflight menu. Kris Chari, who flew business class from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Tokyo, shared his experience with Insider.
The flight, lasting over seven hours, included two meal services. The first, a snack and light refreshment after takeoff, and the second, lunch. According to a Japan Airlines representative, the non-vegan snack option included seared tuna with Moroccan-style eggplant salad, cheese with orange salsa, and a baguette.
Chari had anticipated receiving a snack equivalent to the non-vegan option, such as a sandwich, salad, vegan cheese, or baguette.
“Instead, I was served a single banana,” he said. Chari sent verification to Insider confirming he was on the flight. Chari said he spoke with a flight attendant and was “frankly quite shocked” to learn that the banana was a catered meal.
“It’s a bit insulting to be served a single banana while others are given a far more substantial and flavorful menu,” he said. “It seems especially important given the growth in the number of vegans and vegetarians.”
A representative from Japan Airlines told Insider: “We apologize for not being able to meet expectations.”
