If you are lucky enough to be flying business class on airlines including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, ANA, Emirates or Qatar Airways to name a few you may have noticed the option to pre-order your inflight meal right up to 48 hours before departure.

For passengers, the benefit is obvious: a wider range of global cuisines and the ability to tailor the dining experience to personal tastes. But there’s a far more important reason to click that “pre-order” button,..

Reducing Food Waste.

Unlike economy class, where passengers generally accept that their first meal choice might not be available, business class comes with premium expectations. To ensure passengers get what they want, airlines typically load two or even three extra meals per passenger. The result? Thousands of uneaten dishes end up in the bin every day around the world.

Pre-ordering changes this. It allows airlines to cater more precisely, dramatically cutting back on the excess. According to industry experts, widespread adoption of pre-ordering could prevent tons of wasted food each year.

It’s a simple solution that benefits everyone: passengers still enjoy full choice, airlines save costs, and the environment avoids unnecessary waste.

For frequent business travellers, many flying on corporate accounts, it’s also becoming part of a broader conversation around corporate responsibility and sustainability .

For airlines that currently do not offer this option, the appeal is simple. Introducing pre-ordering not only enhances the passenger experience but also cuts costs and helps tackle the growing issue of food waste.

The message is clear: if you’re traveling in business class, please pre-book your meal. It’s a win for you, for airlines, and for the planet.