Airlines step up vegan, gluten-free meals as travellers get really picky about airplane food

A shift in consumer preferences and diets toward options perceived as fresher, healthier and made with high-quality ingredients that have roiled the Big Food industry is now playing out on airplane tray tables at 36,000 feet, and airlines are scrambling to keep up. Carriers are hiring celebrity chefs, eschewing allergy-triggering peanuts and expanding their menus with gluten-free dishes, tastier vegan options and better ingredients to help build loyalty among picky travellers. Price is generally the most important factor when travellers select an airline, according to IATA. But a recent survey found that on-board service, along with the boarding process, and baggage collection help drive passenger satisfaction with a carrier. <br/>