QANTAS ex Tongatapu, Tonga in J Class - No Gluten Free Food.

[VA777]

Just booked a business trip to Tongatapu, Tonga in November via AMEX, and when I went to check the booking in the Qantas system, I discovered they do not have a gluten-free meal option ex Tongatapu, Tonga. In 2025, kinda a WTF moment, given it is nearly a 5.5-hour flight.

Has anyone come across this before, or have ideas as to what is happening?

 

[SJF211]

Not sure if they have a caterer out of TBU and if not due to length it can’t be fully double catered so it would be “ambient,” snacks and something small, maybe a soup or sandwich? Doesn’t really explain why they couldn’t have a gluten free option but assume that’s too much work for them.

 

[markis10]

Qantas are unable to offer special meals on a number of routes:


On flights between Auckland and Cairns
On flights from Tonga to Australia

Ex Palau may also be in there.

 

[VA777]

Qantas are unable to offer special meals on a number of routes:


On flights between Auckland and Cairns
On flights from Tonga to Australia

Ex Palau may also be in there.

Between Auckland and Cairns is ridiculous - both major cities have suitable kitchens

 

[markis10]

Between Auckland and Cairns is ridiculous - both major cities have suitable kitchens

They don’t currently operate direct so that may be a hangover from the past

 

[VA777]

They don’t currently operate direct so that may be a hangover from the past

According to my bookings I am flying on QF from Sydney non-stop there and return on a 737-800

 

[markis10]

According to my bookings I am flying on QF from Sydney non-stop there and return on a 737-800

I am talking AKL-CNS

 

[VA777]

I am talking AKL-CNS

ok, thanks

 

[k_sheep]

Qantas are unable to offer special meals on a number of routes:


On flights between Auckland and Cairns
On flights from Tonga to Australia

Ex Palau may also be in there.

I can confirm ex Palau just has a bunch of packeted snacks; some of which are gluten free.

 

[VA777]

I can confirm ex Palau just has a bunch of packeted snacks; some of which are gluten free.

Wow, for a 5.5 hour flight in J class that is pretty pathetic.

 

[k_sheep]

The result when they don't have a catering agreement on ground.

Honestly ... I quite liked it. I stuffed the majority in my bag and am still picking packs out of my work drawer a month later!

 

[sudoer]

Wow, for a 5.5 hour flight in J class that is pretty pathetic.

Better fly with a competitor. Oh wait..

 

[VA777]

Better fly with a competitor. Oh wait..

Yup