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

 

[henrus]

Is there even a catering facility in Palau or Tonga?

The QF website shows the following (and a check of the way back machine suggests it has for a while):

 

[nancypants]

I must confess I’m kind of surprised they can’t cater something chilled/packed in dry ice. Does the plane night stop by any chance?

 

[Harrison_133]

I must confess I’m kind of surprised they can’t cater something chilled/packed in dry ice. Does the plane night stop by any chance?

Palau night stops. Tonga is a same day return.

 

[Austman]

QF double cater to many "nearby" destinations where they do same day returns.

They have been doing it even to Noumea where food can be of the highest standards.

QF 737s don't have cold food storage. So that can limit the double catered return flight offerings on top of any pax dietary requirements.