The Orthodox Union has called on eight major domestic airlines to provide kosher food for sale on board their flights.
The OU’s vice-president for kosher marketing, Rabbi Eliyahu Safran, said present policies are unfair to passengers who keep kosher. They must prepare food at home, have it x-rayed at airport security and then bring it on the flight, while those who do not keep kosher can either buy prepared food in the departure lounge or purchase food on board.
In a letter to airlines, Safran acknowledged the financial considerations that led airlines to limit their on-board food service. “But kosher consumers, who are equally willing to purchase food items, have been left with no option, as kosher meals and snacks are not available on your airlines,” he wrote.
The OU offered to work with the airlines to provide kosher choices.
The airlines contacted were American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, Southwest, United and US Airways.
