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PhrasesOn the PlaneCosa c'è da mangiare sul volo?
A1informal

Cosa c'è da mangiare sul volo?

What is there to eat on the flight?

Pronunciation

man-GIA-re — stress on second syllable. The 'gi' gives a soft 'j' sound.

When to use it

When the meal or snack service is announced and you want to know the options.

What it means

'Cosa c'è da' + infinitive (what is there to...) is a very natural Italian construction. 'Mangiare' means to eat. On Italian domestic flights, service is usually limited to a snack and drink. Long-haul flights offer full meal service. Budget airlines have a paid menu.

Variations

Avete un pasto vegetariano?

Do you have a vegetarian meal?

Special meals must usually be requested 24+ hours before the flight

Posso avere qualcosa da bere?

Can I have something to drink?

Water is usually free; other drinks may be charged

Qual è il menù del giorno?

What is today's menu?

Long-haul flights often have two or three meal choices

Mini Dialogue

— Cosa c'è da mangiare sul volo? — Abbiamo pasta al pomodoro o pollo con patate. — Prendo la pasta, grazie. C'è anche il vino? — Sì, rosso o bianco? — Rosso, per favore.

— What is there to eat on the flight? — We have pasta with tomato sauce or chicken with potatoes. — I'll have the pasta, thank you. Is there also wine? — Yes, red or white? — Red, please.

Cultural Note

ITA Airways serves Italian food on all long-haul flights, often featuring regional specialities. Italian in-flight meals are generally considered better than the European average. On domestic flights, the service is usually a cornetto (croissant) or tramezzino (crustless sandwich) with coffee.