This month, in anticipation of summer vacations, we’re doing a few travel-related posts. You can see our full archive of travel posts here. If you’re flying internationally, check out how to survive an international flight, see how to make your hotel room feel like home, and learn how to enjoy big holidays when you find yourself alone abroad.

Some international flights are so damn long that the only thing you look forward to is the distraction provided by the next meal. The lights turn on and the flight attendants start to take formation, lining up behind their carts ready to serve, but you’re in the last row and there are literally 400-600 people ahead of you in line. Waiting for honestly what could be an hour is killer, especially if you’re starving, but luckily I’ve stumbled upon a hack for getting served first on international flights.

I was what is now referred to as a flexitarian meaning I was primarily vegetarian with occasional exceptions like being a polite guest or trying an exotic dish like fried mealworms, you know, the normal stuff. When I was a veg-head, I would request a special meal each time I booked an international flight. That meant that my vegetarian meal request was noted with my seat number and before each meal service officially started, a flight attendant would come to my seat, confirm my request, and hand deliver my meal.

In the early days, I was all about the raw vegetarian meals, because I found I felt so much better eating raw foods rather than downing pasta or rice while sitting for sixteen hours straight, but now it really depends on the day. Your taste buds are compromised at high altitudes anyway that whatever you’re eating is really just fuel and distraction, it’s not delicious by any means.

So next time you book a flight to some far off place, put in a special meal request when booking. Depending on which airline you’ll have anywhere from half a dozen to two dozen different options. You don’t have to choose veggie, but really, a half a day without meat wouldn’t kill you anyway, it’s not like you’re getting Kobe beef up there. You could order Muslim, Kosher, or Hindu or opt for gluten-free, low-sodium, or nut free. Personally, I think Hindu-vegetarian is honestly the bomb.com you should try that one. There are so many options and by choosing any one of these you’ll get your meal before everyone else, which seems selfish, but they could also be using this hack, they’re just not as up on things as you are. Go you.

Happy Travels!