Vegetarian and vegan airline meal codes can be surprisingly confusing. One airline may offer a simple “vegan meal”, while another gives you a list of four-letter special meal codes such as VGML, VLML, AVML and VOML.
Choosing the right code matters because not every vegetarian meal is vegan, and different vegetarian meals can contain very different ingredients. A lacto-ovo vegetarian meal may contain eggs and dairy, while a vegan meal should contain no animal-derived ingredients.
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This guide explains the main vegetarian and vegan airline meal codes, what you are likely to receive and how to request the right meal before you fly. Availability and recipes vary by airline, route and catering provider, so always check your airline’s current description before relying on a special meal.
Vegetarian and Vegan Airline Meal Codes at a Glance
The codes you are most likely to encounter are:
- VGML – Vegetarian Vegan Meal, often described as a vegetarian non-dairy meal.
- VLML – Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal, which can contain dairy products and eggs.
- AVML – Asian Vegetarian Meal, generally an Indian-style vegetarian meal that may contain dairy.
- VOML – Vegetarian Oriental Meal, generally an East Asian-style vegetarian meal.
- VJML – Vegetarian Jain Meal, prepared according to Jain dietary requirements.
- RVML – Raw Vegetable Meal, usually based on uncooked vegetables, salads and fruit.
- VVML – a Vegan Meal code used by some airline or catering systems, although VGML is much more commonly used for vegan special meals.
You can see these alongside other dietary options in our complete guide to airline meal codes and what they mean.
What Is the Vegan Airline Meal Code?
VGML is the code most commonly associated with a vegan airline special meal. Airlines may call it a Vegetarian Vegan Meal, Vegan Meal or Vegetarian Meal (Non-Dairy).
A VGML should exclude meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs and dairy products. Meals are usually built around vegetables, grains, pulses, fruit, tofu or other plant-based ingredients.
Do not assume that every meal labelled simply “vegetarian” is a VGML. If you are vegan, check that your booking specifically shows the vegan or non-dairy vegetarian option rather than a lacto-ovo vegetarian meal.
Read our dedicated guide to what the VGML airline meal code means for more detail.
VGML vs VLML: What Is the Difference?
This is one of the most important distinctions when ordering a vegetarian airline meal.
A VGML is intended to be vegan and should not contain dairy products or eggs.
A VLML, or Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal, contains no meat or fish but can include milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter and eggs.
VLML is therefore suitable for many vegetarians but not for vegans. It may also be unsuitable for someone avoiding milk or eggs because of an allergy or intolerance.
Our separate VLML meal code guide explains what is normally included and excluded.
What Is an AVML Asian Vegetarian Meal?
AVML stands for Asian Vegetarian Meal. Despite the broad name, airlines generally use this code for an Indian-style vegetarian meal rather than any vegetarian food from across Asia.
An AVML may include rice, lentils, vegetables, curries, flatbreads and Indian-style seasonings. It contains no meat or fish, but it may contain dairy products.
This can be a good option for vegetarian passengers who enjoy spiced food. It should not automatically be treated as vegan, dairy-free or suitable for a milk allergy.
Learn more about the AVML Asian Vegetarian Meal in our dedicated guide.
What Is a VOML Vegetarian Oriental Meal?
VOML stands for Vegetarian Oriental Meal. The terminology is dated, but it remains a special-meal code used in airline catering systems.
VOML generally describes an East Asian-style vegetarian meal. Depending on the airline and caterer, you might receive rice or noodles with vegetables, tofu and Asian-style sauces or seasonings.
Do not confuse VOML with AVML. AVML is generally Indian-style, while VOML is generally East Asian-style.
Our VOML airline meal guide explains the code in more detail.
What Is a VJML Vegetarian Jain Meal?
VJML is a Vegetarian Jain Meal. It is designed around Jain dietary principles rather than simply being another vegetarian menu choice.
It excludes meat, fish and eggs and also avoids root vegetables such as onions, garlic, potatoes and carrots. The exact ingredients can vary, so passengers following Jain dietary requirements should check the airline’s description when booking.
VJML is not a general substitute for VGML. Choose it because you need or prefer a Jain meal, rather than assuming it will simply provide a different style of vegan food.
Read more in our guide to the VJML Vegetarian Jain Meal.
What Is an RVML Raw Vegetable Meal?
RVML means Raw Vegetable Meal. It typically consists of raw vegetables and may include salads, fresh fruit and other uncooked plant foods.
Although this sounds vegan, do not use RVML as a workaround without checking the airline’s definition. Special meal specifications and accompaniments can vary between catering providers.
It can also be a much lighter meal than a standard VGML, which matters on a long flight when you may want something more substantial.
See our RVML meal code guide for more information.
What Does VVML Mean?
You may occasionally see VVML used for a Vegan Meal. Airline booking systems are not completely consistent, however, and VGML is the more familiar code for a vegan or non-dairy vegetarian special meal.
Rather than choosing by code alone, read the airline’s written description. The description attached to your booking is more useful than assuming every carrier uses every code in exactly the same way.
Our VVML Vegan Meal guide looks specifically at this less common code.
Are Vegetarian Airline Meals Automatically Vegan?
No. Vegetarian airline meals can contain dairy products and eggs.
This is why ordering “the vegetarian meal” without checking the actual option can cause problems. VLML and AVML, for example, may be suitable for a vegetarian but not a vegan.
If you are vegan, look specifically for the airline’s vegan option and confirm the code or description attached to the booking.
Are Vegan Airline Meals Dairy-Free?
A correctly prepared vegan meal should not contain milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt or other dairy ingredients. That does not make a vegan special meal the same thing as an allergy-safe meal.
Airline meals are prepared in catering environments where multiple ingredients and allergens are handled. A meal that excludes dairy as part of its recipe may still be unsuitable for someone at risk from traces or cross-contact.
If milk, egg, nuts or another ingredient is a medical allergy rather than a dietary preference, contact the airline about its allergy procedures instead of relying on a vegetarian or vegan meal code. Our guide to airline allergy meal and SSR codes explains the difference. You can also rely on our guide to travelling with an allergy for more general travel advice.
How to Order a Vegetarian or Vegan Airline Meal
Airlines that provide special meals normally let you request one during booking, through Manage My Booking or by contacting customer services.
Order as early as possible. Many airlines set a deadline around 24 to 48 hours before departure, but there is no universal cut-off. Some require more notice, and some routes or cabin classes may not offer special meals at all.
After requesting the meal, return to your booking and check that it has been recorded for the correct passenger and every relevant flight sector. On a connecting itinerary, one airline may provide the meal while another does not.
Check Your Meal Again Before Flying
A special meal request can occasionally disappear after a flight change, rebooking or schedule update. Check the booking again before departure, particularly if the airline has changed your flight number or aircraft.
At check-in, you can also ask whether the special meal request is visible in the reservation. Once on board, cabin crew may confirm special meals before the main meal service.
Keep a screenshot showing the requested meal. It cannot create a meal that was not loaded onto the aircraft, but it can help you explain what was ordered if there is confusion. You can also upload backups of important travel information to a Google Drive so that you can access it from anywhere you have an internet connection.
What Happens if Your Vegan or Vegetarian Meal Is Missing?
Special meals are not always guarunteed. Catering errors, aircraft changes and booking problems can mean the requested meal is unavailable or even that the original special meal booking is lost.
Cabin crew may be able to identify suitable components from other meals, but do not assume they can create a complete vegan or vegetarian meal from whatever is on board.
Carry enough permitted snacks to get through the flight, especially on a long-haul journey. Check airport security and destination customs rules before packing fresh fruit, vegetables or other foods that may be restricted on arrival.
Which Vegetarian Airline Meal Should You Choose?
Your best choice depends on what you actually eat rather than which meal sounds most interesting.
| Dietary preference | Meal code to look for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | VGML or an explicitly labelled vegan meal | Confirm that the airline describes it as vegan. |
| Vegetarian who eats eggs and dairy | VLML | This is the standard lacto-ovo vegetarian option. |
| Vegetarian who enjoys Indian-style food | AVML | Check whether dairy is included if that matters to you. |
| Vegetarian who prefers East Asian-style food | VOML | Check availability and the airline’s meal description. |
| Following Jain dietary requirements | VJML | Check the airline’s current specification against your requirements. |
| Wanting an uncooked plant-based option | RVML | Check availability; it may be much lighter than a normal meal. |
All airlines do not necessarily offer every code. Always choose from the options actually provided for your flight.
Vegetarian and Vegan Airline Meal FAQs
What is the vegan airline meal code for fully vegan food?
VGML is the code most commonly used for a vegan airline special meal. Airlines may describe it as a Vegetarian Vegan Meal, Vegan Meal or Vegetarian Meal (Non-Dairy). Check the description used by your airline.
What is the standard vegetarian airline meal code?
VLML is a common standard vegetarian option for passengers who eat dairy products and eggs. Other vegetarian codes include AVML, VOML and VJML.
Is a VGML vegan airline meal dairy-free?
A VGML should not contain dairy ingredients because it is intended as a vegan meal. However, that does not guarantee an allergy-safe preparation environment or freedom from cross-contact.
Does a vegetarian airline meal contain eggs?
It can. A VLML is specifically a lacto-ovo vegetarian meal and may contain eggs and dairy. Check the exact special meal rather than assuming all vegetarian options have the same ingredients.
How far in advance should I order a vegan airline meal?
Order as early as your airline allows. Many airlines require special meals to be requested around 24 to 48 hours before departure, but deadlines vary and can be longer.
Are vegan airline meals suitable for milk allergies?
Do not treat a vegan meal as an allergy guarantee. Although the recipe should exclude dairy, cross-contact may be possible. Tell the airline about a milk allergy and follow its allergy procedures.
The easiest way to get the right vegetarian or vegan airline meal is to focus on the meal specification rather than the name alone. This will help you understand which is the best vegeterian or vegan airline meal code to use.
VGML is usually the best starting point for vegans, while VLML suits lacto-ovo vegetarians. AVML, VOML and VJML provide more specific alternatives. Request your meal early, confirm it is attached to every flight and carry suitable backup food in case the special meal is unavailable.
Continue Learning About Veggie & Vegan Airline Meal Codes
- Following a vegan diet? Read our guide to the VGML vegan airline meal code to understand what to request before flying.
- Eat eggs and dairy but avoid meat and fish? Learn more about the VLML vegetarian lacto-ovo meal and how it differs from vegan options.
- Prefer Indian-style vegetarian food? Explore our guide to the AVML Asian Vegetarian Meal to find out what you might receive.
- Interested in East Asian-style vegetarian dishes? Read about the VOML Vegetarian Oriental Meal and what to check when ordering.
- Following Jain dietary requirements? Learn about the VJML Vegetarian Jain Meal before choosing your special meal.
- Looking for an uncooked option? Explore our guide to the RVML raw vegetarian meal code.
- Seen VVML in your airline’s meal options? Read our guide to the VVML vegan meal code to understand how it is used.
- Considering a fruit-based option? Learn more about the FPML Fruit Platter Meal.
- Want to compare the wider range of special meals? Browse our guide to airline meal codes and what they mean.
Continue Learning About Airline Meal Codes
- Airline meal codes and what they mean
- What does LSML mean?
- What does HNML mean?
- What does ALML mean?
- What does VOML mean?
- What does FPML mean?
- Download and print a copy of all of the airline meal codes for your own reference
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