If you have seen the FPML meal code while booking a flight or looking through a list of airline special meals, you may be wondering what FPML means.
FPML is the airline meal code for a Fruit Platter Meal. A Fruit Platter Meal is a special airline meal consisting primarily of fresh fruit. It can be requested by passengers who prefer a light meal, follow certain dietary restrictions or simply want fruit instead of a standard airline meal.
In this guide, we explain what an FPML airline meal is, what foods it may contain and how to request one for your flight.
If you want to look at a list of all of the airline meal codes then I also have that available for you in my airline meal codes guide. You can download and print the list for your own reference.
FPML Airline Meal Code Quick Wins
- FPML means Fruit Platter Meal.
- An FPML airline meal consists mainly of fresh fruit.
- The exact selection of fruit varies between airlines, routes and departure airports.
- FPML meals do not usually contain meat, fish, dairy products or eggs.
- A Fruit Platter Meal may be suitable for some vegan and vegetarian passengers, but ingredients and preparation methods should always be checked.
- FPML is not designed specifically for passengers with food allergies.
- Special meals usually need to be requested at least 24 to 48 hours before departure.
- Always check that your FPML meal request has been confirmed before travelling.
- Consider carrying suitable snacks, particularly on a long-haul flight, as a Fruit Platter Meal may not be very filling.
What Does FPML Mean?
FPML stands for Fruit Platter Meal. It is one of the special meal codes used by airlines to identify meals requested by passengers with particular dietary preferences or requirements.
When an FPML meal is requested, the passenger will usually receive a selection of fresh fruit instead of the standard meal served to other passengers. The exact contents can vary considerably depending on the airline, route, catering company and availability of ingredients.
What Is an FPML Airline Meal?
An FPML airline meal is a special meal made primarily from fresh fruit. Depending on the airline and flight, the meal may include a selection of sliced, whole or prepared fruits.
An FPML meal could include:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Grapes
- Melon
- Pineapple
- Berries
- Mango
- Kiwi fruit
The fruit provided will depend on availability and the location from which your flight is departing.
FPML meal example: some airlines may provide a simple plate or container of sliced fruit, while others may offer several different portions of fruit throughout the meal service.
Who Is an FPML Meal Suitable For?
An FPML meal may be requested by passengers who prefer a light and simple meal while flying. It may also appeal to passengers who eat a plant-based diet or who want to avoid some of the ingredients commonly found in standard airline meals. However, it is important to remember that FPML is a meal preference code rather than an allergy-specific meal.
If you have a food allergy or medical dietary requirement, you should contact the airline before travelling to discuss your individual needs. Learn more about travelling with an allergy in my travelling with allergies guide.
Is an FPML Meal Vegan?
A Fruit Platter Meal would generally be expected to contain only fruit and therefore may be suitable for passengers following a vegan diet. However, passengers should not assume that every airline prepares its FPML meals in exactly the same way.
If you follow a strict vegan diet, you may prefer to request a VGML special meal, or Vegetarian Vegan Meal, which is specifically intended for passengers following a vegan diet.
Always check the airline’s own special meal information before choosing which meal is most suitable for you.
Is an FPML Meal Vegetarian?
An FPML meal is generally suitable for vegetarians because it consists primarily of fruit. However, passengers looking for a more substantial vegetarian meal may prefer one of the airline meal codes specifically designed for vegetarian diets.
For example, a VLML airline meal, or Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal, may contain vegetables, grains, dairy products and eggs.
Is an FPML Meal Suitable for Passengers With Food Allergies?
An FPML meal is not specifically designed as an allergy-safe meal. Although the meal may contain fewer ingredients than a standard airline meal, cross-contamination may still occur during preparation, storage or service.
Passengers can also be allergic to certain fruits.
If you or your child has a food allergy, contact the airline directly before travelling and ask about its allergy policies and special meal options. You may also want to carry suitable food and snacks for the journey, subject to airport security and customs restrictions. It may be worth researching medical luggage if you need to travel with extra food because of allergies.
What Is the Difference Between FPML and VGML?
FPML and VGML are two different airline special meal codes.
FPML means Fruit Platter Meal. A FPML special meal consists primarily of fresh fruit.
VGML means Vegetarian Vegan Meal. It is intended to provide a more complete meal without meat, fish, dairy products, eggs or other animal-derived ingredients.
Passengers looking for a substantial plant-based meal will usually find a VGML more suitable.
Passengers who specifically want a simple meal consisting mainly of fruit may prefer an FPML.
Is an FPML Meal Suitable for Children?
Children can usually request an FPML meal if the airline offers it. A Fruit Platter Meal could be useful for children who prefer familiar or simple foods, including some autistic children with restricted diets or sensory differences around food. However, the selection, texture and presentation of fruit cannot be guaranteed. To learn more about travelling with an autistic child, head to my guide about travelling with autistic children so you can find all of the information you need to make your next trip run as smooth as possible.
If your child only eats particular types or brands of food, it is sensible to carry suitable snacks and food rather than relying entirely on an airline special meal.
Families may also want to look at the CHML Child Meal or JNML Junior Meal options where available. Use my guide to child and baby airline meals to figure out which one is most suitable for your child.
Is a Fruit Platter Meal Filling?
One potential disadvantage of requesting an FPML meal is that it may not be particularly filling. The size and contents of airline Fruit Platter Meals vary, and passengers may receive considerably less food than those eating a standard meal. This may be particularly important on long-haul flights where several hours can pass between meal services.
Consider packing additional suitable snacks so that you have something else to eat if the FPML meal is too small or is not available.
How Do I Request an FPML Meal?
The process for requesting an FPML meal varies between airlines.
You may be able to request your special meal:
- While booking your flight
- Through the manage booking section of the airline’s website or app
- By contacting the airline
- Through your travel agent or booking provider
Most airlines require special meals to be requested in advance, often at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. Booking deadlines vary, so check directly with your airline.
Should I Check My FPML Meal Request Before Flying?
Yes. Even if you requested your Fruit Platter Meal when booking your flight, check that the request appears correctly in your booking. It can also be useful to confirm your special meal request with the airline before departure.
Special meal availability is never guaranteed, and catering mistakes can happen. Carrying suitable snacks gives you a backup option if your requested meal is unavailable.
What Should I Do If My FPML Meal Is Not Available?
If your FPML meal is unavailable onboard, speak to a member of the cabin crew. They may be able to offer an alternative, although the available options will depend on the food loaded onto the aircraft.
This is another reason why I recommend carrying suitable snacks, especially when travelling with children or passengers with restricted diets.
Remember that restrictions may apply when taking food through airport security or across international borders.
FPML Airline Meal FAQs
What does FPML stand for?
FPML stands for Fruit Platter Meal. It is a special airline meal consisting primarily of fresh fruit.
What is an FPML meal example?
An FPML meal may contain fruits such as melon, pineapple, grapes, apples, oranges, berries or bananas. The exact selection depends on the airline, route and catering availability.
Is an FPML meal vegan?
An FPML meal is generally expected to contain fruit and may therefore be suitable for vegan passengers. However, passengers following a strict vegan diet should check the airline’s own meal information before travelling.
Is an FPML meal suitable for food allergies?
FPML meals are not specifically designed for passengers with food allergies. Cross-contamination may occur, and some passengers may have allergies to particular fruits.
How far in advance should I order an FPML meal?
Many airlines require special meals to be requested at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. Check with your airline as deadlines vary.
Is an FPML meal available on every flight?
No. The availability of Fruit Platter Meals varies between airlines, routes and cabin classes. Check the airline’s special meal options before travelling.
FPML means Fruit Platter Meal and is an airline special meal consisting primarily of fresh fruit. It can be a useful option for passengers who want a light and simple meal while flying. However, the amount and selection of fruit can vary, and an FPML meal may not be filling enough for everyone, particularly on a long-haul flight.
As with all airline special meals, request your FPML in advance, check that it has been confirmed and consider carrying suitable snacks in case your requested meal is unavailable or does not meet your needs.
You can also download my complete list of airline meal codes to help you understand the different special meal options you may see when booking a flight.
Continue Learning About Airline Meal Codes
- Airline meal codes and what they mean
- Which airline meal code is best for my baby or child?
- What does LSML mean?
- What does HNML mean?
- What does VLML mean?
- What does AVML mean?
- What does BLML mean?
- What does ALML mean?
Continue Planning Your Trip With an Allergy
- Start at the beginning – learn about travelling with an allergy from my main guide
- Learn about airline meal codes and what they stand for so you can be sure your meal is allergen free
- Find out what is in my babies allergy travel bag so you can save yourself the headache of packing without a list
- Explore what it means to fly with medical luggage as an allergy travellers
- Download and print some free allergy translation cards before your trip
- Find out what Equal Eats allergy translation cards are and how to use them to travel safer
- Learn why it is important to learn important phrases related to your allergy before you travel and downloaed the free accessible travel translations eBook
- Figure out what to include on a doctors travel letter for medication so you can get it right the first time
- Find out more about flying with EpiPens so you can travel with confidence
Continue Planning Your Accessible Travels Using My Guides
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