If you have seen the code SPML when booking a flight or checking a special meal request, you may be wondering what it means.
SPML usually means Special Meal.
Unlike airline meal codes such as VGML for a Vegetarian Vegan Meal or GFML for a Gluten Intolerant Meal, SPML does not describe one specific type of food.
Instead, the SPML airline meal code may be used when a passenger requires a special meal that is not covered by one of the standard airline meal codes.
In this guide, I explain what SPML means, when the code may be used and what passengers should know before requesting a special meal for a flight.
SPML Airline Meal Code Quick Wins
- SPML usually means Special Meal.
- The SPML code may be used for a meal request that is not covered by one of the standard airline meal codes.
- SPML does not refer to one specific diet, cuisine or set of ingredients.
- The meaning and availability of an SPML request can vary between airlines.
- A SPML request may require additional information about the passenger’s dietary requirements.
- Requesting an SPML meal does not guarantee that an airline can accommodate every dietary requirement or food allergy.
- Special meal requests usually need to be made at least 24 to 48 hours before departure.
- Always check directly with your airline to find out whether SPML requests are available and what information you need to provide.
- Consider carrying suitable food and snacks, particularly if you have food allergies or complex dietary requirements.
What Does SPML Mean?
SPML usually stands for Special Meal. It is an airline meal code that may be used when a passenger requires a meal that does not fit into one of the standard special meal categories.
Most airline special meals have their own four-letter codes.
For example:
- VGML means Vegetarian Vegan Meal. (learn more about the VGML code)
- GFML means Gluten Intolerant Meal. (learn more about the GFML meal)
- KSML means Kosher Meal. (learn more about the KSML special meal)
- DBML means Diabetic Meal. (learn more about the airline DBML meal)
SPML is different because it does not describe a particular diet or meal. Instead, the code may be used for a special or individual meal request.
What Is an SPML Airline Meal?
There is no single meal that can be described as an SPML airline meal.
What you receive will depend on why the SPML code has been added to your booking, the airline you are travelling with and whether the airline is able to accommodate your request. For example, an airline may use SPML when a passenger has dietary requirements that cannot be met by one of its standard special meals. However, airlines have different policies and catering arrangements. The SPML code should therefore not be treated as a guarantee that a completely customised meal will be provided.
Why Might an Airline Use the SPML Code?
Airlines offer a range of standard special meals covering common dietary, religious and medical requirements. However, not every passenger’s needs fit neatly into one of these categories.
An airline may use SPML for an unusual or specific dietary request that requires additional information.
The exact circumstances in which the code is used can vary between airlines. This is one of the main differences between SPML and other airline meal codes.
When you request a VGML, for example, there is a recognised definition of the type of meal you are requesting.
An SPML request is much less specific.
Is SPML a Food Allergy Meal?
SPML is not automatically a food allergy meal. This is particularly important if you or your child has a food allergy. Some passengers may assume that requesting a Special Meal means the airline will prepare food specifically around their allergy requirements. This is not necessarily the case.
Airlines may have different policies regarding food allergies, cross-contamination and allergen-free meals. Some airlines may be able to note an allergy on your booking but cannot guarantee an allergen-free meal or environment.
If you are travelling with a food allergy, contact the airline directly before travelling and ask what assistance and meal options are available. My guide to travelling with allergies is a good place to start your research.
Do not assume that an SPML request automatically means your food allergy has been understood or accommodated.
What Is the Difference Between SPML and ALML?
SPML and ALML can both cause confusion because their names may appear to suggest individually prepared meals.
ALML means Allergen Meal. ALML is a specific special meal code intended to address certain allergen requirements.
SPML means Special Meal. SPML is a more general code that may be used when a request does not fit one of the standard meal categories.
However, the availability and use of both codes can vary between airlines.
Passengers with food allergies should always check directly with their airline rather than relying solely on the meal code shown on their booking.
What Is the Difference Between SPML and GFML?
GFML means Gluten Intolerant Meal. Unlike SPML, it refers to a specific dietary requirement.
A passenger who requires a meal designed for someone with gluten intolerance would normally request a GFML airline meal where available.
SPML is a more general code and does not tell you which ingredients will or will not be included in the meal.
What Is the Difference Between SPML and VGML?
VGML means Vegetarian Vegan Meal. A VGML should not contain meat, fish, dairy products or eggs.
SPML means Special Meal. SPML meal does not have a similarly defined set of ingredients. The contents of an SPML meal will depend on the individual request and the airline’s catering arrangements.
How Do I Request an SPML Meal?
The process for requesting an SPML meal varies between airlines.
You may need to contact the airline directly rather than selecting SPML from the standard special meal options available through Manage My Booking. The airline may ask for further information about your dietary requirements before confirming whether your request can be accommodated.
If you booked through a travel agent or third-party booking website, you may be able to make the request through them. However, for complex dietary requirements or food allergies, I would also check directly with the operating airline.
How Far in Advance Should I Request an SPML Meal?
Special meals generally need to be requested in advance. Many airlines require requests to be made at least 24 to 48 hours before departure, although deadlines vary.
An unusual or individual meal request may require more notice. I recommend making your request as early as possible and checking that it has been added to your booking.
It is also worth checking again before travelling, particularly if your flight schedule or booking has changed.
Will Every Airline Provide an SPML Meal?
No. The availability of special meals varies considerably between airlines, routes and cabin classes.
Some airlines may use the SPML code internally, while others may not accept individual meal requests outside their standard special meal options.
Short-haul flights and airlines with limited onboard catering may also offer fewer special meal choices.
Always check the airline’s current special meal policy before travelling.
What Should I Do If My Dietary Requirements Are Complex?
If you have multiple food allergies, intolerances or other complex dietary requirements, it may be difficult to find one standard airline meal that meets all your needs. Contact the airline before travelling and explain your requirements clearly. Ask what special meals are available, whether an SPML request can be made and what information the airline needs from you.
It is also sensible to carry suitable food and snacks where permitted. Even when a special meal has been requested and confirmed, catering mistakes, aircraft changes and schedule disruptions can occur. Having suitable food with you can be particularly important when travelling with autistic children, children with restricted diets or passengers with food allergies.
If you have to travel with extra food because of an allergy or medical reason then you may be entitled to fly with medical luggage – it is worth researching this or asking the airline about their medical luggage policies.
Can I Take My Own Food on the Plane?
In many cases, passengers can take their own food through airport security and onto a flight. However, security restrictions and customs regulations may apply depending on the type of food and your destination.
Liquids and foods with a liquid or gel-like consistency may be subject to airport security restrictions.
Some countries also have strict rules about bringing meat, dairy products, fruit, vegetables and other food products across their borders.
If you have complex dietary requirements, researching the rules before travelling can make it easier to plan suitable backup food.
What Happens If My SPML Meal Is Not Available?
Unfortunately, requesting a special meal does not guarantee that it will always be loaded onto the aircraft. Catering errors, last-minute aircraft changes, rebooked flights and other disruptions can result in a special meal being unavailable.
Check that your meal request appears on your booking before travelling and confirm it again if your flight arrangements change. Once onboard, you can also let the cabin crew know that you have requested a special meal.
Carrying suitable backup food is a sensible precaution if you cannot eat the standard onboard meal.
SPML Airline Meal Code FAQs
What does SPML stand for?
SPML usually stands for Special Meal.
What is a SPML meal on a flight?
A SPML is a special meal request that may be used when a passenger’s dietary requirements do not fit one of the standard airline meal categories. The exact use of the code can vary between airlines.
Is SPML suitable for food allergies?
Not automatically. SPML does not guarantee an allergen-free meal. Passengers with food allergies should contact their airline directly to discuss their requirements and the airline’s allergy policies.
Can anyone request an SPML meal?
This depends on the airline. Some airlines may accept individual special meal requests, while others only offer meals from their standard special meal list.
How far in advance should I request an SPML meal?
Many airline special meals need to be requested at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. More unusual requests may require additional notice.
Should I carry my own food if I have requested an SPML meal?
If you have food allergies, complex dietary requirements or a restricted diet, carrying suitable backup food where permitted is a sensible precaution.
SPML usually means Special Meal and may be used when a passenger has a dietary request that is not covered by one of the standard airline meal codes.
Unlike codes such as VGML, GFML or KSML, SPML does not describe a specific type of food or list of permitted ingredients.
Its use can vary between airlines, so passengers should contact their airline directly to find out whether an SPML request is available and what it means for their particular booking.
If you have food allergies or complex dietary requirements, do not rely solely on the SPML code. Confirm your requirements directly with the airline, check that any meal request has been added to your booking and consider carrying suitable backup food for your journey.
Resources for Travellers With Allergies
Travelling with food allergies can involve extra planning, particularly when flying, eating away from home or visiting an unfamiliar destination. The resources below offer helpful advice and practical information for travellers with allergies, from managing food allergies on flights to eating safely while abroad and preparing for unexpected situations during your trip.
- My guide to travlleing with allergies is a good starting point
- Make use of the ultimate holiday checklist by Natasha’s Foundation
- Follow Abigail and her children on allergy-safe tips at @allergysafemiles
- Learn everything you can from Allie @miss_allergic_reactor
- Learn more from my own allergy travel page @allergyfamilytravelguide
Continue Learning About Airline Meal Codes
Airlines use a wide range of special meal codes for passengers with dietary, religious and medical requirements. If you are comparing your options, continue reading our guides to airline special meal codes to find out what each meal code means and which option may be most suitable for your next flight.
- Airline meal codes and what they mean
- What does CHML mean?
- What does HNML mean?
- What does VLML mean?
- What does DBML mean?
- What does LSML mean?
- What does ALML mean?
- Download and print a copy of all of the airline meal codes for your own reference
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
- Airport special assistance links for airports around the world
Continue Planning Your Accessible Travels Using My Guides
You can click on each image to go directly to the guide for that topic.
