When booking a flight, especially on long-haul journeys, you may notice the option to select special meals to suit dietary needs. Airlines use specific codes to identify these meals, helping to cater to various dietary restrictions, preferences, and religious requirements. Understanding these codes can help you ensure that you receive a meal that fits your dietary needs.
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Here’s a look at some of the most common airline meal codes and what they mean.
Vegetarian & Vegan Airline Meal Codes
These meals are designed for passengers following vegetarian or vegan diets.
VGML – Vegetarian Meal (Non-Dairy)
A VGML meal is designed for passengers who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet. These meals are free of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, typically featuring fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. It’s ideal for vegans or those who prefer plant-based meals.
Learn more about the VGML code and what it includes in my post dedicated to answering “What does VGML mean?“
VLML – Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal
The VLML meal is suitable for vegetarians who consume dairy products and eggs. It does not include meat or fish but may contain ingredients like cheese, milk, yogurt, and eggs.
I have a seperate guide which breaks down what the VLML special meal code is and what food is likely to be included or excluded from a VLML meal on a flight.
VOML – Vegetarian Oriental Meal
Many people do not understand the difference between VOML and AVML, but there is one!
AVML stands for Asian Vegetarian Meal. An AVML is generally an Indian-style vegetarian meal and may contain dairy products.
VOML stands for Vegetarian Oriental Meal. A VOML is an Oriental or East Asian-style vegetarian meal.
I have a seperate guide which details more about the VOML airline meal code in detail for those who want to understand what is includes and when it should be available.
AVML – Asian Vegetarian Meal
This is offered more often in flights flying in or to/from Asia. AVML is an Asia vegetarian meal for those who want no meat but prepared in an Asian-style dish.
Learn more about the Asian Vegetarian AVML meal on flights.
VJML – Vegetarian Jain Meal
The VJML conforms to Jianism cultures, it has no meat, fish, eggs or dairy. It also contains no root vegetables.
Learn more about the Vegetarian Jain meal in my guide to the VJML special meal code.
VVML – Vegan Meal
Some airlines will label their fully vegans meals as VVML, but other times you may find it under VGML. Vegan meals are free from any animal products: they have no meat or anything in them that has come from an animal, including honey because it means keeping bees to collect their honey.
Learn more about the Vegan VVML meal code and find out if it is the right one for you.
RVML – Raw Vegetable Meal
The RVML airline meal code is used for a Raw Vegetable Meal. This special meal typically contains a selection of raw vegetables and may also include fresh fruit, salads and other uncooked plant-based foods. The exact contents vary between airlines and catering providers, so passengers with allergies or strict dietary requirements should check with the airline before travelling.
Religious Airline Meal Codes
These meals are prepared in accordance with religious dietary requirements.
HNML – Hindu Meal
The HNML is a meal option that conforms to Hindu dietary practices. These meals do not contain beef or beef products and are often vegetarian. However, some airlines offer non-vegetarian Hindu meals that may include lamb, chicken, or fish.
Learn more about the HNML meal code when flying in my guide to the Hindu airline meals.
KSML – Kosher Meal
A KSML meal is prepared according to Jewish dietary laws (kashrut). The food is typically certified by a rabbi and is sealed and labelled to ensure it complies with kosher regulations. Kosher meals are often provided with separate utensils and packaging.
Lean more about the Kosher meal in my more detailed guide to the KSML meal.
MOML – Muslim Meal
The MOML meal follows the dietary guidelines of halal, which are consistent with Islamic law. These meals exclude pork and alcohol and feature halal-certified meats such as chicken or lamb.
For more details about the MOML meal code used by airlines head over to my Muslim special meals guide.
Medical & Therapeutic Airline Meal Codes
These meals are intended for passengers with specific medical or therapeutic dietary requirements.
GFML – Gluten-Free Meal
A GFML is intended for passengers who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. This meal does not contain gluten, ensuring that it excludes ingredients like wheat, rye, barley, and any derivatives that contain gluten.
Learn more about the GFML meal code and travelling while eating gluten-free.
LSML – Low-Sodium Meal
For those monitoring their salt intake, LSML meals are prepared with minimal salt and typically omit highly processed foods. These meals are great for passengers with high blood pressure or those on a heart-healthy diet.
Learn more about the LSML meal code for Low-Sodium Meals.
LFML – Low-Fat Meal
Passengers concerned about fat intake can opt for the LFML meal, which contains lean meats, low-fat dairy, and limited oils and butter. These meals are often steamed or baked to reduce fat content.
Learn more about airline Low Fat Meals for those following a low fat diet.
DBML – Diabetic Meal
A DBML meal is designed for passengers with diabetes or those needing to manage blood sugar levels. These meals contain balanced portions of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and limited sugars, helping to maintain glucose control during the flight.
My guide to the Diabetic meal explains what the DBML code is and who can benefit from using it.
LPML – Low Protein Meal
The LPML airline meal code refers to a Low Protein Meal. This meal is intended for passengers who need to restrict their protein intake for dietary or medical reasons. The ingredients and amount of protein provided can vary between airlines, and passengers following a medically prescribed low-protein diet should check with their airline to ensure the meal is suitable for their individual requirements.
Learn more about the LPML airline meal in my guide.
BLML – Bland Meal
The BLML is for passengers who need to avoid spicy or highly seasoned foods due to medical reasons like digestive issues. These meals include simple, easily digestible ingredients, avoiding strong flavours, spices, or fatty foods.
Learn more about an airline BLML Bland Meal and who this type of special airline meal is suited to.
LCML – Low-Calorie Meal
The LCML is just as it sounds, it is a meal prepared to be low in calories. It is for people who want to restrict their calorie intake and most of the time the meals are about 400 calories.
Learn more about the LCML meals and what to expect in my guide to Low Calorie Airline meals.
NLML – No-Lactose Meal
This meal can either be low in lactose or contain no lactose, be sure to check as it seems to differ between some airlines.
I have a guide that breaks down what the NLML meal is and who it is suitable for.
HFML – High in Fibre Meal
These meals under HFML are as they say – high in fibre for those who eat a diet of high-fibre foods. It is important to eat fibre, especailly when you are travelling because it helps you keep a healthy gut.
Learn more about the HFML airline meal from my guide.
PRML – Low Purine Meal
The PRML airline meal code refers to a Low Purine Meal. It is designed for passengers who need to limit foods that are high in purines, which may include certain meats, organ meats, seafood and other high-purine ingredients. Meal contents vary by airline, so passengers following a medically advised low-purine diet should confirm the suitability of the meal before flying.
Learn more about the PRML low purine airline meal.
Allergy-Related Airline Meal Codes
These codes are most relevant for passengers travelling with food allergies or intolerances.
NFML – No Fish Meal
The NFML airline meal code may be used for a No Fish Meal. It is intended for passengers who want a meal that does not contain fish, although this does not necessarily mean that shellfish or other seafood allergens are excluded. As definitions and availability can differ between airlines, passengers with fish or seafood allergies should contact the airline to discuss ingredients and cross-contamination risks.
Learn more about the NFML airline meal in my dedicated guide.
PFML – Peanut-Free Meal
The PFML airline meal code may be used to identify a Peanut-Free Meal. It is intended for passengers who need to avoid peanuts, although availability and the exact meaning of this code can vary between airlines. Ordering a peanut-free meal does not necessarily mean the aircraft or catering environment is completely free from peanuts or cross-contamination, so passengers with a peanut allergy should contact the airline directly about its allergy procedures.
Learn more about the peanut-free PFML meal offered by airlines in my guide… and if you are travelling with a peanut allergy then you need to know about the PNUT SSR code.
ALML – Allergen Meal
Some airlines might use the ALML code to tag their meals. If this is used it means that it is for a passenger with an allergy and should be totally free of that allergen.
Learn more about the airline ALML allergy meal in my guide.
Travelling with a food allergy? Some airlines offer allergy-related meal codes, such as PFML (Peanut-Free Meal), NFML (No Fish Meal) and ALML (Allergen Meal), although availability varies. Read my complete guide to airline allergy meal codes to learn what these codes mean, how they differ from allergy SSR codes and what to expect before you fly.
Cultural & Regional Airline Meal Codes
These meals reflect particular regional cuisines rather than dietary or medical requirements.
OBML – Japanese Obento Meal
The OBML airline meal code refers to a Japanese Obento Meal, also known as an obento or bento-style meal. It typically features a selection of Japanese dishes presented in separate portions and may include rice, vegetables, fish, meat and other traditional Japanese foods. The exact meal will depend on the airline, route and catering provider.
Learn more in my guide to the OBML Japanese Obento Meal.
JPML – Japanese Meal
The JPML airline meal code refers to a Japanese Meal. It is generally used for a Japanese-style special meal and may include dishes such as rice, fish, meat, vegetables and other foods commonly associated with Japanese cuisine. The exact contents vary depending on the airline, departure airport and catering provider.
My guide to the JPML meal code explaines more about the Japanese special meal.
ORML – Oriental Meal
The ORML airline meal code refers to an Oriental Meal, a term traditionally used by some airlines and catering systems for an Asian-style meal. It may feature rice, noodles, vegetables, meat or fish prepared with Asian-inspired flavours and seasonings. As the term covers a broad range of cuisines, the exact contents can vary considerably between airlines and routes.
Learn more in my guide to the ORML meal code.
Children’s Airline Meal Codes
Meals designed specifically for babies and children.
JNML – Junior Meal
The JNML seems to be similar to the CHML and is used to recognise a meal for a child or junior.
There are actually more codes that are used by mostly by specific airlines for really niche meals. You can read the Wikipedia post about airline codes here.
CHML – Child Meal
For young travellers, a CHML meal is designed with children’s tastes in mind. These meals are often simpler and more familiar, including foods like pasta, chicken, or sandwiches, and typically come with a small treat or snack that kids enjoy.
I have a post dedicated to explaining what the CHML meal code is with airlines, what it includes and who can use it.
BBML – Baby Meal
The BBML is a pre-packaged meal for infants, usually consisting of baby food jars and formula or milk. Parents traveling with babies can request this meal to make feeding time during the flight more convenient.
Learn more about what to expect from a BBML baby meal on a flight.
Lifestyle & Preference Airline Meal Codes
These are selected based on personal preference rather than a medical, religious or ethical requirement.
FPML – Fruit Plate Meal
An FPML is ideal for those who prefer or require a light, refreshing meal consisting entirely of fresh fruit. It’s a simple, healthy option often chosen by passengers with digestive issues or those who prefer a natural, low-calorie meal.
Learn more about the FPML Fruit Platter meal on airlines.
SFML – Seafood Meal
The SFML is for people who prefer to eat fish or seafood meals. The SFML meal may be suited to pescatarian travellers.
Learn more about SFML airline meals in my guide.
Special Occasion Airline Meal Codes
Meals provided for celebrations rather than dietary needs.
CLML – Celebration Cake Meal
The CLML is for special occasions! Sometimes an airline will have a cake ready for someone celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.
Learn more about the CLML meal code used by airlines.
Airline Special Meal Requests
Not every meal fits into a standard category.
SPML – Special Meal
The SPML meal code may be used on a passenger booking to indicate that they have ordered a special meal… but it does not refer to a specific diet or set of ingrediants.
Learn more about the SPML special meal in my guide to SPML.
Learn more about the RVML meal code in my dedicated RVML meal code guide.
Please consider downloading my free list of these codes so you can print it and double-check the meal codes on your booking but again when you are on the plane – especially if you are travelling with a food allergy.
How to Request Special Meals
To request one of these meals, you can select the option when booking your flight, or you can contact the airline directly, usually at least 24-48 hours before departure. Most airlines accommodate a wide range of dietary needs, so it’s important to communicate your preferences early to ensure the right meal is prepared for your journey.
Choosing the right meal when flying can make your journey more enjoyable, especially if you have dietary restrictions or specific preferences. Knowing the different codes can help you navigate the options available and ensure you have a meal that suits your needs or is safe for you if you have a food allergy. Be sure to check with your airline, as not all airlines offer every type of meal listed here, but most will have common options like vegetarian, gluten-free, or kosher meals.
Unsure which airline special meal to order for your child? My guide to child vs baby airline meal codes breaks down each one and who it is best suited for.
Continue Learning About Airline Codes
The MEDA airline code is just one of several Special Service Request (SSR) codes airlines use to record a passenger’s medical, disability or assistance needs. Other codes can indicate wheelchair assistance, reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, travelling with an assistance dog, or other support requirements. There are even codes for which type of meal you want to order and many other codes used within the airport and by airlines.
Understanding these SSR codes can make it easier to check that the right assistance has been added to your booking. You can explore my guides to airline SSR disability codes to learn what the different codes mean, when they are used and what support you may need to arrange before you fly.
- Airline and airport codes and what they mean
- Download a copy of all of the airline SSR disability codes for free
- Download a list of all of the airline meal codes for free
- Learn which airline meal codes are for travellers with allergies
- What does DPNA mean?
- What is the airline MEDA code for?
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
- Download and print the list of airline meal codes for free for your reference
- Learn about the types of accommodations airlines can make for travellers with allergies
- 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
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