If you have seen the code HNML when choosing a special meal for an upcoming flight, you may be wondering what it means and what food you will actually receive.
HNML is the airline meal code for a Hindu meal. It is a special meal option offered by many airlines for passengers who follow Hindu dietary customs.
A HNML airline meal usually contains meat, fish, dairy products, vegetables and other ingredients commonly eaten as part of a Hindu diet. However, it does not contain beef or beef products.
In this guide, I explain what a HNML meal is, what food you might receive and how to request a Hindu meal for your flight. To learn about the other airline meal codes, my guide lists out all of the airline meal codes and explains what they mean.
HNML Airline Meal Code Quick Wins
- HNML stands for Hindu Meal.
- HNML meals do not contain beef or beef products.
- A HNML meal is not necessarily vegetarian and may contain chicken, lamb or fish.
- Meals are often inspired by Indian cuisine and may include curry, rice, lentils and vegetables.
- HNML meals are not automatically halal, gluten free or suitable for people with food allergies.
- You normally need to request a HNML meal before your flight.
- Special meal booking deadlines vary between airlines, so request your meal as early as possible.
- Check that your HNML request is still showing in your booking before you travel.
- Consider taking suitable snacks as a backup in case your special meal is unavailable.
What Does HNML Mean?
HNML stands for Hindu Meal.
It is one of the special meal codes used by airlines to identify meals prepared for passengers with particular dietary or religious requirements.
When you request a HNML meal, you are requesting a Hindu airline meal that does not contain beef or beef products.
HNML meals are generally prepared using ingredients and cooking styles associated with Indian cuisine.
What Is a HNML Meal?
A HNML meal is a non-vegetarian special airline meal prepared for passengers who follow Hindu dietary customs. The meal does not contain beef.
However, a Hindu meal may contain other types of meat, including chicken or lamb. It can also contain fish, eggs and dairy products. This is an important difference between a HNML meal and some of the other special meals available on flights such as vegetarian meals.
If you require a vegetarian meal, you should not automatically select HNML because a Hindu meal can contain meat.
What Food Is Served in a HNML Meal?
The exact food served as part of a HNML meal depends on the airline, flight route and catering company.
However, Hindu airline meals often include Indian-style dishes.
You may receive foods such as:
- Chicken or lamb curry
- Rice
- Lentils or dhal
- Cooked vegetables
- Indian-style sauces
- Bread or rolls
- Salad
- Fruit
- Dessert
The meal may contain spices commonly used in Indian cooking.
The exact contents of your HNML meal can vary considerably between airlines and flights.
Does a HNML Meal Contain Beef?
No. A HNML meal should not contain beef or beef products. Avoiding beef is one of the main characteristics of the Hindu special meal offered by airlines.
However, the meal is not necessarily vegetarian. Depending on the airline and catering arrangements, your meal may contain chicken, lamb, fish, eggs or dairy products.
Is a HNML Meal Vegetarian?
Not necessarily. One of the most important things to understand when choosing a HNML meal is that Hindu meals can contain meat. A HNML meal may include chicken, lamb or fish.
Passengers looking for a vegetarian airline meal should check the other special meal options available from their airline. For example, airlines may offer an Asian Vegetarian Meal under the code AVML or a Vegetarian Vegan Meal under the code VGML. Learn more about the VGML meal code and what you can expect from a VGML meal in my guide.
Is a HNML Meal Halal?
You should not assume that a HNML meal is halal. HNML identifies the meal as a Hindu meal rather than a Muslim meal.
If you require halal food for religious reasons, look for the airline meal code MOML, which is used for Muslim meals. For a quick reference list of all of the meal codes used by airlines, my guide to airline meal codes is eactly what you need.
Always check directly with your airline if you have specific religious or dietary requirements.
Is a HNML Meal Gluten Free?
No. A HNML meal is not automatically gluten free. The meal may contain bread, sauces or other ingredients containing gluten.
Passengers who require a gluten-free meal should look for the airline’s gluten-intolerant meal option, usually identified by the code GFML.
If you have coeliac disease or a serious food allergy, contact the airline directly to discuss your requirements.
What Is the Difference Between HNML and AVML?
HNML and AVML are two different types of special airline meals.
HNML stands for Hindu Meal. It can contain chicken, lamb, fish, eggs and dairy products but should not contain beef.
AVML stands for Asian Vegetarian Meal. It does not contain meat or fish and is usually prepared using Indian-style spices and ingredients.
If you eat meat but avoid beef for religious reasons, HNML may be the appropriate option.
If you require a vegetarian meal, AVML may be more suitable.
What Is the Difference Between HNML and MOML?
HNML stands for Hindu Meal, while MOML stands for Muslim Meal.
A HNML meal does not contain beef but may contain other meats.
A MOML meal is prepared according to Muslim dietary requirements and should not contain pork, pork products or alcohol.
Passengers should select the meal that matches their individual religious and dietary requirements.
How Do I Request a HNML Meal?
The process for requesting a HNML meal varies between airlines.
You can usually request a Hindu meal by:
- Selecting it when booking your flight
- Managing your booking online
- Using the airline’s mobile app
- Contacting the airline
- Asking your travel agent to add the meal request
Look for Hindu Meal or the code HNML in the special meal section.
When Should I Order My HNML Meal?
Special meals normally need to be requested before your flight. The exact deadline varies between airlines, but many require passengers to order special meals at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. Some airlines require more notice, so always get in touch with your airline as soon as possible to request your special meal.
I always recommend requesting your HNML meal as soon as possible after booking your flight rather than waiting until shortly before departure.
It is also worth checking your booking before travelling to make sure the special meal request is still showing. This is especiall true if you make any changes to your flights (e.g. changing the dates or times) because this can wipe any pre-selected meals.
Is a HNML Meal Available on Every Flight?
No. The availability of HNML meals depends on the airline, flight route and length of the journey.
Special meals are most commonly available on long-haul international flights where a full meal service is provided.
Some short-haul flights, low-cost airlines and routes with limited catering may not offer Hindu meals.
Check the special meal options available for your particular flight and book the HNML special meal as soon as you can to give yourself the best change of recieving it on the day.
Can Children Order a HNML Meal?
Yes, children can usually request a HNML meal if the airline offers Hindu special meals. However, it is worth considering whether your child will eat the food provided. HNML meals are often based on Indian-style dishes and may contain spices or unfamiliar foods.
For autistic children or children with restricted diets, sensory differences or strong food preferences, bringing familiar food and snacks may be helpful even when you have ordered a special meal.
Airline catering can change, and there is no guarantee that a child will be comfortable eating the meal provided.
Some parents opt to book their children a child’s meal when they fly. You can learn more about children’s meals in my guide to the CHML airline food code.
Should I Bring My Own Food as Well?
Even when you have ordered a HNML meal, carrying some suitable snacks can be useful. Special meal requests can occasionally be missed, changed or unavailable because of catering issues.
This can be particularly difficult when travelling with autistic children, children with restricted diets or passengers with specific food requirements. Having familiar food available provides a backup if there is a problem with your requested airline meal.
Remember to check the rules for taking food through airport security and into your destination country.
Frequently Asked Questions About HNML Meals
What does HNML stand for?
HNML stands for Hindu Meal. It is the special meal code used by airlines for meals prepared according to Hindu dietary customs.
Does HNML contain meat?
Yes, it can. A HNML meal may contain chicken, lamb, fish or other permitted ingredients.
Does HNML contain beef?
No. Hindu airline meals should not contain beef or beef products.
Is HNML a vegetarian meal?
No. HNML meals can contain meat. Passengers requiring a vegetarian meal should consider options such as AVML or VGML.
What type of food is served in a HNML meal?
HNML meals often contain Indian-style dishes such as curry, rice, lentils, vegetables and bread. The exact meal varies between airlines and flights.
How do I order a HNML meal?
You can normally request a Hindu meal when booking your flight, through the manage booking section of the airline’s website or by contacting the airline.
HNML is the airline special meal code for a Hindu meal. The HNML meal does not contain beef or beef products but may contain other meats, including chicken or lamb, as well as fish, eggs and dairy products.
If you are choosing between the different airline special meal codes, it is important to select the option that best matches your individual dietary requirements.
Request your HNML meal as early as possible, check that the request is showing on your booking before departure and consider carrying suitable snacks as a backup, particularly when travelling with children or passengers who have restricted diets.
Continue Learning About Airline Meal Codes
- Airline meal codes and what they mean
- What does VGML mean?
- What does CHML mean?
- What does VLML mean?
- What does DBML 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
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- Learn why it is important to learn important phrases related to your allergy before you travel and downloaed the free accessible travel translations eBook
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- Find out more about flying with EpiPens so you can travel with confidence
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