If you have seen the LFML meal code when booking a special meal for a flight, you may be wondering what it means and what food you can expect to receive.
LFML means Low Fat Meal. A Low Fat Meal is a special airline meal designed for passengers who want or need a meal containing reduced amounts of fat. However, the exact ingredients and nutritional content of an LFML airline meal can vary considerably between airlines and catering providers.
In this guide, we explain what the LFML meal code means, what foods may be included, what foods are usually avoided and how to request a Low Fat Meal for your flight.
LFML Airline Meal Code Quick Wins
- LFML means Low Fat Meal.
- An LFML airline meal is designed to contain less fat than a standard airline meal.
- LFML meals may include lean meat, fish, vegetables, fruit and low-fat dairy products.
- Foods that are fried or high in saturated fat are generally avoided.
- An LFML meal is not automatically vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or suitable for passengers with food allergies.
- The exact ingredients and nutritional content can vary between airlines.
- Special meals usually need to be requested at least 24 to 48 hours before your flight.
- Always check that your LFML meal request has been confirmed before travelling.
- Consider carrying suitable snacks in case your special meal is unavailable or unsuitable.
What Does LFML Mean?
LFML is the airline meal code for a Low Fat Meal.
Airlines use standard meal codes to identify the different types of special meals requested by passengers. If you are new to airline meal codes, I have a guide that lays out all of the meal codes airlines use and it includes a link to a printable version you can download and print for free.
When LFML appears on your flight booking, it indicates that a Low Fat Meal has been requested. Low Fat Meals are intended for passengers who want to reduce the amount of fat in their diet or who have been advised to follow a lower-fat diet.
What Is an LFML Airline Meal?
An LFML airline meal is prepared using foods and cooking methods intended to reduce the overall fat content of the meal. Instead of fried foods, fatty meats and rich sauces, the meal may include lean protein, vegetables, rice, potatoes, fruit and other foods naturally lower in fat. Cooking methods may include grilling, steaming, boiling or baking rather than frying.
The exact meal you receive will depend on the airline, flight route, departure airport and catering provider.
What Foods Are Included in an LFML Meal?
The foods included in a Low Fat Meal can vary, but you may receive:
- Lean meat or poultry
- Fish
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Pasta
- Vegetables
- Salads
- Fresh fruit
- Low-fat dairy products
- Bread or rolls
Meals are generally prepared using less added fat than standard airline meals. You might, for example, receive grilled chicken with rice and vegetables followed by fresh fruit for dessert.
What Foods Are Avoided in an LFML Meal?
Foods that are high in fat are generally avoided or restricted in LFML meals.
These may include:
- Fried foods
- Fatty cuts of meat
- Processed meats
- Rich cream sauces
- High-fat cheeses
- Full-fat dairy products
- Pastries
- Cream-based desserts
- Foods prepared with large amounts of butter or oil
However, airlines may have different specifications for their Low Fat Meals, so the ingredients and nutritional content can vary.
Is an LFML Meal Suitable for Vegetarians?
No. An LFML meal is not automatically vegetarian. Low Fat Meals may contain meat, poultry or fish.
Passengers following a vegetarian diet should request an appropriate vegetarian special meal instead. For example, the VLML airline meal code is used for a Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal, while VGML meal is used for a Vegetarian Vegan Meal.
Is an LFML Meal Suitable for Vegans?
No. An LFML meal is not automatically suitable for vegans. LFML meals may contain meat, fish, dairy products, eggs or other animal-derived ingredients.
Passengers following a vegan diet should request a VGML Vegetarian Vegan Meal instead.
Is an LFML Meal Gluten-Free?
No. An LFML meal is not automatically gluten-free. Low Fat Meals may contain bread, pasta and other ingredients containing gluten.
Passengers who require a gluten-free meal should check whether the airline offers a GFML Gluten Intolerant Meal.
Is an LFML Meal Suitable for Passengers With Food Allergies?
An LFML meal is not designed specifically for passengers with food allergies. It may contain common allergens including milk, eggs, wheat, gluten, soya, fish and other ingredients. Airline special meals are also usually prepared in catering facilities where multiple allergens are handled.
If you or your child has a food allergy, contact the airline directly before travelling to discuss its allergy policies and catering procedures. You can learn more about travelling with allergies in general by starting with my guide to travelling with an allergy.
It can also be sensible to carry suitable food and snacks for your journey in case the airline meal is unavailable or does not meet your dietary requirements. If you have to travel with extra food because of a medical reason, you may be entitled to bring extra luggage for free called medical luggage.
Who Might Request an LFML Meal?
Passengers may request a Low Fat Meal for a variety of reasons. Some people choose a lower-fat diet as a personal preference, while others may have been advised to reduce their fat intake by a healthcare professional. Those who are currently following weight-loss plans like Monjaro or other weightloss medications may also opt for a lower fat airline meal. However, passengers with specific medical dietary requirements should not assume that an LFML meal will meet their individual nutritional needs.
If you need to follow a medically prescribed diet, check the airline’s special meal information carefully before travelling.
How Do I Request an LFML Meal?
You can usually request an LFML Low Fat Meal through the airline’s website or app using the Manage Booking section. Depending on the airline, you may also be able to request a special meal by contacting customer services or your travel agent.
Special meals usually need to be ordered in advance. Many airlines require requests to be made at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. The exact deadline varies between airlines.
After requesting your meal, check your booking confirmation to make sure LFML or Low Fat Meal appears correctly. It can also be worth checking again before travelling, particularly if your flight schedule or booking has changed.
What Happens if My LFML Meal Is Not Available?
Although airlines try to provide pre-ordered special meals, mistakes and catering problems can happen. Your meal may not be loaded onto the aircraft, your booking may not show the request correctly or the available meal may not be suitable for your individual dietary needs.
For this reason, consider carrying suitable snacks or food with you, particularly if following a specific diet is important for medical reasons. You should check airport security and customs rules before travelling with food, especially when flying internationally.
Is LFML the Same as a Diabetic Meal?
No. LFML and DBML are different airline meal codes.
LFML means Low Fat Meal. A Low Fat Meal is intended to reduce the amount of fat in the meal.
DBML means Diabetic Meal. A DBML meal is designed for passengers following a diet intended to help manage blood sugar levels.
Although some of the foods included in these meals may overlap, they are designed for different dietary requirements. Learn more about the DBML meal and what it includes in my guide.
Is LFML the Same as a Low Sodium Meal?
No. LFML means Low Fat Meal, while LSML means Low Salt or Low Sodium Meal.
A Low Fat Meal is designed to reduce fat, whereas a Low Sodium Meal is intended to limit the amount of salt or sodium.
Passengers should request the special meal that most closely matches their individual dietary requirements.
Other Airline Meal Codes
LFML is just one of the special meal codes you may see when booking a flight.
Other common airline meal codes include:
- AVML – Asian Vegetarian Meal (learn more about the AVML meal)
- BBML – Baby Meal (learn more about the BBML special meal)
- HNML – Hindu Meal (learn more about the HNML airline meal)
- JNML – Junior Meal (learn more about the Junior JNML meal)
- NLML – Non-Lactose Meal (learn more about the NLML special airline meal)
- VGML – Vegetarian Vegan Meal (learn more about the VGML Vegan meal)
- VLML – Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal (learn more about the VLML special meal)
You can download a copy of our complete list of airline meal codes to help you understand the different special meal options available when flying.
Frequently Asked Questions About the LFML Meal Code
What does LFML mean on a flight booking?
LFML means Low Fat Meal. It indicates that a Low Fat special meal has been requested for the passenger.
What food is served in an LFML airline meal?
An LFML meal may contain lean meat, fish, rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit and low-fat dairy products. The exact meal varies between airlines and catering providers.
Does an LFML meal contain meat?
It can. LFML meals may contain lean meat, poultry or fish and are not automatically vegetarian.
Is LFML suitable for vegans?
No. An LFML meal may contain meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. Vegan passengers should look for the VGML meal code.
Is an LFML meal suitable for people with food allergies?
Not necessarily. LFML meals are designed to be lower in fat and may still contain common allergens. Passengers with food allergies should contact the airline about their individual requirements.
How far in advance should I order an LFML meal?
Special meal requests usually need to be made at least 24 to 48 hours before departure, although deadlines vary between airlines.
LFML means Low Fat Meal and is one of the special meal codes used by airlines around the world. These meals are generally prepared using leaner foods and cooking methods that reduce the amount of added fat. An LFML meal may include lean meat, fish, vegetables, rice, potatoes, fruit and low-fat dairy products. However, requesting an LFML meal does not guarantee that it will be suitable for other dietary requirements. Low Fat Meals are not automatically vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or suitable for passengers with food allergies.
Always check the airline’s current special meal information, request your meal before the airline’s deadline and confirm that the LFML request has been added to your booking before you travel.
Resources For Those on a Low Fat Diet
Following a low fat diet while travelling can require some additional planning, particularly when eating on flights, at airports or in unfamiliar destinations. The resources below offer useful information, practical tips and support for travellers following a low fat diet, helping you plan ahead, understand your food options and make more informed choices while away from home.
- Learn how to eat less saturated fat from the NHS
- Healthy on-the-go snack ideas from the Cleveland Clinic
- How to eat healthy when travelling by air by Sharp.com
Continue Learning About Airline Meal Codes
- Airline meal codes and what they mean
- What does VGML mean?
- What does AVML mean?
- What does VLML mean?
- What does AVML mean?
- What does BLML 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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