If you have seen the LSML meal code while looking at special meal options for a flight, you may be wondering what it means and whether it is suitable for you.
LSML means Low Sodium Meal. A Low Sodium Meal is designed for passengers who need or prefer to reduce the amount of sodium in their diet. As sodium is commonly found in salt and many processed foods, an LSML airline meal is usually prepared with little or no added salt and avoids foods that are naturally high in sodium.
In this guide, we explain what the LSML airline code for meals means, what foods you might receive, what is usually avoided and how to request a Low Sodium Meal for your flight.
LSML Airline Meal Code Quick Wins
- LSML means Low Sodium Meal.
- An LSML airline meal is designed to contain less sodium than a standard airline meal.
- LSML airline food options are usually prepared with little or no added salt.
- Foods high in sodium, such as processed meats, salty sauces and some preserved foods, are generally avoided.
- An LSML meal may still contain meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and other animal products.
- LSML is not a vegetarian or vegan meal code.
- A Low Sodium Meal is not automatically suitable for passengers with food allergies.
- Special meals usually need to be requested at least 24 to 48 hours before your flight.
- Always check that your LSML request has been confirmed before travelling.
- Consider carrying suitable snacks in case your special meal is unavailable or unsuitable.
What Does LSML Mean?
LSML is the airline meal code for a Low Sodium Meal.
This special meal is intended for passengers who need or choose to follow a diet containing less sodium than a standard airline meal. Sodium is found naturally in some foods but is also commonly added to food in the form of salt. Processed foods, sauces, cured meats, ready meals and savoury snacks can contain particularly high amounts of sodium.
An LSML is therefore generally prepared using fresh ingredients and with limited or no additional salt.
What Is an LSML Airline Food Option?
An LSML airline meal is a special meal prepared for passengers following a low-sodium diet.
The exact meal served will depend on the airline, flight route, departure airport and catering company.
Unlike vegetarian or religious meal codes, LSML does not determine whether the meal contains meat or animal products. A Low Sodium Meal could include meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, rice, pasta, fruit or dairy products.
The main difference between an LSML airline food option and a standard airline meal is the amount of sodium used in the ingredients and preparation.
What Foods May Be Included in an LSML Airline Meal?
The exact contents of a Low Sodium Meal vary between airlines, but you may receive foods such as:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Plain rice, potatoes or pasta
- Freshly prepared meat or poultry
- Fish
- Low-sodium sauces or dressings
- Bread or rolls with a lower sodium content
- Simple salads
- Fresh fruit for dessert
Meals are generally prepared without adding large amounts of salt or high-sodium seasonings. For example, a LSML food option might include grilled chicken with vegetables and rice, followed by fresh fruit.
What Foods Are Usually Avoided in an LSML Meal?
Foods that are particularly high in sodium are generally avoided or limited when preparing an LSML food options for passengers.
These may include:
- Processed and cured meats
- Bacon, ham and sausages
- Highly salted cheeses
- Salted snacks
- Pickled foods
- Some canned foods
- Soy sauce and other salty sauces
- Stock cubes and highly salted seasonings
- Processed ready meals
- Salted nuts
However, airline catering policies vary, and there is no guarantee that every airline prepares its Low Sodium Meals in exactly the same way.
Is an LSML Meal Salt-Free?
No. An LSML meal should not be assumed to be completely salt-free or sodium-free. The aim of a Low Sodium Meal is to reduce the amount of sodium compared with a standard airline meal. Some ingredients naturally contain sodium, and small amounts may also be present in bread, sauces, dairy products and other foods included with the meal.
If you need to follow a very strict sodium restriction for medical reasons, you should contact the airline before travelling to ask for more information about its special meal policies.
Is LSML Suitable for Vegetarians?
Not necessarily. An LSML option may contain meat, poultry or fish.
Passengers who require a vegetarian meal should choose the appropriate vegetarian airline meal code rather than assuming that a Low Sodium Meal will also be vegetarian.
Depending on the airline, vegetarian options may include meal codes such as VGML for a Vegetarian Vegan Meal or VLML for a Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal.
Is LSML Suitable for Vegans?
No. An LSML meal is not automatically vegan. It may contain meat, fish, dairy products, eggs or other animal-derived ingredients.
Passengers following a vegan diet should usually request a VGML Vegetarian Vegan Meal instead.
Is an LSML Food Option Suitable for Food Allergies?
An LSML meal is not designed specifically for passengers with food allergies. Depending on the meal served, it could contain allergens such as milk, eggs, wheat, gluten, soya, fish or nuts. Cross-contamination may also be possible during preparation and service.
If you or someone you are travelling with has a food allergy, contact the airline directly to discuss its allergy policies and onboard procedures. You may be entitled to travel with medical luggage if you have to travel with extra food to be able to eat safely.
You should not assume that ordering a special meal guarantees an allergen-free meal or preparation environment.
Who Might Request an LSML Meal?
Passengers may request a Low Sodium Meal for several reasons, such as:
- Some people follow a low-sodium diet after receiving medical advice.
- Others simply choose to reduce their salt intake.
- Passengers with certain health conditions may have been advised to limit sodium, but individual dietary requirements vary.
If you have been given specific dietary advice by a healthcare professional, it is important to check whether the airline’s LSML food option meets your individual requirements.
How Do I Request an LSML Airline Meal?
You can usually request an LSML 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 through its customer service team or your travel agent.
You will normally need your booking reference and passenger details.
Look for Low Sodium Meal or the LSML meal code in the list of available special meals.
When Should I Order an LSML Airline Meal?
Airlines usually require special meals to be requested in advance. The deadline varies between airlines but is commonly at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. Some airlines require even more notice.
I recommend requesting your LSML meal as early as possible and checking your booking afterwards to make sure the request has been recorded. It can also be worth checking again before you travel, particularly if your flight times or booking details have changed.
Is an LSML Special Meal Available on Every Flight?
No. Special meal availability depends on the airline, route, flight duration and cabin class. LSML meals may be available on long-haul international flights but unavailable on shorter routes where complimentary meals are not served.
Even if an airline offers Low Sodium Meals, they may not be available on every flight. Check directly with your airline before travelling.
What Happens If My LSML Meal Is Not Available?
Unfortunately, requesting a special meal does not guarantee that it will always be available onboard. Catering mistakes, aircraft changes and last-minute booking changes can occasionally result in special meals being unavailable. For this reason, I always recommend carrying suitable snacks when travelling with dietary requirements. Make sure any food you carry complies with airport security rules and the customs regulations of your destination.
What Is the Difference Between LSML and Other Airline Meal Codes?
LSML specifically refers to a Low Sodium Meal.
It is different from other dietary meal codes, including:
- DBML – Diabetic Meal (learn more about the airline diabetic meal)
- LFML – Low Fat Meal (learn more about the LFML low fat meal)
- GFML – Gluten Intolerant Meal (learn more about the GFML gluten free meal)
- NLML – Low Lactose Meal (learn more about the NLML airline meal)
- VGML – Vegetarian Vegan Meal (learn more about the VGML vegan meal)
- VLML – Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal (learn more about the VLML vegetarian meal)
Each special meal code is designed around different dietary requirements.
If you have more than one dietary requirement, contact the airline before travelling rather than assuming one special meal will meet all your needs.
Tips for Ordering an LSML Airline Meal
- Request your Low Sodium Meal as early as possible.
- Check the special meal deadline for your airline.
- Confirm that LSML has been added to your booking.
- Check again if your flight or booking changes.
- Speak to the cabin crew after boarding if you are concerned about your meal request.
- Carry suitable snacks as a backup.
- Remember that LSML meals are not automatically vegetarian, vegan or suitable for food allergies.
- If you have strict medical dietary requirements, contact the airline directly before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions About LSML Airline Meals
What does LSML stand for?
LSML stands for Low Sodium Meal. It is a special airline meal designed for passengers who need or prefer a diet containing less sodium.
Does an LSML meal contain salt?
An LSML meal may still contain some sodium and should not be assumed to be completely salt-free. It is designed to contain less sodium than a standard airline meal.
Can an LSML meal contain meat?
Yes. An LSML meal may contain meat, poultry or fish. It is not a vegetarian meal code.
Is an LSML meal suitable for vegans?
Not necessarily. LSML meals may contain meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and other animal-derived ingredients.
How far in advance should I request an LSML meal?
Special meal deadlines vary between airlines, but you will commonly need to request your LSML meal at least 24 to 48 hours before departure.
Is an LSML meal suitable for food allergies?
No. LSML meals are designed to reduce sodium and are not specifically prepared for passengers with food allergies. Always check the airline’s allergy policies before travelling.
LSML means Low Sodium Meal and is one of the special meal codes used by airlines for passengers with specific dietary requirements. Low Sodium Meals are generally prepared with little or no added salt and avoid or limit foods that are particularly high in sodium. However, an LSML meal is not necessarily salt-free and may contain meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and common food allergens.
If you want to order an LSML meal for your flight, request it before your airline’s special meal deadline and check that it has been added to your booking.
As with any special airline meal, carrying suitable snacks can provide a useful backup in case your requested meal is unavailable or does not meet your individual dietary requirements.
Resources For Travellers on Low Salt Diets
Travelling while following a low-salt or low-sodium diet can require some extra planning, particularly when eating at airports, onboard flights or in unfamiliar destinations. The resources below offer helpful advice and practical information for managing sodium intake while travelling, understanding food labels and making suitable food choices when away from home.
- Handy tips for low salt diets
- Low Salt Shopping Guide by Action on Salt
- 20 Low-Sodium Fast Foods for Quick Meals on the go
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 VGML mean?
- What does HNML 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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