If you have seen the code MOML while choosing a special meal for a flight, you may be wondering what it means and whether it is the right option for you.
MOML is the airline meal code for a Muslim Meal. It is one of the standard special meal codes used by airlines around the world.
A MOML meal is prepared for passengers who follow Islamic dietary requirements. It does not contain pork, pork products or alcohol, and the meat used should be prepared according to halal requirements.
In this guide, we explain what the MOML meal code means, what food you may receive, how it differs from other airline special meals and how to request one for your flight.
What Does MOML Mean?
MOML stands for Muslim Meal.
It is the standard airline special meal code used to identify meals prepared according to Islamic dietary requirements.
You may see MOML listed when booking your flight or managing your booking online. Depending on the airline, it may simply appear as “Muslim Meal” rather than showing the MOML code.
The exact food served varies between airlines, routes and catering providers.
Quick Wins For The Muslim Meal on Flights
- MOML means Muslim Meal.
- A MOML meal is prepared according to Islamic dietary requirements.
- It should not contain pork, pork products or alcohol.
- The exact food served varies between airlines and routes.
- MOML meals may contain meat, fish, dairy products and other animal products.
- A MOML meal is not suitable as a substitute for a food allergy meal.
- Request your MOML meal as early as possible and check that it has been added to your booking.
- Passengers requiring specific halal certification should check the airline’s catering procedures directly.
What Is a MOML Meal?
A MOML meal is a special airline meal intended for Muslim passengers and other travellers who require food prepared according to Islamic dietary requirements.
A Muslim Meal should not contain:
- Pork
- Pork products
- Alcohol
- Ingredients containing alcohol
- Meat that does not meet the airline’s requirements for a Muslim Meal
The meal may contain meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, rice, pasta, bread, fruit and desserts. It is important to remember that MOML describes the dietary requirements of the meal rather than a specific type of food. This means one airline may serve a chicken curry as its MOML option, while another could provide rice with lamb, fish with vegetables or another suitable dish.
Is a MOML Meal Halal?
A MOML meal is intended to meet Islamic dietary requirements and is commonly described by airlines as a Muslim or halal meal. However, passengers who require strict halal certification may want to check directly with the airline before travelling.
Airline catering arrangements vary considerably. Some airlines operate from countries where all onboard meals are halal, while others use separate catering procedures for MOML special meals.
If the precise preparation method, halal certification or risk of cross-contamination is important to you, contact the airline for information about its catering procedures.
What Food Is Served in a MOML Airline Meal?
The exact contents of a MOML meal depend on the airline, departure airport, route and catering company.
A typical Muslim airline meal could include:
- Halal chicken, beef or lamb
- Fish
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Pasta
- Cooked vegetables
- Salad
- Bread
- Fruit
- Dairy products
- Suitable desserts
Breakfast MOML meals may include eggs, bread, fruit, yoghurt or other suitable breakfast foods.
The food served does not necessarily come from a particular cuisine. Although some airlines serve curries, rice dishes and Middle Eastern-style meals, MOML refers to the dietary requirements rather than the style of food.
Does a MOML Meal Contain Pork?
No. A MOML Muslim Meal should not contain pork or pork products. This includes ingredients derived from pork.
Avoiding pork is one of the main dietary requirements associated with the MOML airline meal code.
Does a MOML Meal Contain Alcohol?
A MOML meal should not contain alcohol or ingredients prepared with alcohol. However, airlines may still serve alcoholic drinks to other passengers during the flight.
Requesting a MOML meal only changes the food provided to the passenger. It does not affect the general onboard drinks service.
Do All Airlines Offer MOML Meals?
Many international airlines offer Muslim Meals, particularly on medium-haul and long-haul flights. However, availability varies between airlines and routes.
Some airlines may not offer MOML meals because all of their standard onboard meals already meet halal requirements. Other airlines may only provide special meals on selected routes or flights where a full meal service is included.
Always check the special meal options available for your individual flight.
How Do I Request a MOML Meal?
You can usually request a MOML meal when booking your flight or through the Manage Booking section of the airline’s website or app.
The option may appear as:
- MOML
- Muslim Meal
- Halal Meal
If you cannot find the option online, contact the airline or your travel agent. Most airlines require passengers to order special meals in advance. The deadline varies, but requesting your meal at least 24 to 48 hours before departure is generally advisable.
Some airlines require more notice, it is worth looking into this if getting a special meal is important to you when you fly.
Should I Order My MOML Meal Early?
Yes. It is best to request your Muslim Meal as soon as possible after booking your flight. Special meals are usually prepared and loaded onto the aircraft specifically for the passengers who have ordered them. Waiting until you arrive at the airport may mean that a MOML meal cannot be provided.
After requesting the meal, check your booking confirmation to make sure the request has been recorded correctly. You can look for the term ‘Muslim meal’ or look out for the MOML code on your booking.
Is a MOML Meal Free?
On airlines where meals are included in the ticket price, requesting a MOML meal is usually free. However, airline policies vary.
Low-cost airlines and flights with buy-on-board catering may not provide complimentary special meals.
Check the airline’s meal policy before travelling if you are unsure.
Will My MOML Meal Be Served Before Other Meals?
Special meals are often served before the standard meal service begins. Cabin crew may distribute pre-ordered special meals first so they can make sure each meal reaches the correct passenger. However, this varies between airlines and flights.
One potential advantage for families travelling with children is that receiving a special meal early can sometimes mean less waiting for the main meal service. We found this to be especially beneficial with a lap infant – one parent would order a special meal and eat up while the other held the baby. Then when the second meal came out we could switch it up.
How Will I Know My MOML Meal Is Correct?
Special airline meals are usually individually labelled.
The packaging or tray may display:
- MOML
- Muslim Meal
- Special Meal
Check the label before opening or eating the meal.
If you are unsure whether you have received the correct meal, ask a member of the cabin crew. This is why it is important to know the airline meal codes, it help you to be able to recognised what type of meal you have been given and advocate for yourself if it seems incorrect. I have a list of all of the airline meal codes as a handy reference point for you.
MOML vs Other Airline Meal Codes
MOML is specifically designed for passengers requiring a Muslim Meal.
Other airline special meal codes include:
- HNML – Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal (learn more about the HNML meal)
- KSML – Kosher Meal
- VGML – Vegan Meal (learn more about the VGML meal code)
- VLML – Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal (learn more about the VLML special meal code)
- VJML – Vegetarian Jain Meal
- AVML – Asian Vegetarian Meal
- DBML – Diabetic Meal (learn more about the diabetic meal)
- NLML – Low Lactose Meal
Choosing the correct meal code is important because each special meal is prepared according to different dietary requirements.
For example, a MOML meal may contain meat and dairy products, while a VGML meal excludes all animal products.
Is MOML Suitable for Food Allergies?
MOML is not a food allergy meal. Although Muslim Meals exclude pork and alcohol, they may contain common allergens including:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Gluten
- Soya
- Nuts
- Fish
- Sesame
If you or your child has a food allergy, contact the airline directly to discuss its allergy policies and catering procedures. You can learn more about travelling with an allergy in my guide to travelling with allergies.
Do not assume that ordering a MOML meal will make the food suitable for a passenger with allergies.
Can Children Order a MOML Meal?
Yes. Children can usually request a MOML meal if the airline offers the special meal option on the flight. However, it is worth considering whether your child will eat the food provided.
Airline special meals can vary significantly, and the exact dish is not normally confirmed before the flight. You can also consider ordering a child’s meal if you child prefers more basic meals. I have a guide that explains more about the children’s meals on flights and what code they use.
Families travelling with autistic children, children with sensory differences or restrictive eating habits may want to bring suitable backup food where airline and airport security rules allow. You may find that you are entitled to bring a medical bag if your child has restricted eating habits.
What If My MOML Meal Is Not on the Plane?
Unfortunately, special meal requests can occasionally be missed. If your MOML meal is unavailable, speak to the cabin crew as soon as possible. They may be able to identify suitable items from the standard meal service, although this will depend on the food available onboard.
For passengers with strict dietary requirements, bringing suitable snacks or backup food can be helpful in case there is a problem with the requested meal.
Is It Worth Ordering a MOML Meal?
If you require food prepared according to Islamic dietary requirements, ordering a MOML meal is usually the most appropriate option when flying with an airline that does not serve halal food as standard. The quality and contents of Muslim Meals vary between airlines, routes and catering companies, but pre-ordering a MOML meal gives the airline advance notice of your dietary requirements.
Remember to request the meal before the airline’s deadline and check that it appears correctly in your booking.
Continue Learning About Airline Meal Codes
Airlines use standard meal codes to identify different dietary and religious meal requirements.
Continue reading our guides to airline special meal codes to find out what each option means:
- What does HNML mean?
- What does VLML mean?
- What does VGML mean?
- What does DBML mean?
- What does CHML mean?
Understanding airline meal codes can make it easier to choose the most suitable special meal before your next flight. My guide to meal codes used by airlines lists out all of the known meal codes and includes a link to download a printable version for your reference.
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