If you have seen the airline meal code RVML while choosing a special meal for an upcoming flight, you may be wondering what it means and whether it is suitable for you.
RVML is generally used to refer to a Raw Vegetarian Meal. It is a specialist vegetarian meal option based primarily on uncooked or minimally processed plant-based foods.
However, RVML is not offered by every airline, and special meal codes can sometimes be interpreted differently depending on the airline or catering provider. If you have specific dietary requirements, it is always worth checking directly with your airline before travelling.
If you are new to airline meal codes, you can refer to my guide which lists out all of the airline meal codes and includes a free printable version for your own references.
What Is an RVML Airline Meal?
RVML stands for Raw Vegetarian Meal. A Raw Vegetarian Meal is designed around raw or minimally processed vegetarian foods. Depending on the airline and catering available, the meal may include fresh fruit, raw vegetables, salads, nuts, seeds or other plant-based ingredients.
Unlike a standard vegetarian airline meal, an RVML generally avoids cooked dishes.
The exact contents can vary significantly between airlines, routes and catering stations, so passengers should not expect every RVML to contain the same foods.
What Might Be Included in an RVML Meal?
An RVML could potentially include foods such as:
- Fresh fruit
- Fruit salad
- Raw vegetable salads
- Leafy greens
- Tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Peppers
- Nuts and seeds
- Dried fruit
- Raw vegetable accompaniments
The selection will depend heavily on the airline and the catering facilities available at the departure airport. Because airline meals are prepared and loaded before departure, the variety of raw foods available may be more limited than you would expect from a raw-food restaurant or a meal prepared at home.
Is an RVML Meal Vegan?
An RVML may be predominantly plant-based, but you should not automatically assume that it is guaranteed to be vegan. If you follow a strict vegan diet, the VGML meal code – the Vegan Vegetarian Meal – is usually the more appropriate airline meal code to request.
Airline meal definitions and catering standards vary, so always check the airline’s description of its RVML if avoiding all animal-derived ingredients is important to you.
Is an RVML Airline Meal Suitable for Vegetarians?
Yes, an RVML special meal is intended as a vegetarian meal. However, there are several different vegetarian meal codes used by airlines, and RVML is a particularly specialised option.
If you simply want a vegetarian meal and do not specifically follow a raw-food diet, you may find another meal code offers a more substantial choice. Options can include the AVML special meal for an Asian Vegetarian Meal, the VLML airline meal for a Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal or the VGML meal for a Vegan Vegetarian Meal.
The meals available will depend on the airline and you should always check with the airline which meals they offer so you can make the best choice for your diet.
Is A RVML Meal Suitable for a Raw Vegan Diet?
The RVML meal code may be the closest special meal option available for passengers following a raw vegan or predominantly raw plant-based diet. However, you should check directly with the airline if you need the meal to meet strict raw vegan requirements.
Airline catering kitchens prepare many different types of meals, and an RVML request should not be treated as an allergy-safe or contamination-free meal. If your dietary requirements are particularly strict, consider bringing suitable food with you where airport security, customs and your destination country’s food import regulations allow.
Is The RVML Airline Meal an Allergy Meal?
No. A RVML airline meal should not be considered an allergy-specific meal. Choosing a Raw Vegetarian Meal does not automatically mean the meal will be free from common allergens. In fact, raw vegetarian meals may contain ingredients such as nuts, seeds or other potential allergens.
Cross-contact may also be possible during preparation, storage or service.
Passengers with food allergies should contact their airline directly to discuss their requirements rather than relying solely on the RVML code. If you or your child is travelling with an allergy, you may find my guide to travelling with allergies a useful resource for planning your next trip.
How Do I Order A RVML Special Meal?
If your airline offers a RVML meal, you can usually request it through the Manage Booking section of the airline’s website or app. You may also be able to request it through your travel agent or by contacting the airline.
Special meals normally need to be ordered in advance. The deadline varies between airlines, although requesting your meal at least 24 to 48 hours before departure is common.
It is a good idea to check your booking after requesting the meal to make sure the request has been recorded.
When you check in, you can also ask airline staff to confirm that your special meal request is attached to your booking.
Is A RVML Airline Meal Available on Every Airline?
No. A RVML meal is a relatively specialist meal code and is not available on every airline. Even airlines that provide a wide selection of special meals may not offer a dedicated Raw Vegetarian Meal. Availability can also depend on your route, cabin class and flight duration. Some airlines only provide special meals on selected long-haul or international services.
If RVML does not appear as an option when managing your booking, contact the airline to ask whether it can be requested.
What If My Airline Does Not Offer RVML?
If a Raw Vegetarian Meal is not available, you may need to choose the closest suitable alternative. For passengers following a plant-based diet, the VGML meal may be an option, although the food will usually be cooked. Other vegetarian meal codes may also be available depending on your individual dietary preferences.
If none of the airline’s special meals meet your needs, you may want to bring your own food for the journey.
Remember that liquids, gels and foods with a liquid consistency may be subject to airport security restrictions. Fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds can also be subject to customs and biosecurity restrictions when entering certain countries, so check the rules for your destination before travelling.
RVML vs VGML: What Is the Difference?
The main difference between RVML and VGML is the type of food preparation.
RVML stands for Raw Vegetarian Meal. A RVML meal focuses on raw or minimally processed vegetarian foods.
VGML stands for Vegan Vegetarian Meal. A VGML meal is designed to exclude meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and other animal-derived ingredients, but it can contain cooked foods.
For someone following a standard vegan diet, VGML will usually provide a wider and potentially more substantial selection of food.
For someone specifically following a raw-food diet, RVML may be the more appropriate choice if the airline offers it.
Should I Choose A RVML Meal?
An RVML meal may be worth considering if you follow a raw vegetarian or raw plant-based diet and your airline offers this special meal option. However, because it is a specialist meal, it may be relatively simple compared with other airline meals. The contents can also vary considerably depending on where your flight is catered.
If you have strict dietary requirements, allergies or intolerances, contact the airline before travelling to confirm what they can accommodate.
Frequently Asked Questions About RVML Airline Meals
What does RVML stand for?
RVML generally stands for Raw Vegetarian Meal.
Is a RVML meal vegan?
It may consist primarily of plant-based foods, but you should not assume that every airline’s RVML is certified or guaranteed vegan. If you require a vegan meal, VGML is usually the standard airline code to look for.
Does a RVML meal contain cooked food?
A RVML meal is intended to focus on raw or minimally processed foods, although the exact interpretation may vary between airlines and catering providers.
Does a RVML airline meal contain nuts?
It can. Nuts and seeds may be included in a Raw Vegetarian Meal, so z RVML meal is not automatically suitable for passengers with nut allergies.
Can I order a RVML special meal on any flight?
No. A RVML special meal is not available with every airline or on every route. Check the special meal options available for your specific flight.
How far in advance should I order a RVML meal?
Requirements vary by airline, but special meals commonly need to be requested at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. Ordering as early as possible is sensible, particularly for less common meal types such as the RVML meal.
RVML is an airline special meal code generally used for a Raw Vegetarian Meal. It is aimed at passengers who prefer raw or minimally processed vegetarian foods and may include fresh fruit, vegetables, salads, nuts and seeds.
It is a much less common special meal option than codes such as VGML, AVML or VLML, so availability can be limited.
If you follow a strict raw, vegan or allergy-controlled diet, check the airline’s own definition before ordering. Special meal ingredients and preparation standards can vary between airlines and catering locations, and an RVML should not be assumed to meet allergy requirements unless the airline specifically confirms this.
Resources for Vegan Travellers
If you follow a vegan diet, planning ahead can make it easier to find suitable food while travelling. I have put together some useful resources below to help vegan travellers research food options, communicate their dietary requirements and prepare for flights and trips abroad. These guides may be particularly helpful when visiting unfamiliar destinations, travelling with children or dealing with language barriers when trying to explain a vegan diet.
- Learn about everything vegetarian and vegan travel from HappyCow
- Download the HappyCow app to find veg-friendly restaurants
- Watch NonStopDan for veg-friendly reviews of airlines, restaurants and hotels
- Use the VeganSociety Vegan Passport book or app to have your dietry needs translated to 96% of the languages used around the world
- Book Vegan travel tours in Asia with Vegan Travel Asia
- Explore Vegan travel in France with France EcoTours
Continue Learning About Airline Meal Codes
- Airline meal codes and what they mean
- What does NLML mean?
- What does VVML mean?
- What does SPML mean?
- What does VOML mean?
- What does MOML mean?
- What does ALML mean?
- Download and print a copy of all of the airline meal codes for your own reference
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
- Airport special assistance links for airports around the world
Continue Planning Your Accessible Travels Using My Guides
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