If you have seen the code VLML while booking a flight or checking the special meal options available on an airline, you may be wondering what it means.
VLML is an airline special meal code used for a vegetarian lacto-ovo meal. It is one of several standard meal codes used by airlines to identify passengers who have requested a particular type of food.
In this guide, I explain the VLML meal meaning, what food you might receive, what ingredients are excluded and how to request a VLML meal before your flight.
If you are new to airline meal codes, I have a guide that lists all of the meal codes used by airlines and gives a quick overview of them in a handy list that is easy to reference while you book your flights.
What Does VLML Mean?
VLML stands for Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal.
The VLML meal code is used by airlines for a vegetarian meal that does not contain meat or fish but may contain dairy products and eggs.
The name comes from:
Lacto – dairy products are permitted.
Ovo – eggs are permitted.
Vegetarian – meat, poultry and fish are excluded.
A VLML meal is therefore suitable for many passengers who follow a standard vegetarian diet.
What Is a VLML Meal?
A VLML meal is a special airline meal designed for passengers who do not eat meat or fish but do eat dairy products and eggs.
The exact food provided varies between airlines, flight routes and catering companies.
A VLML airline meal could include dishes such as:
- Pasta with a tomato or cheese sauce
- Vegetable curry with rice
- Omelette or other egg dishes
- Cheese sandwiches
- Vegetable lasagne
- Salads
- Yoghurt
- Cheese and crackers
- Fruit
- Bread and desserts
The meals served on your flight will depend entirely on the airline and its catering arrangements.
What Does a VLML Meal Not Contain?
A VLML meal should not contain:
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Seafood
- Meat products or derivatives
However, a VLML meal may contain eggs, milk and other dairy products.
This is an important distinction when choosing between the different vegetarian airline meal codes.
Is a VLML Meal Vegan?
No. A VLML meal is not a vegan meal.
VLML meals may contain:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Butter
- Yoghurt
- Cream
- Eggs
Passengers following a vegan diet should check whether the airline offers a VGML meal instead.
VGML stands for Vegetarian Vegan Meal and is the airline meal code generally used for meals that do not contain animal products. I have a seperate guide which breaks down what the VGML airline meal code is.
Is a VLML Meal Vegetarian?
Yes. VLML is one of the main airline meal codes used for vegetarian passengers. It is specifically intended for people who follow a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. This means the passenger does not eat meat or fish but does eat eggs and dairy products.
What Is the Difference Between VLML and VGML?
The main difference between VLML and VGML is the use of animal products.
A VLML meal can contain dairy products and eggs.
A VGML meal should not contain meat, fish, dairy products, eggs or other animal-derived ingredients.
If you are vegetarian and eat dairy and eggs, VLML may provide a wider selection of foods.
If you are vegan or avoid eggs and dairy, VGML is likely to be the more appropriate option.
What Is the Difference Between VLML and AVML?
VLML and AVML are both vegetarian airline meals, but they are not the same.
VLML stands for Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal. The VLML meal is vegetarian meal that does not contain meat or fish but may contain dairy products and eggs.
AVML stands for Asian Vegetarian Meal. An AVML meal is generally prepared in an Indian-style and may include spices, vegetables, pulses, rice and dairy products.
The exact ingredients and preparation methods can vary between airlines.
If you prefer Indian-style vegetarian food, you may want to consider an AVML meal when this option is available.
What Is the Difference Between VLML and VOML?
You may occasionally see different vegetarian meal codes when booking a flight, such as VOML.
VLML is the widely recognised code for a Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal.
Airlines do not all offer exactly the same selection of special meals, so it is important to read the description provided by your airline rather than relying solely on the meal code.
How Do I Request a VLML Meal?
You can usually request a VLML meal through the airline’s website or app.
Depending on the airline, you may be able to request your meal:
- During the initial flight booking
- Through the Manage My Booking section
- By contacting the airline
- Through your travel agent
Special meals normally need to be requested in advance. The deadline varies between airlines, although many require requests to be made at least 24 to 48 hours before departure.
I recommend requesting your special meal as early as possible and checking that it still appears on your booking before you travel.
Do All Airlines Offer VLML Meals?
No. Not every airline offers VLML meals.
Special meals are more commonly available on long-haul and full-service flights where complimentary meals are served. Some airlines may offer a vegetarian meal as part of their standard menu without requiring passengers to request a VLML meal.
Low-cost and short-haul airlines may not provide special meals at all.
Always check directly with your airline to find out which special meals are available on your flight.
Does Ordering a VLML Meal Cost Extra?
Special meals are often available at no additional cost when food is already included in the price of your flight. However, this depends on the airline and ticket type.
Some airlines charge separately for all onboard food, while others include meals on long-haul flights.
Requesting a VLML meal does not necessarily mean you will have to pay an additional fee, but you should check the conditions of your booking.
When Will My VLML Meal Be Served?
Special meals are often served before the standard meal service begins. This can be useful for passengers who prefer to eat before the main cabin becomes busy. However, serving procedures vary between airlines and flights.
Cabin crew may confirm your special meal request before the meal service starts.
What Should I Do If My VLML Meal Is Not Onboard?
Unfortunately, requesting a special meal does not guarantee that it will always be available. Catering errors and last-minute aircraft changes can sometimes result in special meals not being loaded onto the aircraft.
If you require a particular diet, it can be sensible to carry suitable snacks or food for the journey, provided these comply with airport security and customs regulations.
You should also check your booking before departure to make sure your VLML meal request is still showing.
Is a VLML Meal Suitable for Food Allergies?
A VLML meal should not automatically be considered suitable for passengers with food allergies.
Although VLML meals exclude meat and fish, they may contain several common allergens, including:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Gluten
- Nuts
- Soya
Cross-contamination may also occur during food preparation.
If you or your child has a food allergy, check the airline’s allergy policy before travelling and do not assume that ordering a special meal guarantees an allergen-free meal. You can learn more about travelling with a food allergy from my guide to travelling with allergies.
Is VLML Suitable for Children?
A VLML meal may be suitable for a child who follows a vegetarian diet and eats eggs and dairy products. However, VLML meals are not specifically designed for children.
Some airlines offer a separate Child Meal, which uses the code CHML. To learn more about the CHML code and what a child’s meal might include when flying I have a guide that breaks down the CHML meal code to save you time searching.
The best option will depend on your child’s diet and food preferences.
For autistic children or children with restricted diets, it can be particularly helpful to bring familiar snacks and suitable food for the journey rather than relying entirely on the airline meal.
Should I Order a VLML Meal?
A VLML meal may be a good choice if you:
- Follow a vegetarian diet
- Do not eat meat or fish
- Eat eggs and dairy products
- Want to request a vegetarian meal before your flight
If you do not eat any animal products, you should consider requesting a VGML meal instead.
If you prefer Indian-style vegetarian food, you may prefer an AVML meal where available.
Other Airline Meal Codes
VLML is just one of the many special meal codes you may see when booking a flight.
Other common airline meal codes include:
- VGML – Vegetarian Vegan Meal (learn more about the VGML special meal code)
- AVML – Asian Vegetarian Meal
- BBML – Baby Meal
- CHML – Child Meal (learn more about the CHML meal code)
- DBML – Diabetic Meal (learn more about the Diabetic airline meal)
- FPML – Fruit Platter Meal
- GFML – Gluten Intolerant Meal
- HNML – Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal (learn more about the Hindu airline meals)
- KSML – Kosher Meal
- MOML – Muslim Meal
- NLML – Low Lactose Meal
Airlines may offer different combinations of these special meals depending on the route and onboard catering facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About VLML Meals
What does VLML stand for?
VLML stands for Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal.
What is the VLML meal meaning?
The VLML meal code identifies a vegetarian airline meal that does not contain meat or fish but may contain eggs and dairy products.
Does a VLML meal contain eggs?
Yes. VLML meals may contain eggs.
Does a VLML meal contain dairy?
Yes. A Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal may contain milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt and other dairy products.
Is VLML vegan?
No. VLML meals may contain eggs and dairy products. Passengers following a vegan diet should check whether a VGML meal is available instead.
Does VLML contain fish?
No. A VLML meal should not contain fish, seafood, meat or poultry.
VLML stands for Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal and is one of the standard special meal codes used by airlines. A VLML meal does not contain meat, poultry or fish but may contain eggs and dairy products. It can therefore be a suitable choice for passengers following a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet.
If you see VLML on your flight booking, it means that a Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal has been requested.
As the food served varies considerably between airlines and routes, always check the airline’s description of its VLML meal before travelling, particularly if you have allergies or other specific dietary requirements.
Continue Learning About Airline Meal Codes
- Airline meal codes and what they mean
- What does VGML mean?
- What does CHML mean?
- What does HNML 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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