If you have seen the VOML meal code while booking a flight, you may be wondering what it means and what type of food you will receive.
VOML stands for Vegetarian Oriental Meal. It is one of the special meal codes used by airlines to identify meals that passengers can request before travelling.
A VOML is a vegetarian meal prepared in an Oriental or East Asian style. It typically includes foods such as rice, noodles, vegetables, tofu and Asian-style sauces and seasonings.
In this guide, we explain what the VOML airline meal code means, what food you might receive, how it differs from other vegetarian airline meals and how to request one for your flight.
VOML Airline Meal Code Quick Wins
- VOML means Vegetarian Oriental Meal.
- A VOML airline meal is a vegetarian meal prepared in an Oriental or East Asian style.
- VOML meals typically include foods such as rice, noodles, vegetables and tofu.
- A VOML meal does not contain meat, poultry, fish or seafood.
- VOML is different from AVML, which is generally an Indian-style vegetarian meal.
- VOML is different from VGML, which is specifically designed for passengers following a vegan diet.
- A VOML 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 VOML meal request has been confirmed before travelling.
- Consider carrying suitable snacks in case your special meal is unavailable or unsuitable.
What Does VOML Mean?
VOML stands for Vegetarian Oriental Meal.
The code is used by airlines and catering companies to identify a vegetarian meal prepared in an Oriental or East Asian style. The exact meal you receive will depend on the airline, route and catering provider. However, VOML meals generally contain vegetables, rice or noodles and Asian-style flavours.
The VOML special meal is designed for passengers who prefer vegetarian food and would like an alternative to the standard Western-style vegetarian meals offered on many flights.
What Is a VOML Meal?
A VOML meal is a vegetarian airline meal prepared using ingredients and flavours commonly associated with East Asian cuisine.
Depending on the airline and route, a VOML meal could include:
- Rice
- Noodles
- Tofu
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Steamed vegetables
- Vegetable curries
- Asian-style sauces
- Fruit
- Salad
The exact dishes vary considerably between airlines.
You should not expect to receive the same VOML meal every time you fly. Even when travelling with the same airline, the meal may be different depending on your departure airport and destination.
Is a VOML Meal Vegetarian?
Yes. VOML is a vegetarian special meal code. A Vegetarian Oriental Meal should not contain meat, poultry, fish or seafood.
However, passengers with allergies or strict dietary requirements should always check the individual airline’s description of its VOML meal before travelling. To learn more about travelling with an allergy, I have a dedicated guide about travelling with allergies to get you started.
Special meal ingredients and preparation procedures can vary between airlines and catering companies.
Is VOML Vegan?
VOML meals are often suitable for vegans, but you should check the policy of the airline you are flying with. The VOML meal code is generally associated with vegetarian Oriental-style food and is often prepared without meat, fish, dairy products or eggs.
However, ingredients and airline definitions can vary. If you follow a strict vegan diet, you may prefer to request a VGML, or Vegan Meal, if this option is available. The best thing you can do when trying to decide if the VOML airline meal meets your dietary requirements is to contact the airline directly for advice.
What Food Is Served in a VOML Meal?
The food served as part of a VOML meal depends on the airline, flight route and catering company. A typical VOML airline meal may include a main dish containing rice or noodles with vegetables and tofu. Side dishes might include salad, fruit, bread or another vegetarian snack or dessert.
Examples of meals that could potentially be served as a VOML include:
- Vegetable fried rice
- Stir-fried noodles with vegetables
- Tofu with rice
- Vegetable curry
- Steamed rice and vegetables
- Asian-style vegetable dishes
The meal is generally designed to provide a vegetarian alternative with East Asian flavours.
What Does VOML Stand For on a Flight?
On a flight booking, VOML stands for Vegetarian Oriental Meal. Airlines use standard meal codes to communicate special meal requests between booking systems, airlines and catering companies. Actually, airlines use a whole range of codes for different purposes and I happen to have a guide to these airport and airline codes for those who are interested.
If VOML appears on your booking confirmation or manage-booking page, it generally means that a Vegetarian Oriental Meal has been requested for your flight.
How Do I Order a VOML Meal?
The process for requesting a VOML meal varies between airlines.
You may be able to request one:
- When booking your flight
- Through the airline’s website or app
- Using the manage-booking section
- By contacting the airline
- Through your travel agent
Special meals usually need to be requested before departure. The deadline varies between airlines, but many require passengers to order special meals at least 24 to 48 hours before their flight.
It is worth checking your booking after requesting the meal to make sure the VOML code has been added correctly.
Which Airlines Offer VOML Meals?
VOML meals are available from a number of international airlines, although availability varies by airline and route. You are more likely to find a Vegetarian Oriental Meal option on long-haul and international flights where a full meal service is provided. Not every airline offers every special meal code.
Some airlines may also offer their own vegetarian meals without specifically using the VOML code.
Always check the special meals section of the airline’s website before booking or travelling.
Is VOML Suitable for Food Allergies?
A VOML meal should not automatically be considered suitable for passengers with food allergies.
Although the meal is vegetarian, it may contain common allergens such as:
- Soya
- Wheat or gluten
- Sesame
- Nuts
- Peanuts
Cross-contamination may also be possible during preparation or onboard the aircraft.
If you or your child has a food allergy, contact the airline before travelling to discuss the ingredients and allergy procedures. It is helpful to know about the different accommodations that airlines can make for passengers with allergies so you can ask about implementing some of those too.
Ordering a special meal does not necessarily guarantee an allergen-free meal.
What Is the Difference Between VOML and VGML?
VOML and VGML are both vegetarian special meal codes, but there are some differences.
VOML stands for Vegetarian Oriental Meal. A VOML is specifically prepared in an Oriental or East Asian style.
VGML stands for Vegan Meal or Vegetarian Vegan Meal. A VGML is a general vegan meal that may include food from a much wider range of cuisines.
If you prefer Asian-style vegetarian food, VOML may be the better choice.
If your priority is avoiding all animal products, VGML may be the more appropriate option.
What Is the Difference Between VOML and AVML?
AVML stands for Asian Vegetarian Meal. An AVML is generally an Indian-style vegetarian meal and may contain dairy products.
VOML stands for Vegetarian Oriental Meal. A VOML is an Oriental or East Asian-style vegetarian meal.
Despite the similar names, AVML and VOML are different airline meal codes. If you prefer Indian food, you may want to choose AVML. If you prefer rice, noodles, tofu and East Asian-style dishes, VOML may be the better option.
What Is the Difference Between VOML and VLML?
VLML stands for Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal. A VLML may contain dairy products and eggs but does not contain meat or fish.
VOML stands for Vegetarian Oriental Meal. A VOML focuses more specifically on Oriental or East Asian-style vegetarian dishes.
The best choice will depend on your dietary requirements and the type of food you prefer.
Is It Worth Ordering a VOML Meal?
Whether a VOML meal is worth ordering depends on your food preferences.
It may be a good option if you:
- Follow a vegetarian diet
- Prefer East Asian-style food
- Enjoy rice and noodle dishes
- Want an alternative to the standard airline meal
- Prefer vegetable and tofu-based meals
One potential advantage of ordering a special meal is that special meals are sometimes served before the standard meal service. However, this varies between airlines and flights.
What Happens If My VOML Meal Is Not Available?
Even when you have requested a special meal in advance, mistakes can happen. Your meal request may not be loaded onto the aircraft, your booking may change, or the airline may not have received the request correctly.
Before travelling, check that VOML appears on your booking. If you are relying on the meal because of dietary requirements, consider taking suitable snacks or food with you where airport security and destination regulations allow.
This can be particularly important when travelling with autistic children, passengers with restricted diets or anyone who relies on predictable foods.
VOML Meal Code FAQ
What does VOML mean on a flight?
VOML stands for Vegetarian Oriental Meal. It is a special airline meal prepared in an Oriental or East Asian style and typically includes foods such as rice, noodles, tofu and vegetables.
Is a VOML meal vegetarian?
Yes. A VOML is a vegetarian airline meal and should not contain meat, poultry, fish or seafood. The exact ingredients used can vary between airlines and catering providers.
Is a VOML meal suitable for vegans?
VOML meals may be prepared without animal products, but passengers following a strict vegan diet should check the individual airline’s meal description. A VGML, or Vegetarian Vegan Meal, may be a more appropriate choice.
What is the difference between VOML and AVML?
VOML stands for Vegetarian Oriental Meal and usually contains East Asian-style dishes. AVML stands for Asian Vegetarian Meal and is generally associated with Indian-style vegetarian food, which may contain dairy products.
How far in advance should I request a VOML meal?
Most airlines require special meals to be requested at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. However, deadlines vary between airlines, so check the requirements for your flight and make sure your VOML request has been confirmed.
Is a VOML meal suitable for passengers with food allergies?
A VOML meal is not automatically suitable for passengers with food allergies. It may contain common allergens such as soya, wheat, gluten, sesame, peanuts or nuts. Contact your airline before travelling if you have a food allergy or other specific dietary requirements.
Continue Learning About Airline Meal Codes
Airlines use a wide range of special meal codes for passengers with dietary, religious and medical requirements. If you are comparing your options, continue reading our guides to airline special meal codes to find out what each meal code means and which option may be most suitable for your next flight.
- Airline meal codes and what they mean
- What does CHML mean?
- What does HNML mean?
- What does VLML mean?
- What does DBML 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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