What Does VGML Mean? A Guide to the VGML Meal Code

If you have requested a special meal for an upcoming flight, you may have noticed the code VGML on your booking confirmation or boarding information.

But what does VGML mean, and what food can you expect to receive during your flight?

VGML is an airline meal code used for a vegan meal. It is one of many standard special meal codes used by airlines to identify passengers who have requested meals for dietary, religious or medical reasons.

In this guide, I explain the VGML meal meaning, what food is usually included, how to request a VGML airline meal and how it differs from other vegetarian special meals.

If you are new to airline meal codes, I have a guide which explains all of the different meal codes used by airlines and what they stand for.

VGML Airline Meal Code Quick Wins

• VGML means Vegetarian Vegan Meal.
• A VGML airline meal does not contain meat, fish, dairy products or eggs.
• VGML meals are suitable for passengers following a vegan diet.
• VGML is different from VLML, which may contain dairy products and eggs.
• VGML is different from AVML, which may contain dairy products.
• A VGML 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 VGML meal request has been confirmed before travelling.
• Consider carrying suitable snacks in case your special meal is unavailable or unsuitable.

What Does VGML Mean?

VGML stands for Vegetarian Vegan Meal, but it is simply a vegan meal.

A VGML airline meal does not contain meat, fish, dairy products, eggs or other animal-derived ingredients.

It is designed for passengers following a vegan diet, although you do not have to be vegan to request one.

VGML is the standard airline meal code used to identify this type of special meal.

What Is a VGML Meal?

A VGML meal is a completely plant-based airline meal.

The exact food you receive will depend on the airline, departure airport, flight route and catering company.

A VGML meal may include:

• Rice, pasta, noodles or potatoes
• Vegetables
• Beans, lentils or chickpeas
• Tofu or other plant-based proteins
• Salads
• Fruit
• Bread without dairy or egg ingredients
• Vegan desserts

On some airlines, you may receive dishes such as vegetable curry with rice, pasta with tomato sauce, lentil dishes or vegetable noodles.

However, requesting a VGML meal does not guarantee that you will receive a particular dish. There is usually more than one option and you pick between those at the time the meals are served.

What Does the VGML Airline Meal Code Mean?

The VGML airline meal code tells the airline and its catering company that the passenger has requested a Vegetarian Vegan Meal.

Airlines use special meal codes to manage the large number of different dietary requirements requested by passengers.

Instead of writing the full name of the meal on every booking and catering document, the four-letter VGML meal code can be used.

You may therefore see VGML displayed on your airline booking, special meal confirmation or other travel documents.

Is VGML a Vegan Meal?

Yes. VGML is the airline special meal code for a vegan meal.

A VGML meal should not contain:

• Meat
• Poultry
• Fish
• Seafood
• Eggs
• Milk
• Cheese
• Butter
• Yoghurt
• Other animal-derived ingredients

This makes VGML different from some other vegetarian airline meals, which may contain dairy products or eggs.

Is VGML the Same as a Vegetarian Meal?

No. A VGML meal is more restrictive than a standard vegetarian meal. Vegetarian airline meals may contain dairy products and eggs, depending on the type of meal requested. A vegetariam meal is one without meat.

A VGML meal excludes all animal products and is suitable for passengers following a vegan diet.

This distinction is important because airlines offer several different types of vegetarian special meals.

VGML vs VLML: What Is the Difference?

VGML and VLML are two different airline meal codes.

VGML means Vegetarian Vegan Meal. A VGML meal excludes meat, fish, dairy products and eggs.

VLML means Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal. A VLML meal excludes meat and fish but may contain dairy products and eggs.

If you follow a vegan diet, VGML is therefore usually the appropriate meal code to request.

VGML vs AVML: What Is the Difference?

AVML stands for Asian Vegetarian Meal. An AVML meal is usually prepared in an Asian or Indian style and does not contain meat, fish or eggs. However, it may contain dairy products.

VGML is a vegan meal. A VGML meal should not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

If you avoid all animal products, you should request VGML rather than AVML.

Is a VGML Meal Suitable for People with Food Allergies?

You should not assume that a VGML meal is suitable for passengers with food allergies. This is especially true as they are many types of allergy, and not every vegan meal excludes the most common food allergens.

Although VGML meals exclude several common ingredients, including milk and eggs, they may contain other allergens.

Depending on the meal, ingredients could include:

• Nuts
• Peanuts
• Soya
• Gluten
• Sesame

There may also be a risk of cross-contamination during food preparation.

If you or your child has a food allergy, contact the airline directly to discuss its allergy policy and available meals.

Do not rely solely on the VGML meal code to manage a serious food allergy.

If you will be travelling with a food allergy, these free allergy translation cards, Equal Eats translation cards and this free disability translations eBook are great resources for your next trip.

Is a VGML Meal Dairy Free?

A VGML meal should not contain dairy products because it is a vegan meal. Vegans do not consume any animal products including meat and other products made by animals like milk or honey.

This means the meal should not contain ingredients such as milk, cheese, butter, cream or yoghurt.

However, passengers with a milk allergy should still check the airline’s allergy policy.

A vegan meal and an allergy-safe meal are not necessarily the same thing, particularly when there is a risk of cross-contamination.

Is a VGML Meal Egg Free?

Yes. A VGML meal should not contain eggs because eggs are animal-derived products and are excluded from vegan diets.

Again, passengers with an egg allergy should speak directly to the airline rather than relying only on the special meal code. Speaking with the airline also gives you an opportunity to discuss any accommodations the airline can make for you so you can travel safely with an allergy.

How Do I Request a VGML Meal?

The process for requesting a VGML airline meal varies between airlines.

You may be able to request your meal:

• When booking your flight
• Through the Manage My Booking section of the airline’s website
• Through the airline’s app
• By contacting the airline
• Through your travel agent

Look for a section labelled Special Meals, Dietary Requirements or Meal Preferences.

Select Vegan Meal or Vegetarian Vegan Meal if that is more suitable.

The VGML meal code may then appear on your booking for you to see, if not, not to worry – the airline can still see it from their side.

When Should I Request a VGML Airline Meal?

You should request your VGML meal as early as possible.

Many airlines require special meals to be ordered at least 24 to 48 hours before departure.

Some airlines require more notice.

The deadline can vary depending on the airline and route, so check directly with the airline operating your flight.

If you have connecting flights operated by different airlines, check that your special meal request has been added to every eligible flight.

Should I Confirm My VGML Meal Before Flying?

It is sensible to check that your VGML meal request appears on your booking before you travel.

You can also confirm your special meal request when checking in for your flight.

Despite requesting a special meal in advance, catering mistakes can occasionally happen.

I always recommend carrying suitable snacks when travelling, particularly when travelling with children or passengers who have restricted diets.

Are VGML Meals Available on Every Flight?

No.

The availability of VGML meals depends on the airline and flight.

Special meals are most commonly available on long-haul flights where a meal service is included.

Some short-haul airlines do not offer special meals at all and may have a few vegan snacks available to purchase instead.

Budget airlines may operate a buy-on-board service instead of providing pre-ordered special meals.

You should check the airline’s catering options before travelling.

Do You Have to Pay for a VGML Meal?

This depends on the airline.

When meals are included in the price of your ticket, requesting a VGML meal is often free.

However, some airlines charge for meals or operate a buy-on-board catering service.

Check your airline’s policy when making your booking.

Can Children Request a VGML Meal?

Yes. Children can usually request a VGML meal when the airline offers vegan special meals.

However, it is worth remembering that a VGML meal is not the same as a children’s meal.

The food may be spicy or contain ingredients that your child does not normally eat.

If your child has a restricted diet, sensory food preferences or food allergies, I recommend carrying familiar food and snacks where permitted.

This can be particularly important when travelling with autistic children who may only eat a limited range of familiar foods.

What Happens If My VGML Meal Is Missing?

If you requested a VGML meal but it is not available onboard, speak to a member of the cabin crew.

They may be able to find alternative food that meets your dietary requirements.

However, the options available onboard may be limited.

This is another reason why carrying suitable snacks is useful, particularly on long flights.

What Other Airline Meal Codes Are There?

VGML is just one of many special meal codes used by airlines.

Other common airline meal codes include:

• AVML – Asian Vegetarian Meal
• BBML – Baby Meal
• BLML – Bland Meal
• CHML – Child Meal
• DBML – Diabetic Meal
• GFML – Gluten Intolerant Meal
• HNML – Hindu Meal
• KSML – Kosher Meal
• LFML – Low Fat Meal
• LSML – Low Salt Meal
• MOML – Muslim Meal
• NLML – Low Lactose Meal
• VLML – Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal

Understanding airline meal codes can make it easier to check that the correct special meal has been added to your booking.

VGML Meal Meaning FAQ

VGML means Vegetarian Vegan Meal and is the special airline meal code used for passengers requesting a vegan meal.

A VGML meal should not contain meat, fish, dairy products, eggs or other animal-derived ingredients.

If you want to request one, add the VGML meal to your booking as early as possible and check that the request has been confirmed before travelling.

Passengers with food allergies should remember that requesting a VGML meal is not the same as requesting an allergy-safe meal. Always check the individual airline’s allergy policy and consider carrying suitable food and snacks for your journey. To learn more about having a food allergy and travelling safely check out my guide to travelling with allergies.

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

You can click on each image to go directly to the guide for that topic.