Airline meal codes are four-letter IATA special meal requests. The one most Indian vegetarians want is AVML, the Asian Vegetarian Meal: Indian-style, spiced, and it does contain dairy. VGML is the vegan meal with no dairy, egg or honey. Picking VGML when you meant AVML is the most common mistake, and it usually cannot be fixed onboard.
Updated August 2026 · HappyFares
Special meals are free on most full-service airlines, but only if you request the right code far enough in advance. The codes are standardised across airlines, so learning them once works everywhere.
What do the main vegetarian codes mean?
This is where nearly all the confusion sits, because there are at least four vegetarian options and they are genuinely different meals.
| Code | Meal | Contains dairy? |
|---|---|---|
| AVML | Asian Vegetarian, Indian-style and spiced | Yes |
| VGML | Vegan, no animal products at all | No |
| VLML | Vegetarian with dairy and egg | Yes, plus egg |
| VJML | Jain vegetarian, no root vegetables | Usually yes |
If you eat paneer, curd and ghee and want food that tastes Indian, AVML is your code. If you avoid all animal products, VGML is correct. VLML is the Western-style lacto-ovo vegetarian meal and often arrives as pasta or a cheese dish rather than anything Indian.
One naming quirk worth knowing: the Jain meal is VJML in the IATA standard, but some airline systems and booking screens display it as JNML. If you cannot find one, look for the other.
What are the non-vegetarian and religious codes?
HNML is the Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal: Indian-style non-vegetarian food prepared without beef and without pork. It typically uses chicken, lamb or fish. This is the code for travellers who eat meat but avoid beef and pork.
MOML is the Muslim Meal, prepared to halal requirements. KSML is the Kosher Meal, prepared under rabbinical supervision and usually served sealed, which is why airlines want more notice for it than for other codes. SFML is the Seafood Meal, and ORML is the Oriental Meal, an East Asian style option.
Which codes cover medical and dietary needs?
Beyond religion and preference, there is a full set of medical codes. DBML is the Diabetic Meal, built around controlled sugar and portion sizes. GFML is the Gluten Intolerant Meal. LSML is Low Salt, LFML is Low Fat, and NLML is the Non-Lactose Meal for lactose intolerance.
For families, CHML is the Child Meal, usually more familiar and easier to eat, and BBML is the Baby Meal for infants. FPML, the Fruit Platter, is a useful fallback on early morning flights or when you want something light after a long connection.
A word of caution on allergies. A special meal code manages ingredients in your tray. It does not make the cabin free of any allergen, and airlines are explicit that they cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. If you have a severe allergy, tell the airline separately and carry your own medication and safe snacks.
When do I need to request a special meal?
Ask at the time of booking wherever possible. Most airlines want the request at least 24 hours before departure, and some ask for more on kosher and other sealed meals, because catering is loaded well before the aircraft boards. A request made at the gate almost never works.
After booking, you can normally add or change a meal through the airline’s Manage Booking page, or by calling the airline. It is worth reconfirming a day or two ahead, especially if your flight number or aircraft changed after you booked, because meal requests do not always survive a re-accommodation.
Will I get a special meal on every flight?
No. Special meals belong to full-service flying. On short domestic sectors in India, most low-cost carriers sell food onboard or as a pre-booked add-on rather than serving a complimentary meal, so there is no free special-meal system to request from. Pre-booking a specific vegetarian or Jain option from the airline’s paid menu is the equivalent step there.
On international full-service flights, special meals are standard, free, and usually served before the general meal service, which is a small bonus.
Common Questions
What is the difference between AVML and VGML?
AVML is Asian Vegetarian, Indian-style and containing dairy. VGML is vegan, with no dairy, egg or honey. Most Indian vegetarians want AVML.
Do special meals cost extra?
On full-service airlines they are normally included in the fare. On low-cost carriers, meals are generally bought as an add-on and the special-meal system does not apply in the same way.
Can I request a Jain meal?
Yes, using VJML, shown as JNML in some systems. It excludes root vegetables such as onion, garlic, potato and carrot. Request it early, as it is not stocked as widely as AVML.
What happens if my meal is not loaded?
Tell the crew as soon as the service starts. They will usually offer the closest alternative from what is onboard. Keep your booking reference and raise it with the airline afterwards if it was a confirmed request.
Will my meal request carry over if my flight changes?
Not always. If you are rebooked onto another flight, reconfirm the meal, because special meal requests are attached to the original booking and can be lost in the move.
Can I change my meal at the airport?
Usually not. Catering is loaded before boarding, so the practical cut-off is the airline’s stated deadline, commonly 24 hours before departure.
Book your flight on HappyFares and set your meal preference at booking, so the request reaches the airline in good time.
Meal availability, codes and deadlines vary by airline and route. Verify current specifics with the airline before you travel.
