{"id":2973,"date":"2026-04-03T12:07:49","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T12:07:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.happyfares.in\/vegetarian-special-meal-codes-flights-guide-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T18:31:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T18:31:08","slug":"vegetarian-special-meal-codes-flights-guide-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.happyfares.in\/vegetarian-special-meal-codes-flights-guide-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Vegetarian & Special Meal Codes on Flights \u2014 Complete Guide for Indian Travellers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nTL;DR:<\/strong> Airlines use standardised IATA meal codes to handle dietary requirements. Indian vegetarian travellers should know three key codes: AVML<\/strong> (Asian\/Hindu vegetarian \u2014 spiced, may include dairy), VJML<\/strong> (Jain vegetarian \u2014 no root vegetables, no onion\/garlic), and VGML<\/strong> (strict vegan \u2014 no dairy, no eggs). You can request special meals when booking on HappyFares<\/a> or up to 24-72 hours before departure, depending on the airline. Always request early \u2014 special meals are prepared in limited quantities.\n<\/div>\n

What Are IATA Special Meal Codes?<\/h2>\n

Every major airline in the world follows meal codes defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These four-letter codes tell catering teams exactly what to prepare for passengers with specific dietary, religious, or medical requirements. When you request a special meal on any airline, you are selecting one of these standardised codes.<\/p>\n

For Indian travellers \u2014 especially vegetarians flying internationally for the first time \u2014 understanding these codes is the difference between receiving a perfectly spiced paneer dish and ending up with a bland salad meant for a Western vegan. This guide breaks down every code that matters, explains how to request the right meal, and shares practical tips for long-haul flights.<\/p>\n

Vegetarian Meal Codes Explained<\/h2>\n

There are five vegetarian-specific meal codes in the IATA system. Each serves a different dietary philosophy, so choosing the right one is important.<\/p>\n

AVML \u2014 Asian Vegetarian \/ Hindu Vegetarian Meal<\/h3>\n

This is the most popular choice for Indian vegetarian travellers. AVML meals are prepared in a style familiar to South Asian palates \u2014 think rice, dal, paneer, sabzi, and Indian bread. These meals may include dairy products<\/strong> like ghee, paneer, and curd, but they are strictly free of meat, fish, and eggs.<\/p>\n

Typical AVML tray:<\/strong> Jeera rice, dal makhani or yellow dal, a paneer or mixed vegetable curry, raita, bread roll, and a sweet like gulab jamun or halwa.<\/p>\n

Best for:<\/strong> Most Indian vegetarians who eat dairy and want familiar Indian flavours on their flight.<\/p>\n

VJML \u2014 Jain Vegetarian Meal<\/h3>\n

VJML follows Jain dietary principles. This means no root vegetables (onion, garlic, potato, carrot, beetroot, ginger), no mushrooms, and no fermented foods. The meal is purely vegetarian with no eggs or dairy products derived from animal rennet.<\/p>\n

Typical VJML tray:<\/strong> Steamed rice, a gravy made without onion or garlic (often bottle gourd, ridge gourd, or turai-based), roti, and fruits. Spicing is mild, relying on cumin, coriander, and green chillies.<\/p>\n

Best for:<\/strong> Travellers following Jain dietary practices. Also a safe bet for anyone who wants a meal free from onion and garlic.<\/p>\n

VGML \u2014 Vegetarian Vegan Meal<\/h3>\n

VGML is a strict vegan meal \u2014 no meat, fish, eggs, dairy, or honey. This is prepared in a more Western\/international style compared to AVML. Expect grain bowls, steamed vegetables, pasta with tomato sauce, or salads.<\/p>\n

Typical VGML tray:<\/strong> Couscous or pasta with vegetable sauce, steamed broccoli, a mixed green salad, bread roll (no butter), and fruit.<\/p>\n

Best for:<\/strong> Strict vegans or travellers who want to avoid dairy entirely. Note that the flavour profile is typically Western \u2014 if you want Indian-style food, AVML is a better pick unless you are strictly avoiding dairy.<\/p>\n

VLML \u2014 Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal<\/h3>\n

VLML allows dairy and eggs but no meat or fish. This is the Western interpretation of vegetarian food. Expect omelettes, cheese-based dishes, pasta with cream sauce, or egg-based preparations.<\/p>\n

Typical VLML tray:<\/strong> Vegetable quiche or cheese pasta, garden salad, yoghurt, bread with butter, and a dessert like cheesecake.<\/p>\n

Best for:<\/strong> Indian travellers who eat eggs and are comfortable with Western-style cooking. Not recommended if you are strictly lacto-vegetarian (no eggs).<\/p>\n

VOML \u2014 Vegetarian Oriental Meal<\/h3>\n

VOML is prepared in a Chinese\/East Asian vegetarian style. It is free of meat and fish but the preparation method and flavour profile lean towards East Asian cuisine \u2014 soy sauce, tofu, stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or fried rice.<\/p>\n

Typical VOML tray:<\/strong> Stir-fried tofu with vegetables, steamed rice or noodles, bok choy, and a soy-based dipping sauce.<\/p>\n

Best for:<\/strong> Travellers who enjoy East Asian vegetarian cuisine. Available on most airlines that fly East Asian routes.<\/p>\n

Other Special Meal Codes Worth Knowing<\/h2>\n

Beyond vegetarian options, airlines offer several other special meal codes for medical, religious, or dietary needs. Here are the ones Indian travellers most commonly ask about:<\/p>\n

DBML \u2014 Diabetic Meal<\/h3>\n

Low in sugar and refined carbohydrates, high in complex carbs and fibre. Suitable for passengers managing diabetes. Meals avoid added sugar, heavy sauces, and sugary desserts. Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian depending on the airline’s preparation.<\/p>\n

GFML \u2014 Gluten-Free Meal<\/h3>\n

Free from wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Useful for passengers with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. Expect rice-based dishes, potatoes, and naturally gluten-free grains. Indian travellers with gluten intolerance can request this alongside noting their vegetarian preference in the booking remarks.<\/p>\n

KSML \u2014 Kosher Meal<\/h3>\n

Prepared under rabbinical supervision following Jewish dietary laws. These meals come sealed and are heated (not cooked) on board. Useful to know if you are travelling to Israel or with passengers who keep kosher.<\/p>\n

MOML \u2014 Muslim Meal<\/h3>\n

Halal-prepared meals that exclude pork, pork-derived products, and alcohol. Not all airlines list this separately \u2014 many Gulf and Southeast Asian carriers serve halal food as their standard offering.<\/p>\n

BBML \u2014 Baby Meal \/ CHML \u2014 Child Meal<\/h3>\n

BBML is for infants (pureed food, typically bland). CHML is for children aged 2-12 (smaller portions, kid-friendly items like pasta, nuggets, or sandwiches). Worth knowing if you are travelling with young children.<\/p>\n

Quick Reference: Meal Code Comparison Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Code<\/th>\nFull Name<\/th>\nDairy<\/th>\nEggs<\/th>\nOnion\/Garlic<\/th>\nStyle<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
AVML<\/strong><\/td>\nAsian Vegetarian<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nIndian<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VJML<\/strong><\/td>\nJain Vegetarian<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nIndian (Jain)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VGML<\/strong><\/td>\nVegan<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nWestern<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VLML<\/strong><\/td>\nLacto-Ovo Vegetarian<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nWestern<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VOML<\/strong><\/td>\nVegetarian Oriental<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nEast Asian<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DBML<\/strong><\/td>\nDiabetic Meal<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nLow-sugar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
GFML<\/strong><\/td>\nGluten-Free Meal<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nGluten-free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

How to Request a Special Meal on Your Flight<\/h2>\n

There are several ways to ensure your meal preference is recorded. The earlier you do it, the better your chances of getting exactly what you want.<\/p>\n

1. At the Time of Booking on HappyFares<\/h3>\n

The easiest approach is to select your meal preference while booking your flight on happyfares.in<\/a>. When available, the booking flow shows meal options that you can choose before completing payment. This locks in your request at the earliest possible stage.<\/p>\n

2. After Booking \u2014 Through HappyFares Support<\/h3>\n

If you have already booked and forgot to add a meal request, reach out to the HappyFares support team via the help centre<\/a>. They can add your special meal request to the PNR directly with the airline.<\/p>\n

3. Through the Airline’s Manage Booking Portal<\/h3>\n

Most airlines allow you to add or change your special meal request through their “Manage My Booking” section using your PNR and last name. This is available up to the airline’s meal request deadline.<\/p>\n

Deadlines: How Early Should You Request?<\/h2>\n

This is where many travellers get caught off guard. Special meals are not prepared in bulk \u2014 they are made to order based on advance requests. Each airline sets its own cutoff:<\/p>\n