Air India Special Meal Codes: HNML, AVML, VJML & More

AVML, HNML, VJML, VGML, MOML—Air India's special meal codes can look like airport codes if you have never used them before. Each four-letter code identifies a particular type of airline meal based on vegetarian preferences, religious practices, medical dietary needs or the passenger's age.

For Indian travelers, the most important distinction is often between AVML and HNML. AVML is an Indian-style vegetarian meal with no meat, seafood or egg, while HNML is a non-vegetarian Hindu meal that may contain lamb, poultry or fish. VJML is the Jain option, VGML is vegan, VLML may contain eggs and dairy, and VOML is an Oriental-style vegetarian meal.

Air India currently asks passengers to request most special meals at least 24 hours before departure. Kosher Meal (KSML) is the major exception: Air India requires it at least 72 hours before departure and offers it only on select international sectors.

This guide explains every current Air India special meal code, what each meal can contain, which option is best for Indian vegetarians, how to check whether your flight includes a meal, what happens if you forget to pre-order and what to do if the meal you requested is unavailable.

Quick answer: For an Indian vegetarian who eats dairy but avoids eggs, AVML is usually the best match. Choose VGML if you are vegan, VJML if you follow Jain dietary restrictions, VLML if eggs and dairy are acceptable, and HNML only if you want an Indian-style non-vegetarian meal without beef, veal or pork.

Table of Contents

• Air India Special Meal Codes at a Glance
• What Is a Special Meal on Air India?
• What Is an Airline Special Meal Code?
• Air India Standard Special Meals
• AVML — Asian Vegetarian Meal
• NVML — Non-Veg Meal
• VOML — Vegetarian Oriental Meal
• Air India Dietary Restriction Meals
• VGML — Vegan Meal
• NLML — Non-Lactose Meal
• VLML — Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Meal
• GFML — Gluten Intolerant Meal
• DBML — Diabetic Meal
• LSML — Low Salt Meal
• LFML — Low Fat Meal
• BLML — Bland Meal
• FLML — Fruit Platter Meal
• Air India Religious Meals
• VJML — Vegetarian Jain Meal
• HNML — Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal
• MOML — Muslim Meal
• KSML — Kosher Meal
• Child and Baby Meals
• CHML — Child Meal
• BBML — Baby Meal
• Complete Air India Meal Code Comparison
• AVML vs VGML
• AVML vs VLML
• AVML vs VJML
• AVML vs HNML
• AVML vs VOML
• Which Air India Meal Is Best?
• What Is a 7-Course Vegetarian Meal?
• Are Meals Complimentary on Air India?
• Air India Basic Fare Exception
• How to Check Your Air India Menu
• What Time Does Air India Serve Meals?
• How to Request a Special Meal
• How Early Should You Request It?
• Request the Meal for Every Flight Sector
• What About Codeshare and Partner Flights?
• Can You Change Your Meal?
• Can You Change It After Boarding?
• What If You Forgot to Pre-Order?
• What If Air India Runs Out of Vegetarian Meals?
• What If Your Special Meal Is Missing?
• Are Special Meals Safe for Allergies?
• Vegetarian Meals on Other Airlines Flying to India
• Tips for Indian Vegetarian Travelers
• Related Airline Meal Guides
• Official Sources
• Bottom Line
• Frequently Asked Questions

Air India Special Meal Codes at a Glance

Code	Air India Meal	Vegetarian?	Key Point
AVML	Asian Vegetarian Meal	Yes	Indian-style; no meat, seafood or eggs; dairy possible
NVML	Non-Veg Meal	No	Indian-style lamb, poultry or fish; no beef, veal or pork
VOML	Vegetarian Oriental Meal	Yes	Oriental-style; no meat, seafood, egg or dairy
VGML	Vegan Meal	Yes	No animal-derived ingredients, including dairy, eggs or honey
NLML	Non-Lactose Meal	Yes	Vegetarian and dairy-free
VLML	Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Meal	Yes	May contain eggs and dairy
GFML	Gluten Intolerant Meal	Yes	Vegetarian; excludes specified gluten-containing foods
DBML	Diabetic Meal	Yes	Designed around blood-sugar management
LSML	Low Salt Meal	Yes	Minimum or no added salt
LFML	Low Fat Meal	Yes	Limited saturated fat
BLML	Bland Meal	Yes	Mild, easily digestible food
FLML	Fruit Platter Meal	Yes	Fresh fruit only
VJML	Vegetarian Jain Meal	Yes	No animal products, onion, garlic, ginger, mushrooms or root vegetables
HNML	Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal	No	May contain lamb, poultry or fish
MOML	Muslim Meal	No	Halal-certified ingredients; no pork or alcohol
KSML	Kosher Meal	No	Sealed kosher meal; 72-hour advance request
CHML	Child Meal	Yes	Vegetarian meal for children aged 2–12
BBML	Baby Meal	Yes	Baby food for infants up to 24 months

Important 2026 correction: Air India's current official menu uses FLML for its Fruit Platter Meal. Many generic airline-code lists use FPML. Air India also currently lists LFML — Low Fat Meal, not LCML, on its published special-menu page.

What Is a Special Meal on Air India?

A special meal is a meal requested in advance to accommodate a passenger's:

• Vegetarian preference
• Vegan diet
• Religious dietary practice
• Medical or dietary restriction
• Age

It is different from simply choosing between the vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes offered from the normal meal cart.

Example

If an Economy passenger says:

“I'll take the vegetarian option.”

during normal meal service, that is not necessarily an AVML.

AVML is a specific pre-requested meal category prepared according to the airline's published specifications.

A special meal controls the meal category. It does not let you order a particular dish such as “paneer butter masala with naan.”

What Is the IATA Code for a Special Meal?

Travelers often call AVML, VGML and HNML “IATA meal codes.” More precisely, airlines and reservation systems use standardized four-letter Special Service Request meal codes to identify meal requirements in a passenger booking.

There is not one universal code meaning “special meal.” Instead, the code identifies the specific type of meal.

Examples include:

• AVML — Asian Vegetarian Meal
• VGML — Vegan Meal
• VJML — Vegetarian Jain Meal
• HNML — Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal
• MOML — Muslim Meal
• KSML — Kosher Meal
• DBML — Diabetic Meal
• CHML — Child Meal

These codes are useful because they can be transmitted through airline reservation systems even when the traveler and catering kitchen are in different countries.

Air India Standard Special Meals

Air India's current special-menu page begins with three standard meal categories:

• AVML — Asian Vegetarian Meal
• NVML — Non-Veg Meal
• VOML — Vegetarian Oriental Meal

AVML — Asian Vegetarian Meal

AVML is Air India's Indian-style vegetarian meal.

It contains:

• No meat
• No seafood
• No eggs

It may contain dairy.

A typical AVML could therefore include foods such as:

• Dal
• Rice
• Vegetable curry
• Chickpeas
• Paneer
• Yogurt
• Indian bread

The exact dishes vary by route and catering station.

Best for: Indian vegetarians who avoid meat, fish and eggs but are comfortable eating dairy.

Read the full guide: AVML Meal on Flights: What Is an Asian Vegetarian Meal?.

NVML — Non-Veg Meal

Air India's NVML is an Indian-style non-vegetarian meal.

According to the current Air India specification, it may contain:

• Lamb
• Poultry
• Fish
• Dairy

It is intended for passengers who do not consume:

• Beef
• Veal
• Pork
• Smoked fish
• Raw fish

VOML — Vegetarian Oriental Meal

VOML is Air India's Oriental-style vegetarian meal.

It contains no:

• Meat
• Seafood
• Egg
• Dairy

This makes it quite different from AVML.

Feature	AVML	VOML
Cuisine style	Indian	Oriental / East Asian-style
Meat	No	No
Eggs	No	No
Dairy	May contain	No

Air India states that VOML is available only on select international sectors.

Air India Dietary Restriction Meals

Air India currently publishes nine dietary-restriction meal categories:

• VGML — Vegan
• NLML — Non-Lactose
• VLML — Lacto-Ovo
• GFML — Gluten Intolerant
• DBML — Diabetic
• LSML — Low Salt
• LFML — Low Fat
• BLML — Bland
• FLML — Fruit Platter

VGML — Vegan Meal

VGML is Air India's strict vegan meal.

It excludes all animal-derived ingredients, including:

• Meat
• Fish
• Eggs
• Milk
• Dairy
• Honey

Air India says it uses plant foods and vegan-friendly alternatives.

NLML — Non-Lactose Meal

NLML is a vegetarian meal designed for passengers who cannot consume lactose or dairy products.

Air India specifically excludes foods such as:

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Ice cream
• Dairy puddings
• Other milk-derived foods

NLML and VGML are not necessarily identical concepts. NLML is designed around avoiding lactose/dairy, while VGML excludes all animal-derived ingredients.

VLML — Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Meal

VLML is vegetarian but may contain both eggs and dairy.

Possible ingredients include:

• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Milk and dairy
• Soy products

It does not contain:

• Meat
• Poultry
• Fish
• Seafood

Indian vegetarian traveler who does not eat eggs? VLML may not be suitable. AVML is usually the better choice.

GFML — Gluten Intolerant Meal

Air India's GFML is currently a vegetarian meal.

Its published specification excludes:

• Wheat
• Oats
• Barley
• Breads
• Crackers
• Cakes
• Pasta
• Other listed gluten-containing products

Read Gluten-Free Meal on Flights (GFML).

DBML — Diabetic Meal

Air India's DBML is currently a vegetarian diabetic meal.

Air India says the meal focuses on:

• Whole foods
• Healthy fats
• Ingredients intended to help regulate blood sugar
• No added sugars
• No excessive salt

Read Diabetic Meal (DBML) on Flights.

LSML — Low Salt Meal

LSML is a vegetarian meal intended for passengers following a low-sodium diet.

Air India says minimum or no salt is added during preparation.

LFML — Low Fat Meal

LFML is Air India's current low-fat vegetarian option.

It is prepared with limited saturated fat.

Note: Older airline-code lists sometimes show LCML — Low Calorie Meal. Air India's current published special-menu page lists LFML — Low Fat Meal instead.

BLML — Bland Meal

BLML is designed for passengers wanting food that is easier to digest.

Air India says this vegetarian meal avoids:

• Spicy ingredients
• Acidic ingredients
• High-fibre ingredients

It focuses on mild and easily digestible foods.

FLML — Fruit Platter Meal

Air India's current special-menu page uses the code FLML for Fruit Platter Meal.

Air India's description is particularly simple:

Only fresh fruits are served.

Why the confusion? FPML is commonly encountered as a fruit-platter code on other airline meal lists. For an Air India booking, use the meal actually offered in Air India's reservation system; its current published page labels the option FLML.

Air India Religious Meals

Air India currently publishes four religious meal categories:

• VJML — Vegetarian Jain Meal
• HNML — Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal
• MOML — Muslim Meal
• KSML — Kosher Meal

VJML — Vegetarian Jain Meal

VJML is Air India's Jain vegetarian meal.

It contains no animal products such as:

• Meat
• Seafood
• Egg products

Air India also excludes:

• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Mushrooms
• Root vegetables

Do not order AVML as a substitute for VJML if you follow Jain dietary rules. AVML can contain onion, garlic, ginger, potatoes and other ingredients excluded from VJML.

Read Jain Meal on Flights (VJML): Menu and How to Order.

HNML — Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal

HNML is not vegetarian.

This is probably the most misunderstood airline meal code among Indian travelers.

Air India's HNML may contain:

• Lamb
• Poultry
• Fish
• Dairy

It is designed for passengers who do not consume:

• Beef
• Veal
• Pork
• Smoked fish
• Raw fish

If you are Hindu and vegetarian, do not choose HNML simply because it says “Hindu.” Choose AVML or another vegetarian code that matches your diet.

Read HNML Meal on Flights: Is a Hindu Meal Vegetarian?.

For a direct comparison, see HNML vs AVML: Which Airline Meal Should You Choose?.

MOML — Muslim Meal

MOML is Air India's Muslim Meal.

Air India says it is prepared using halal-certified ingredients and excludes ingredients that do not comply with Islamic dietary law.

It contains no:

• Alcohol
• Pork
• Pig by-products
• Ham
• Bacon

MOML is not necessarily vegetarian.

KSML — Kosher Meal

KSML is prepared according to Jewish religious dietary specifications.

Air India's current KSML:

• Is pre-packed
• Is sealed
• Contains meat
• Is available only on select international sectors

KSML must be requested at least 72 hours before departure.

Do not use the normal 24-hour special-meal deadline for KSML. Air India specifically requires 72 hours.

See Kosher and Halal Meals on Flights.

Air India Child and Baby Meal Codes

Air India has two published age-specific meal categories:

• CHML — Child Meal
• BBML — Baby Meal

CHML — Child Meal

Air India's CHML is intended for children between 2 and 12 years old.

Interestingly, Air India's current CHML is vegetarian.

It:

• Has a vegetarian main course
• May contain dairy
• Contains no meat
• Contains no seafood
• Contains no egg

Read Child Meal on Flights: How to Order CHML.

BBML — Baby Meal

Air India's BBML is for infants up to 24 months old.

The airline says it features a selection of proprietary baby-food brands available onboard.

Complete Air India Meal Code Comparison

Code	Meat/Fish?	Egg?	Dairy?	Best For
AVML	No	No	May contain	Indian vegetarian
VGML	No	No	No	Vegan
VJML	No	No	Follow Air India Jain specification	Jain diet
VLML	No	May contain	May contain	Lacto-ovo vegetarian
VOML	No	No	No	Oriental-style vegetarian
HNML	Yes	Specification varies by preparation	May contain	Indian non-vegetarian avoiding beef/pork
MOML	May contain	May vary	May vary	Halal dietary requirements
KSML	Yes	Meal dependent	Meal dependent	Kosher dietary requirements

What Is the Difference Between AVML and VGML?

Feature	AVML	VGML
Vegetarian	Yes	Yes
Meat / seafood	No	No
Eggs	No	No
Dairy	May contain	No
Honey	Not necessarily excluded	No
Style	Indian	Plant-based; preparation varies

AVML = Indian vegetarian. VGML = vegan.

AVML vs VLML: Does the Vegetarian Meal Contain Eggs?

This is particularly important for Indian passengers.

AVML excludes eggs.

VLML can contain eggs.

Both can contain dairy.

If your definition of vegetarian excludes eggs, AVML is generally the safer match.

AVML vs VJML: Which Should You Choose?

Choose AVML if:

• You are vegetarian
• You do not eat eggs
• You eat normal Indian vegetables
• Dairy is acceptable

Choose VJML if you additionally avoid Jain-restricted ingredients such as:

• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Mushrooms
• Root vegetables

AVML vs HNML: Which One Is Vegetarian?

AVML is vegetarian. HNML is not.

This is the easiest distinction to remember.

Meal	Vegetarian?	Typical Air India Style
AVML	Yes	Indian vegetarian
HNML	No	Indian non-vegetarian; may contain lamb, poultry or fish

AVML vs VOML: Indian vs Oriental Vegetarian

Both exclude:

• Meat
• Seafood
• Eggs

The major differences are:

• AVML: Indian style and may contain dairy.
• VOML: Oriental style and contains no dairy.

Air India offers VOML only on select international sectors.

Which Special Meal Is Best on Air India?

There is no single “best” meal because the code should match your diet rather than your expectation of which dish tastes best.

If You...	Consider
Eat Indian vegetarian food but no eggs	AVML
Are vegan	VGML
Follow Jain dietary rules	VJML
Eat vegetarian food including eggs and dairy	VLML
Want East Asian/Oriental-style vegetarian food	VOML
Want Indian-style non-vegetarian food without beef/pork	HNML or NVML, according to your requirement
Require halal preparation	MOML
Require kosher preparation	KSML
Need dairy-free vegetarian food	VGML or applicable NLML
Need a mild easily digestible meal	BLML

What Is a 7-Course Vegetarian Meal on Air India?

“7-course vegetarian meal” is not an Air India special meal code.

A course describes the structure of a premium dining service, while AVML, VGML and VJML describe dietary requirements.

A multi-course premium meal might separately include:

• Appetizer
• Soup or salad
• Bread
• Main course
• Cheese or side course
• Dessert
• Tea, coffee or petit fours

But Air India does not publish “7-course vegetarian” as a special-meal code that you select instead of AVML or VGML.

Are Meals Complimentary on Air India?

Complimentary food remains part of Air India's full-service product on most flights, but there is now an important exception.

Air India says Economy passengers on its international flights receive complimentary hot meals and beverages.

On domestic routes, Air India also generally provides meals or refreshments according to flight duration.

However, Air India introduced a new Basic Economy fare on select domestic routes in June 2026.

Air India Basic Fare: The Important Meal Exception

Complimentary meals are not included with the new Basic fare on select domestic flights.

Passengers using Basic can pre-purchase a meal up to 24 hours before departure through:

• Air India website
• Air India app
• Manage Booking
• Web check-in where available
• Customer support

Air India currently says meals cannot be purchased onboard under this Basic-fare arrangement.

For flights with a scheduled duration under 55 minutes, meal service is not available under the Basic-fare meal arrangement; Air India says a complimentary cookie and beverage are offered instead.

Do not rely on old advice saying “every Air India ticket includes a full free meal.” Check your fare family, especially on newer Basic Economy domestic fares.

How Do You Check the Complimentary Meal or Menu on Your Air India Flight?

Air India now has a Check Your Menu tool on its official website.

You can search using:

• Route
• Flight number
• Departure airport
• Arrival airport
• Date

This is more reliable than assuming that a menu from another Air India flight will be served on yours.

Air India operates many aircraft and catering stations. Menu choices can vary by route, flight length, fare type, cabin and aircraft.

What Are the Meal Times on Air India Flights?

Air India does not publish one universal clock-time schedule saying that every flight serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at specific hours.

Meal service depends on factors such as:

• Departure time
• Flight duration
• Route
• Cabin class
• Number of meal services on a long-haul flight

Shorter flights can receive refreshments or a lighter service, while longer flights may receive hot meals.

Long-haul international flights can have more than one service.

First Class Is Different

Air India's current dining program specifically allows First Class passengers to choose when they want their main meal served.

For your exact flight, use Air India's Check Your Menu tool rather than relying on a generic breakfast/lunch/dinner timetable.

How Do You Request a Special Meal on Air India?

Air India currently gives passengers three main ways to request one.

• During booking: Select your flight, enter passenger details and choose the meal preference.
• After booking: Open Manage Booking and add the meal from the Passenger Details section.
• Travel-agent booking: Ask the travel agent to add the correct special meal to the reservation.

After requesting it, check that the four-letter meal code appears correctly in your reservation. AVML and HNML are only one letter apart but represent completely different diets.

How Early Should You Request an Air India Special Meal?

Most Air India special meals must be requested at least 24 hours before departure.

Meal	Air India Deadline
AVML, VJML, VGML, HNML and most other special meals	At least 24 hours before departure
KSML Kosher Meal	At least 72 hours before departure

Earlier is better, particularly on an international journey involving multiple sectors.

Do You Need to Request the Meal for Every Flight Sector?

Check every sector individually.

Suppose your itinerary is:

Kochi → Delhi → London

Do not assume seeing AVML on one segment means it is correctly recorded for every flight.

Check the meal request for:

• Kochi → Delhi
• Delhi → London

This becomes even more important when another airline operates one of the flights.

What If Your Air India Ticket Includes a Partner Airline?

Air India specifically tells passengers that if a flight or part of the journey is operated by a partner airline, they should contact that airline's customer care regarding the special meal.

This is because:

The airline operating the aircraft is the airline loading the food.

Your ticket may say Air India while a particular sector is actually operated by:

• A codeshare partner
• Air India Express
• Another interline airline

Never assume your special meal request automatically transfers perfectly across airline reservation systems.

Can You Change Your Special Meal Before the Flight?

Usually yes, while the booking remains within Air India's advance-request window and the replacement meal is available.

Use Manage Booking or contact Air India before the cutoff.

For example, you might change:

VLML → AVML

after realizing that VLML may contain eggs.

Or:

AVML → VGML

if you decide you need to avoid dairy.

After changing the meal, reopen the booking and verify that the new meal preference appears correctly.

Can You Change Your Meal Inflight on Air India?

You cannot reliably change a pre-ordered special meal into another special meal after the aircraft has departed.

Special meals are prepared by the catering kitchen and loaded before departure.

If you board with AVML but decide you actually want VGML, the crew cannot normally have a new VGML prepared at 35,000 feet.

You can ask whether another suitable meal is available from onboard stock, but:

• Availability is not guaranteed.
• The substitute may not satisfy your dietary requirements.
• Special meals may have been loaded only for passengers who pre-ordered them.

Change the code before departure, not after takeoff.

What If You Forgot to Pre-Order a Special Meal?

If the 24-hour deadline has passed, check Manage Booking or contact Air India anyway, but do not expect the catering request to be guaranteed.

At the airport or onboard:

• Tell the crew about your dietary requirement.
• Ask whether a suitable standard meal remains.
• Check ingredients before accepting a substitute.
• Do not take HNML as a vegetarian substitute.

For travelers with strict dietary requirements, bringing permitted backup snacks is sensible.

See Are Snacks Allowed on Planes in India?.

What If Air India Runs Out of Vegetarian Meals?

There is an important difference between a standard vegetarian choice and a pre-ordered special meal.

If You Did Not Pre-Order

The vegetarian choice from the normal trolley can potentially become unavailable if demand is greater than expected.

The crew may:

• Check another galley
• See whether another vegetarian tray is available
• Offer a suitable snack or alternative

But the exact alternative is not guaranteed.

If You Pre-Ordered AVML or VJML

Your meal request should be catered specifically for the booking, but catering or operational errors can still occur.

If being vegetarian is important rather than simply a preference for that day, pre-order the correct special meal instead of relying solely on the normal onboard vegetarian option.

What If Your Confirmed Special Meal Is Missing?

If you requested a special meal but it is not onboard:

• Show the crew your booking confirmation or meal code.
• Ask whether another meal meeting your requirements is available.
• Confirm ingredients before eating a substitute.
• Do not assume another four-letter meal code is equivalent.
• Keep your booking details if you later need to contact Air India.

If a vegetarian tray appears to contain meat, see Vegetarian Meal Served Non-Veg on Flight: What to Do.

Are Air India Special Meals Safe for Severe Food Allergies?

A special meal code is not an allergen-free guarantee.

Air India specifically warns that its inflight meals may contain:

• Nuts
• Traces of nuts

because meals are prepared in environments where nut-containing products are handled.

A passenger with a serious allergy should therefore not assume that:

AVML + “no peanuts listed” = peanut-free kitchen.

Special meal codes specify broad dietary preparation. They do not guarantee freedom from cross-contact with allergens.

See Peanut Allergies on India Flights.

Which Other Airlines Offer Good Vegetarian Meal Choices on India Routes?

Rather than ranking airlines by taste—which varies by catering station—it is more useful to look for airlines that clearly publish Indian and vegetarian special-meal choices.

Middle Eastern Airlines

Emirates publishes AVML, HNML, VJML and VGML among its special-meal choices. Its AVML is an Indian-subcontinent vegetarian meal that excludes meat, fish and eggs but can contain dairy.

Qatar Airways publishes an extensive special-meal selection including AVML, VGML, VJML, VLML and VOML and allows most special meals to be requested through Manage Booking at least 24 hours before departure.

European Airlines

Lufthansa publishes an Asian/Indian vegetarian meal, vegan meal, lacto-ovo vegetarian meal and Jain meal. Special meals are generally available on qualifying longer flights and can be requested up to 24 hours beforehand.

British Airways publishes Hindu/Asian Vegetarian, Vegan, Jain and Hindu Non-Vegetarian meals, although availability depends on the flight and route.

Asian Airlines

Singapore Airlines publishes AVML, VJML, VOML and VGML, making the distinction between Indian vegetarian, Jain, Oriental vegetarian and vegan meals particularly clear.

Connecting internationally? Do not assume that Air India's definition of a meal code is word-for-word identical on every airline. Check the operating carrier's current special-meal description for each sector.

Practical Tips for Indian Vegetarian Travelers

• Choose the code based on ingredients, not the name alone. HNML sounds suitable for a Hindu traveler but is non-vegetarian.
• If you avoid eggs, choose AVML rather than VLML.
• If you avoid dairy too, choose VGML rather than AVML.
• If you follow Jain rules, choose VJML rather than ordinary AVML.
• Request the meal at least 24 hours before departure.
• Request KSML at least 72 hours in advance.
• Check every flight sector separately.
• Recheck the booking after an itinerary or aircraft change.
• Keep a screenshot showing your meal code.
• Carry permitted backup snacks on long journeys.
• Tell the crew politely if you have a confirmed special meal.
• Do not rely on a special meal code alone for a severe food allergy.

Related Airline Meal Guides

• AVML Meal on Flights: What Is an Asian Vegetarian Meal?
• HNML vs AVML: Which Airline Meal Should You Choose?
• HNML Meal on Flights: Is a Hindu Meal Vegetarian?
• Hindu Meal HNML Confusion: Chicken or Fish Explained
• Jain Meal on Flights (VJML): Menu and How to Order
• Vegan vs Vegetarian Meals on Flights
• Vegetarian In-Flight Meals: Codes, Options and Ordering Tips
• Airline Meals Explained: Codes, Special Meals & What to Order
• Gluten-Free Meal on Flights (GFML)
• Diabetic Meal (DBML) on Flights
• Kosher and Halal Meals on Flights
• Child Meal on Flights: How to Order CHML
• Are Snacks Allowed on Planes in India?
• Vegetarian Meal Served Non-Veg on Flight: What to Do
• Peanut Allergies on India Flights
• Are Drinks Free on Air India International Flights?
• Do India Domestic Airlines Provide Free Meals?
• Travel Classes in Air India: Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First

Official Airline Sources

• Air India — Special Meals
• Air India — Inflight Dining
• Air India — Check Your Inflight Menu
• Emirates — Dietary Requirements
• Qatar Airways — Special Meals
• Lufthansa — Special Meals
• British Airways — Special Meals
• Singapore Airlines — Special Meals

Bottom Line

Air India's four-letter special meal codes tell the catering team what kind of meal you need—they are much more important than simply asking for “veg” or “non-veg” after boarding.

For most Indian vegetarian travelers:

• AVML is the Indian vegetarian option with dairy allowed but no eggs.
• VGML is completely vegan.
• VJML follows Jain dietary restrictions.
• VLML may contain eggs and dairy.
• VOML is an Oriental-style vegetarian meal without egg or dairy.
• HNML is non-vegetarian and may contain lamb, poultry or fish.
• MOML follows halal requirements.
• KSML follows kosher requirements and must be ordered at least 72 hours ahead.

Request most special meals at least 24 hours before departure, confirm the code on every flight sector, and remember that a special meal request is prepared before the aircraft departs. If you wait until you are onboard, the crew can only work with whatever food has already been loaded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special meal specified food on Air India?

A special meal is food requested in advance for a particular dietary, religious, medical or age-related requirement. Air India offers options such as AVML, VGML, VJML, HNML, MOML, KSML, DBML, GFML, CHML and others.

What is AVML meal on Air India?

AVML is Air India's Asian Vegetarian Meal. It is prepared in an Indian style and contains no meat, seafood or eggs. It may contain dairy products.

What does AVML mean?

AVML stands for Asian Vegetarian Meal. On Air India it effectively means an Indian-style vegetarian meal with no meat, seafood or eggs, although dairy may be included.

What is the difference between AVML and VGML?

Both are vegetarian and exclude meat and eggs. AVML may contain dairy and is prepared in an Indian style. VGML is vegan and excludes all animal-derived ingredients including dairy, eggs and honey.

What is the difference between AVML and VLML?

AVML does not contain eggs but may contain dairy. VLML is a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Meal and may contain both eggs and dairy products.

What is a lacto-ovo meal on an Air India flight?

VLML is Air India's Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Meal. It contains no meat, poultry, fish or seafood but may contain vegetables, fruit, cheese, eggs, dairy and soy products.

What is VOML on Air India?

VOML is Vegetarian Oriental Meal. Air India describes it as an Oriental-style vegetarian meal containing no meat, seafood, egg or dairy. It is available only on select international sectors.

What is MOML on Air India?

MOML is the Muslim Meal. Air India says it uses halal-certified ingredients and contains no alcohol, pork, pig by-products, ham or bacon.

What is HNML on Air India?

HNML is Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal. It may contain lamb, poultry, fish and dairy but excludes beef, veal, pork, smoked fish and raw fish under Air India's current specification.

Is HNML vegetarian?

No. HNML is specifically a non-vegetarian meal. Vegetarian passengers looking for Indian-style food should generally select AVML instead.

What is VJML on Air India?

VJML is Vegetarian Jain Meal. Air India excludes animal products as well as onion, garlic, ginger, mushrooms and root vegetables from this meal.

What is the code for a vegan meal on Air India?

The code is VGML. Air India's vegan meal excludes animal-derived ingredients including meat, dairy, eggs and honey.

What is the IATA code for a special meal?

There is not one single meal code for all special meals. Airlines use four-letter Special Service Request meal codes such as AVML for Asian Vegetarian, VGML for Vegan, HNML for Hindu Non-Vegetarian and VJML for Jain.

Which special meal is best on Air India?

It depends on your diet. AVML is usually the best match for an Indian vegetarian who eats dairy but avoids eggs. VGML is best for vegans, VJML for Jain dietary requirements and VLML for vegetarians who eat eggs and dairy.

Are special meals free on Air India?

Special meals are generally part of the applicable Air India meal service rather than a separate premium meal purchase. However, Air India's newer Basic fare on select domestic routes does not include a complimentary meal; Basic passengers can pre-purchase eligible meals up to 24 hours before departure.

How do I check whether a meal is complimentary on Air India?

Check your fare conditions and Air India's Manage Booking or booking details. Most Air India international services include complimentary meals, while the newer Basic Economy fare on select domestic routes excludes the normal complimentary meal.

How do I see what food will be served on my Air India flight?

Use Air India's official Check Your Menu tool. It allows you to search by route, flight number, departure, arrival and travel date to preview the applicable inflight menu.

What are the meal times on Air India flights?

Air India does not publish one universal breakfast, lunch and dinner timetable for every flight. Service depends on departure time, route, flight duration and cabin. Long-haul flights may have multiple meal services, while shorter flights may receive snacks or refreshments.

How early should I request an Air India special meal?

Air India says most special meals should be requested at least 24 hours before departure. Kosher Meal KSML must be requested at least 72 hours in advance.

How do I request a special meal on Air India?

You can select the meal during booking, add it later through Manage Booking on the Passenger Details page, or ask your travel agent to add the special meal request.

Can I change my meal after booking Air India?

You can generally update your meal preference through Manage Booking while the requested meal is still within the advance-order window and available. Check that the new meal code appears correctly after making the change.

Can I change my special meal after boarding?

You cannot rely on changing to another prepared special meal after boarding because special meals are catered and loaded before departure. Cabin crew may offer another suitable meal if one is available, but it cannot be guaranteed.

What if I forgot to order a special meal?

Check Manage Booking or contact Air India as soon as possible. If the ordering cutoff has passed, ask the crew whether an appropriate standard meal is available and consider carrying permitted backup snacks when your diet is strict.

What if Air India runs out of vegetarian meals?

If you did not pre-order, the normal vegetarian choice can potentially run out. Cabin crew may try to find another vegetarian tray or suitable alternative, but availability is not guaranteed. Pre-ordering AVML, VJML or another appropriate special meal reduces reliance on the standard trolley selection.

What if my confirmed Air India special meal is missing?

Show the cabin crew your booking confirmation or meal code and ask whether another suitable meal is available. Check the substitute carefully if you have strict religious, vegetarian or medical dietary requirements.

Does requesting AVML guarantee Indian food?

Air India defines AVML as an Indian-style vegetarian meal, but it does not guarantee a particular curry, rice dish or menu. The exact food depends on the route and catering station.

What is a 7-course vegetarian meal on Air India?

A seven-course meal refers to the number of courses in a dining service, not a special meal code. AVML, VGML and VJML describe dietary requirements. Air India does not currently publish a special meal code called “7-course vegetarian meal.”

Does a special meal request apply to every connecting flight?

Do not assume it does. Verify the special meal on each flight segment. If part of the itinerary is operated by an Air India partner airline, Air India advises contacting the operating partner regarding the meal request.

Are Air India special meals safe for nut allergies?

Air India warns that its inflight meals may contain nuts or traces of nuts because food is prepared in environments where nut-containing products are also handled. A special meal code therefore does not guarantee an allergen-free meal.

AVML Meal on Flights: What Is an Asian Vegetarian Meal?

AVML stands for Asian Vegetarian Meal, one of the most useful airline special-meal codes for passengers who want Indian-style vegetarian food. Despite the broad word “Asian,” an AVML is usually prepared in an Indian or South Asian style with dishes such as dal, vegetable curry, rice, roti, chickpeas or paneer.

An AVML contains no meat, poultry, fish, seafood or eggs. It may, however, contain dairy products such as milk, yogurt, paneer, butter or ghee. Air India specifically describes AVML as an Indian-style vegetarian meal with no meat, seafood or egg, while dairy products may be included.

This distinction matters because AVML is very different from HNML (Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal), which can contain chicken, lamb or fish. It is also different from VGML (Vegan Meal), which excludes dairy and other animal-derived ingredients. If you are an Indian vegetarian who eats dairy but does not eat eggs, AVML is often one of the clearest airline meal choices.

Quick answer: AVML is an Indian-style vegetarian airline meal. It contains no meat, fish, seafood or eggs, but may contain dairy. Typical food may include dal, vegetable curry, rice, roti, paneer, chickpeas, yogurt and fruit. If you want completely plant-based food with no milk, paneer, ghee or yogurt, choose VGML instead.

Table of Contents

• What Is an AVML Meal?
• What Does Asian Vegetarian Meal Mean?
• What Food Is Usually Served in AVML?
• What Is Not Included in AVML?
• Does AVML Include Eggs?
• Does AVML Include Dairy?
• What Is an AVML Meal on Air India?
• AVML vs Regular Vegetarian Meal
• AVML vs VGML Vegan Meal
• AVML vs VLML Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Meal
• AVML vs VJML Jain Meal
• AVML vs HNML Hindu Meal
• AVML vs East Asian or Oriental Vegetarian Meal
• Which Meal Should Indian Vegetarians Choose?
• Is AVML Spicy?
• Can AVML Include Paneer or Ghee?
• Is AVML Suitable for Food Allergies?
• How Do You Order an AVML?
• What Happens on Codeshare Flights?
• What If Your AVML Is Missing?
• What If You Are Served Non-Vegetarian Food?
• Airline Vegetarian Meal Codes Compared
• Related Airline Meal Guides
• Official Airline Sources
• Bottom Line
• Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s

What Is an AVML Meal?

AVML is the airline meal code for an Asian Vegetarian Meal. In practice, major airlines commonly describe it as an Indian-style or Indian-subcontinent vegetarian meal rather than a generic meal covering every type of Asian cuisine.

Air India describes AVML as a vegetarian meal prepared in an Indian style. Qatar Airways describes it as a vegetarian meal prepared according to Indian-subcontinent tastes, while Singapore Airlines calls it a Vegetarian Indian Meal using the AVML code.

The central AVML rules are generally:

• No meat
• No poultry
• No fish
• No seafood
• No eggs
• Dairy may be included
• Indian or South Asian flavors are common

Important: “Asian Vegetarian” does not usually mean Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Southeast Asian vegetarian food. For many airlines, AVML specifically means an Indian-style vegetarian meal.

What Does “Asian Vegetarian Meal” Mean on a Flight?

The name can be confusing because Asia contains many completely different cuisines.

Airline meal terminology developed around standardized special-meal codes. Under the AVML designation, airlines generally use flavors and ingredients associated with the Indian subcontinent.

You might receive:

• Dal with rice
• Chana masala
• Mixed vegetable curry
• Paneer curry
• Aloo-based dishes
• Vegetable pulao
• Roti or bread
• Yogurt
• Fruit
• Indian-style dessert

The exact menu changes by airline, departure airport, catering company, flight length and cabin class.

What Food Is Usually Served in an AVML?

There is no fixed AVML menu. The code describes dietary requirements and general cooking style rather than one specific dish.

Part of Meal	Possible AVML Foods
Main dish	Dal, vegetable curry, chana masala, paneer, mixed vegetables
Rice	Basmati rice, pulao or other seasoned rice
Bread	Roti, paratha, naan or bread roll depending on caterer
Side	Vegetables, salad or lentil preparation
Dairy	Yogurt, paneer, milk-based item or butter may be included
Dessert	Fruit, Indian sweet or dairy-based dessert

Do not choose AVML because you expect a particular curry. Special-meal codes control the dietary category, not the exact menu.

What Is Not Included in an AVML Meal?

An AVML should not contain:

• Chicken
• Lamb
• Beef
• Pork
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Other seafood
• Eggs
• Meat-based sauces or gravies

Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines all describe their AVML-type meals as excluding meat, seafood and eggs.

AVML is vegetarian, but it is not necessarily vegan. Milk, yogurt, cheese, paneer, butter or other dairy ingredients may be used.

Does an Asian Vegetarian Meal Include Eggs?

No. AVML normally excludes eggs.

This makes AVML particularly useful for many Indian vegetarian passengers because the airline meaning of “vegetarian” elsewhere can sometimes include eggs.

For example, a VLML Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Meal can include:

• Eggs
• Cheese
• Milk
• Other dairy products

AVML, by contrast, excludes eggs while still permitting dairy.

If you eat Indian vegetarian food, consume dairy but avoid eggs, AVML is generally a better match than VLML.

Does an Asian Vegetarian Meal Include Dairy?

It can.

AVML may contain:

• Milk
• Paneer
• Yogurt or curd
• Butter
• Ghee
• Cheese
• Milk-based desserts

If you do not consume dairy, AVML is not the safest meal code.

Instead, look for VGML Vegan Meal, which is designed to exclude animal-derived ingredients such as dairy and eggs.

What Is an Asian Vegetarian Meal on an Air India Flight?

Air India currently describes its Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVML) as a vegetarian meal prepared in an Indian style.

According to Air India:

• No meat is included.
• No seafood is included.
• No egg is included.
• Dairy products may be included.

This makes AVML one of the clearest Air India special-meal options for a passenger following a conventional Indian vegetarian diet that permits dairy.

Air India currently asks passengers to request special meals at least 24 hours before departure.

Air India tip: If your booking shows AVML under special meals, you have selected the Indian-style vegetarian special meal rather than HNML.

What Is the Difference Between a Vegetarian Meal and an Asian Vegetarian Meal?

The word vegetarian by itself can describe several different airline meals.

An AVML is much more specific.

Meal	Typical Style	Eggs?	Dairy?
AVML Asian Vegetarian	Indian / South Asian	No	May contain
VLML Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian	Often international/Western style	Yes, may contain	Yes, may contain
VGML Vegan	Varies	No	No
VJML Jain	Indian style	No	Airline recipe dependent; Jain restrictions also apply

For an Indian passenger who says, “I am vegetarian and I don't eat eggs,” AVML is often closer to the intended diet than simply selecting a generic vegetarian option.

What Is the Difference Between AVML and VGML?

This is one of the most important distinctions.

Feature	AVML	VGML
Vegetarian	Yes	Yes
Meat	No	No
Fish / seafood	No	No
Eggs	No	No
Dairy	May contain	No
Paneer	Possible	No
Ghee / butter	Possible	No
Typical cuisine	Indian / South Asian	Varies by airline

Choose AVML if you want Indian vegetarian food and are comfortable with dairy. Choose VGML if you want a fully plant-based meal without dairy or eggs.

For a broader comparison, read Vegan vs Vegetarian Meals on Flights: Airline Meal Codes Guide.

AVML vs VLML: What Is the Difference?

VLML means Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal.

This is where Western and Indian understandings of vegetarian food can create problems.

VLML may include:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Cheese
• Other dairy products
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Soy products

It excludes meat, poultry, fish and seafood.

AVML is different because it:

• Uses Indian/South Asian flavors.
• Excludes eggs.
• May contain dairy.

If you are an Indian vegetarian who does not eat eggs, do not assume every “vegetarian meal” means egg-free. AVML is usually the clearer choice.

AVML vs VJML Jain Meal

VJML means Vegetarian Jain Meal.

Both AVML and VJML are vegetarian and exclude meat, seafood and eggs, but Jain meals have additional ingredient restrictions.

Ingredient / Rule	AVML	VJML
Meat / seafood	No	No
Egg	No	No
Indian-style preparation	Usually	Usually
Onion	Can be used	No
Garlic	Can be used	No
Potatoes / root vegetables	Can be used	Restricted
Mushrooms	Can be used	Typically excluded

If you specifically follow Jain dietary requirements, order VJML rather than AVML.

Read Jain Meal on Flights (VJML): Menu and How to Order.

What Is the Difference Between a Hindu Meal and an Asian Vegetarian Meal?

This is probably the most important source of confusion among Indian passengers.

AVML is vegetarian. HNML is not.

Feature	AVML	HNML
Full name	Asian Vegetarian Meal	Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal
Vegetarian?	Yes	No
Chicken	No	May contain
Lamb	No	May contain
Fish	No	May contain
Beef	No	Excluded under HNML specifications
Pork	No	Generally excluded under HNML specifications
Dairy	May contain	May contain
Typical style	Indian vegetarian	Indian-style non-vegetarian

Do not order HNML just because you are Hindu. HNML can contain chicken, lamb or fish. If you want an Indian vegetarian meal, choose AVML.

For the complete comparison, read HNML vs AVML: Which Airline Meal Should You Choose?.

You can also read HNML Meal on Flights: Is a Hindu Meal Vegetarian? and Hindu Meal HNML Confusion: Chicken or Fish Explained.

What Is the Difference Between an Asian Vegetarian Meal and an East Asian Vegetarian Meal?

This question highlights an unfortunate naming problem.

AVML usually means Indian-style vegetarian food, not East Asian vegetarian cuisine.

For airlines using the standard special-meal terminology, the closer option for an East Asian-style vegetarian meal is often VOML — Vegetarian Oriental Meal.

Meal	AVML	VOML
Style	Indian / South Asian	East Asian / Oriental style
Meat	No	No
Fish / seafood	No	No
Egg	No	No
Dairy	May contain	Generally excluded
Likely flavors	Indian spices, curries, dal	Rice, vegetables and East Asian-style preparation

Air India describes VOML as an Oriental-style vegetarian meal containing no meat, seafood, egg or dairy products and notes that it is available only on select international sectors.

AVML does not mean “all Asian vegetarian food.” Think Indian vegetarian when you see AVML and East Asian vegetarian when you see VOML.

Which Airline Meal Should Indian Vegetarians Choose?

The answer depends on what you personally eat.

Your Diet	Best Meal Code to Check
Indian vegetarian, dairy okay, no eggs	AVML
Vegan, no dairy or eggs	VGML
Jain diet	VJML
Vegetarian but eggs and dairy are okay	VLML
East Asian-style vegetarian	VOML, when available
Indian-style non-vegetarian without beef/pork	HNML

For many Indian vegetarians, AVML is the most intuitive international airline meal code because it excludes eggs but still permits familiar dairy-based Indian foods.

Is an AVML Meal Spicy?

AVML is typically seasoned with Indian spices and may be mildly or moderately spicy, but there is no fixed spice level.

Qatar Airways describes AVML as flavored with spices associated with the Indian subcontinent and says it may be mildly spicy. Singapore Airlines says its AVML is usually spicy.

The actual heat level depends heavily on:

• Airline
• Departure catering station
• Route
• Individual dish
• Catering supplier

AVML is not a bland-meal code. If you need low-spice or easily digestible food for medical reasons, AVML may not be the appropriate special meal.

Can AVML Include Paneer, Ghee or Yogurt?

Yes. Because AVML may contain dairy products, dishes containing paneer, milk, yogurt, butter or ghee are possible.

That is why AVML should not be selected by someone who is:

• Vegan
• Strictly dairy-free
• Allergic to milk proteins

If your concern is lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, select the meal designed for that dietary requirement when the airline offers one rather than assuming AVML will be suitable.

Is AVML Safe for Food Allergies?

AVML is a dietary meal category, not an allergy guarantee.

The code tells the caterer what broad ingredients should or should not be included. It does not automatically guarantee protection from:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Milk
• Gluten
• Soy
• Sesame
• Cross-contact

Indian-style foods can commonly contain nuts, dairy, wheat, sesame and other allergens.

If you have a serious food allergy, do not rely only on the AVML code. Contact the airline directly about its allergy procedures and carry appropriate emergency medication.

See Peanut Allergies on India Flights: Safety Guide, Airline Policies & Travel Tips.

How Do You Order an AVML Meal?

AVML is normally a special meal request. You should request it before the airline's cutoff time rather than waiting until you are onboard.

• Open your airline booking. Use the airline website or app.
• Find Manage Booking.
• Open the meals or special-services section.
• Look for Asian Vegetarian Meal or AVML.
• Select AVML for each applicable flight sector.
• Save the change.
• Check your booking again to confirm AVML appears.
• Reconfirm after any flight or schedule change.

Air India currently asks passengers to request special meals at least 24 hours before departure.

Take a screenshot of your booking showing “AVML.” It can be useful if the meal request disappears after an aircraft, flight-number or ticket change.

What Happens to AVML on a Codeshare Flight?

A special meal becomes more complicated when your ticket has one airline's flight number but another airline actually operates the aircraft.

For example, the airline that sold your ticket may display an AVML request, but the operating airline is ultimately responsible for loading food on the aircraft.

Before a codeshare journey:

• Check the operating carrier.
• Confirm that carrier offers AVML.
• Confirm the request for every segment.
• Recheck after a schedule change.
• Contact the operating airline if the booking does not show your meal.

Special meals do not always transfer perfectly between airline reservation systems. Reconfirming is particularly worthwhile when multiple airlines are involved.

What If Your AVML Meal Is Missing?

Even a confirmed special meal can occasionally fail to reach the aircraft because of:

• Late booking changes
• Catering errors
• Aircraft substitutions
• Codeshare communication problems
• A last-minute flight change

If your meal is missing:

• Show the cabin crew your confirmed meal request.
• Ask whether another vegetarian meal is available.
• Ask what ingredients are in the substitute before eating it.
• Do not assume HNML is a vegetarian substitute.
• Keep packaged snacks with you when dietary restrictions are important.

For permitted snack ideas, see Are Snacks Allowed on Planes in India? Carry-On Guide.

What If You Ordered AVML but Were Served Non-Vegetarian Food?

If the tray label says AVML but something looks like meat or fish, stop eating and ask the cabin crew to verify the dish.

Do not rely purely on appearance because:

• Soy products can resemble meat.
• Paneer can look unfamiliar in some preparations.
• Vegetable proteins may be used.

But if you believe the food is genuinely non-vegetarian:

• Notify the crew immediately.
• Keep the tray and meal label available for inspection.
• Take a photo if appropriate.
• Record your flight number and seat.
• Contact the airline after landing if the issue is not resolved.

Read Vegetarian Meal Served Non-Veg on Flight: What to Do.

Airline Vegetarian Meal Codes Compared

Code	Meal	Eggs?	Dairy?	Key Difference
AVML	Asian / Indian Vegetarian	No	May contain	Indian-style vegetarian
VGML	Vegan Meal	No	No	Plant-based
VLML	Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian	May contain	May contain	Vegetarian but eggs allowed
VJML	Vegetarian Jain Meal	No	Check airline specification	No onion, garlic and specified root vegetables
VOML	Vegetarian Oriental Meal	No	No	East Asian-style vegetarian
HNML	Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal	Airline-specific	May contain	Can contain chicken, lamb or fish

The easiest memory trick: AVML = Indian vegetarian. VGML = vegan. VJML = Jain. VLML = vegetarian that may contain eggs. VOML = East Asian-style vegetarian. HNML = Hindu non-vegetarian.

Related Airline Meal Guides

• Airline Meals Explained: Codes, Special Meals & What to Order
• HNML vs AVML: Which Airline Meal Should You Choose?
• HNML Meal on Flights: Is a Hindu Meal Vegetarian?
• Hindu Meal HNML Confusion: Chicken or Fish Explained
• Vegan vs Vegetarian Meals on Flights: Airline Meal Codes Guide
• Vegetarian In-Flight Meals: Codes, Options and Ordering Tips
• Jain Meal on Flights (VJML): Menu and How to Order
• Gluten-free Meal on Flights (GFML) - Domestic & International
• Diabetic Meal (DBML) on Flights: India Airlines, How to Order & Travel Tips
• Kosher and Halal Meals on Flights: Airline Meal Codes Guide
• Child Meal on Flights: How to Order CHML
• Baby Meal on Flights: BBML, Baby Food and Rules
• Vegetarian Meal Served Non-Veg on Flight: What to Do
• Peanut Allergies on India Flights: Safety Guide, Airline Policies & Travel Tips
• Are Snacks Allowed on Planes in India? Carry-On Guide
• Do India Domestic Airlines Provide Free Meals? Complete Airline Guide
• Is Food Free on IndiGo Flights?

Official Airline Sources

• Air India Special Meals and AVML
• Emirates Dietary Requirements and AVML
• Qatar Airways Special Meals
• Singapore Airlines Special Meals

Bottom Line

AVML is one of the best airline meal codes to remember if you are an Indian vegetarian. It means Asian Vegetarian Meal, but in airline terminology it normally refers to an Indian or South Asian-style vegetarian meal.

AVML contains no meat, fish, seafood or eggs, but dairy products such as paneer, yogurt, milk, butter or ghee may be included.

The most important mistake to avoid is confusing AVML with HNML. HNML is a non-vegetarian Hindu meal and can contain chicken, lamb or fish.

If you want Indian vegetarian food and eat dairy but avoid eggs, AVML is usually the strongest match. If you avoid all animal-derived ingredients, choose VGML. If you follow Jain dietary rules, choose VJML. If eggs are acceptable, VLML may also work.

Updated: August 23, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s

What does Asian vegetarian meal mean on a flight?

An Asian Vegetarian Meal, coded AVML, is generally an Indian or South Asian-style vegetarian airline meal. It contains no meat, fish, seafood or eggs but may contain dairy products such as paneer, yogurt, milk, butter or ghee.

What is an Asian vegetarian meal?

AVML is a vegetarian special meal prepared with flavors associated with the Indian subcontinent. Typical dishes may include dal, vegetable curry, chickpeas, rice, roti, paneer, yogurt, fruit or an Indian-style dessert.

What is an Asian vegetarian meal on an Air India flight?

Air India defines AVML as a vegetarian meal prepared in an Indian style. It contains no meat, seafood or eggs, although dairy products may be included.

Does an Asian vegetarian meal include eggs?

No. AVML normally excludes eggs. This is one important difference between AVML and VLML, because a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Meal may contain eggs.

Does AVML contain dairy?

It may. AVML can contain dairy products such as milk, paneer, yogurt, butter or ghee. Passengers who want no dairy should consider a VGML vegan meal instead.

What is the difference between a vegetarian meal and an Asian vegetarian meal?

AVML is specifically an Indian-style vegetarian meal that excludes eggs but may contain dairy. Other vegetarian meal codes can follow different cooking styles and may allow eggs or exclude dairy.

What is the difference between AVML and VGML?

Both exclude meat, seafood and eggs. AVML may contain dairy and is normally Indian-style, while VGML is vegan and excludes dairy and other animal-derived ingredients.

What is the difference between AVML and VLML?

AVML does not contain eggs but may contain dairy. VLML, or Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Meal, may contain both eggs and dairy. AVML is normally prepared in an Indian style.

What is the difference between a Hindu meal and an Asian vegetarian meal?

AVML is vegetarian. HNML is a Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal and may contain chicken, lamb or fish while excluding meats restricted under the airline's HNML specification. Vegetarian passengers should not choose HNML assuming that the word Hindu means vegetarian.

What is the difference between an Asian vegetarian meal and an East Asian vegetarian meal?

AVML normally means Indian or South Asian-style vegetarian food. Airlines commonly use VOML, or Vegetarian Oriental Meal, for an East Asian-style vegetarian meal. VOML generally excludes meat, seafood, eggs and dairy.

Is AVML an Indian vegetarian meal?

Yes. Although the code expands to Asian Vegetarian Meal, major airlines commonly describe AVML as an Indian-style or Indian-subcontinent vegetarian meal.

Is AVML vegan?

No. AVML may contain dairy products. If you need a fully plant-based meal with no dairy or eggs, request VGML.

Is AVML Jain?

No. AVML can contain onion, garlic, potatoes and other ingredients excluded from a Jain meal. Passengers following Jain dietary rules should request VJML.

Is an AVML meal spicy?

It can be mildly or moderately spicy because it uses Indian-subcontinent flavors and spices. The actual heat level varies by airline, route and catering station.

Can AVML contain paneer?

Yes. Dairy is permitted in AVML, so paneer may be included. Yogurt, milk, butter, ghee or dairy-based desserts may also appear.

How do I order an AVML meal?

Open your airline booking and look under meals or special services for Asian Vegetarian Meal or AVML. Request it before the airline's deadline and verify that the AVML code appears in your booking. Air India currently asks passengers to request special meals at least 24 hours before departure.

What if my AVML meal is not loaded on the flight?

Show cabin crew your confirmed special-meal request and ask whether another vegetarian meal is available. Do not accept HNML as a vegetarian replacement because HNML can contain meat or fish. Carrying permitted backup snacks can also help when a strict diet is important.

Do Airlines Provide Free Blankets and Pillows?

Sometimes—but a blanket and pillow are no longer something you should expect simply because your flight is international or lasts several hours. On full-service long-haul airlines, complimentary bedding is still common. On Indian domestic flights and low-cost airlines such as IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India Express, the experience can be very different.

Air India provides blankets and pillows on many long-haul aircraft, including Economy on its Airbus A350. IndiGo normally does not give standard Economy passengers free bedding on ordinary flights, although blankets and neck pillows can be purchased on international flights and selected long-haul premium products include them. Akasa Air and Air India Express do not advertise complimentary blankets and pillows as a standard Economy amenity across their networks.

This guide explains what passengers should realistically expect on Indian domestic flights, India-to-USA and India-to-Europe flights, Gulf routes, overnight flights and major international airlines—and whether you can bring your own blanket or travel pillow instead.

Quick answer: Free blankets and pillows are most common on full-service long-haul international flights. Do not expect them automatically on Indian domestic flights or low-cost international services. Air India is the strongest Indian-airline option for complimentary bedding on long-haul flights. On normal IndiGo Economy flights, bring your own or purchase one where the service is offered.

Table of Contents

• Which Airlines Give Free Blankets and Pillows?
• Airline Blanket and Pillow Comparison
• Domestic vs International Flights
• Does Air India Give Free Blankets and Pillows?
• Air India A350 Economy
• What About Air India Domestic Flights?
• Does IndiGo Give Blankets and Pillows?
• IndiGo Domestic Flights
• IndiGo International Flights
• IndiGo Long-Haul and A321XLR Flights
• Does Akasa Air Provide Blankets?
• Does Air India Express Provide Blankets?
• Does SpiceJet Provide Blankets and Pillows?
• What About International Airlines?
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• Does a 4-Hour Flight Give You a Blanket?
• Do Overnight Flights Provide Blankets?
• Are Blankets Free in Economy Class?
• Can You Ask the Crew for a Blanket?
• Can You Ask for an Extra Blanket or Pillow?
• Can You Keep an Airline Blanket?
• Are Airline Blankets Clean?
• Do Children Get Blankets and Pillows?
• Can You Bring Your Own Blanket?
• Can You Bring a Travel Pillow?
• Does a Blanket or Pillow Count as Carry-On?
• Why Do Airplane Cabins Feel So Cold?
• What Should You Pack for a Cold Flight?
• How to Check Before Flying
• Related Airline Amenity Guides
• Official Sources
• Frequently Asked Questions

Which Airlines Give Free Blankets and Pillows?

The easiest way to predict whether you will receive bedding is to look at the airline business model, cabin class, aircraft and flight length.

A long-haul full-service flight is much more likely to include a blanket and pillow than a short-haul low-cost flight.

Flight / Airline	Blanket	Pillow	What to Expect
Air India long-haul	Commonly free	Commonly free	Especially newer widebody aircraft
Air India A350 Economy	Yes	Yes	Published Economy amenity
Air India domestic	Not standard on every flight	Not standard on every flight	Do not assume
IndiGo domestic Economy	No standard free blanket	No standard free pillow	Bring your own
IndiGo international Economy	Available for purchase on applicable flights	Neck pillow available for purchase	Not normally complimentary
IndiGo A321XLR Economy	Available for purchase/pre-booking	Accessory availability varies	Free in IndiGoStretch, not normal Economy
IndiGo leased long-haul 787 Economy	Pre-book/purchase	Pre-book/purchase	Complimentary in Stretch cabins
Akasa Air	Not advertised as standard free amenity	Not advertised as standard free amenity	Bring your own
Air India Express	Not advertised as standard free amenity	Not advertised as standard free amenity	Bring your own
SpiceJet standard Economy	Do not assume	Do not assume	SpiceMax differs
SpiceJet SpiceMax select international	Yes	Yes	Included with SpiceMax on select international flights
Emirates long-haul Economy	Yes	Yes	Standard comfort product, route dependent
Qatar Airways Economy	Yes on applicable long-haul service	Service/route dependent	Full-service long-haul product

Never assume “international flight = blanket.” A five-hour IndiGo or Akasa flight can still have a low-cost cabin product without complimentary bedding.

Airline Blankets and Pillows: What Actually Matters?

Don't Assume	Check Instead
International means free bedding	Check whether the airline is full-service or low-cost
A long flight must have blankets	Check the specific airline and cabin
Air India provides them on every flight	Long-haul and newer widebody service is different from domestic
IndiGo never has blankets	Blankets can be purchased on international flights and are included in some premium long-haul products
A pillow at your seat is yours to take home	Reusable airline bedding normally remains airline property
You cannot bring your own	A personal blanket or travel pillow is usually permitted subject to baggage rules

Domestic vs International: Does It Matter?

Yes, but international status alone does not guarantee anything.

Indian Domestic Flight

On a normal domestic flight of one to three hours, complimentary bedding is unusual.

You generally should not expect a free blanket and pillow on:

• IndiGo
• Akasa Air
• Air India Express
• SpiceJet standard Economy

Air India is full-service, but a blanket and pillow should still not be assumed on every short domestic sector.

Indian Low-Cost International Flight

Routes such as:

• India → Dubai
• India → Abu Dhabi
• India → Doha
• India → Muscat
• India → Bangkok
• India → Singapore

can last several hours while still operating with essentially a low-cost short-haul cabin product.

Full-Service Long-Haul Flight

On routes such as India to:

• USA
• Canada
• UK
• Europe
• Australia

complimentary bedding becomes much more common on full-service airlines.

Think airline + aircraft + cabin, not simply domestic vs international.

Does Air India Give Free Blankets and Pillows?

Yes on many long-haul flights, but do not turn that into “every Air India flight has a blanket and pillow.”

Air India's newer international cabin products clearly include bedding.

The airline's current A350 specifications, for example, specifically list a:

• Blanket
• Pillow

as part of the Economy Class experience.

Premium cabins receive enhanced bedding depending on aircraft and route.

India-to-USA or India-to-Europe on a newer Air India widebody? Your chances of complimentary bedding are much better than on a short domestic Air India flight.

Does Air India A350 Economy Get a Blanket and Pillow?

Yes.

Air India's official Airbus A350-900 cabin page lists the following Economy features:

• Adjustable headrest
• 12-inch HD entertainment screen
• Earbuds
• Full-course hot meals
• Blanket and pillow
• USB power

That makes the A350 one of the easiest Indian aircraft on which to answer the bedding question confidently.

If sleep and onboard comfort matter on a long Air India journey, the A350 is one of the most predictable choices.

Does Air India Give Blankets on Domestic Flights?

Do not assume it.

Air India operates domestic flights with different aircraft, cabin configurations and service levels.

A widebody aircraft being positioned on a domestic sector may provide a different experience from a normal narrowbody A320-family flight.

Short flight length also makes bedding less necessary operationally.

Domestic Air India rule of thumb: If you need a blanket for medical comfort, sleep or because you get cold easily, carry your own lightweight wrap rather than relying on the aircraft.

Does IndiGo Give Free Blankets and Pillows?

Not as a normal complimentary Economy amenity.

This is another case where “IndiGo doesn't provide blankets” is slightly too broad.

IndiGo's current international travel guidance says:

• Blankets are available onboard for purchase.
• Neck pillows are available for purchase.
• Eye masks are available for purchase.
• Dental kits are available for purchase.

Some items can also be pre-booked and collected onboard.

Practical IndiGo answer: On ordinary Economy flights, do not expect a free blanket or pillow. On eligible international services you may be able to buy them.

Does IndiGo Give Blankets on Domestic Flights?

Do not count on one.

IndiGo itself recommends that passengers carry a blanket or shawl for their own comfort.

That is useful advice because cabin temperature is not guaranteed to match what you find comfortable.

Best Plan for a Normal IndiGo Domestic Flight

• Wear a light layer.
• Carry a shawl or compact jacket.
• Bring a small travel pillow if you need neck support.
• Do not rely on the cabin crew having spare blankets.

Does IndiGo Give Blankets on International Flights?

On ordinary IndiGo international Economy flights, blankets and pillows are not normally complimentary.

IndiGo currently says international passengers can purchase:

• Blanket
• Neck pillow
• Eye mask
• Dental kit

Availability can be limited, so pre-booking can be preferable when offered.

A four- or five-hour IndiGo international flight does not suddenly become a full-service flight. If you want guaranteed bedding, bring your own or purchase/pre-book the applicable amenity.

What About IndiGo Long-Haul and A321XLR Flights?

IndiGo's newer long-haul products complicate the simple answer.

A321XLR Economy

On IndiGo's A321XLR international operation, travel accessories such as blankets are currently:

Available for purchase or pre-booking in Economy.

A321XLR IndiGoStretch

Travel accessories are complimentary in IndiGoStretch.

Norse-Operated Boeing 787 Flights

IndiGo's current FAQ for Norse-operated long-haul aircraft says:

• IndiGoStretch and Stretch+: pillows and blankets are complimentary.
• Economy: passengers must pre-book or purchase them, subject to availability.

Cabin class now matters on IndiGo long-haul. “IndiGo never gives free blankets” is no longer completely accurate, but it remains true for the standard Economy experience most passengers know.

Does Akasa Air Provide Free Blankets and Pillows?

Akasa does not currently advertise complimentary blankets and pillows as a standard Economy amenity across its network.

Akasa's passenger product focuses on features such as:

• Modern Boeing 737 MAX cabins
• Café Akasa food
• USB charging on many aircraft
• SkyBeats music
• SkyLights cabin ambience

For a normal domestic or international Akasa flight, the safest plan is to bring your own light layer and travel pillow if you need them.

Akasa international does not mean long-haul full-service amenities. A flight to the Gulf can still operate with the same low-cost cabin philosophy as a domestic sector.

Does Air India Express Provide Blankets and Pillows?

Air India Express does not currently advertise blanket-and-pillow service as a standard complimentary amenity across its Economy network.

Its low-cost model instead emphasizes optional extras such as:

• Gourmair meals
• Seat selection
• Extra cabin baggage
• Priority services
• AirFlix entertainment

The airline's cabin baggage guidance does explicitly allow a passenger to carry a rug or blanket as one of its listed personal items, subject to its rules.

Flying Air India Express overnight? If you get cold easily, bringing your own compact blanket, shawl or jacket is more reliable than expecting cabin bedding.

Does SpiceJet Provide Blankets and Pillows?

SpiceJet has an interesting exception through its SpiceMax product.

Current SpiceJet terms say that:

Pillows and blankets are available to SpiceMax passengers on select international flights.

That does not mean every SpiceJet Economy ticket includes bedding.

SpiceJet Passenger	Blanket / Pillow
Standard domestic Economy	Do not assume
Standard international Economy	Do not assume
SpiceMax select international	Pillow and blanket included

This is why checking your fare product matters. Two passengers on the same airline can receive different comfort amenities.

Do International Airlines Give Free Blankets and Pillows?

Full-service long-haul airlines commonly do, particularly on overnight flights.

But even internationally, you should avoid creating a universal rule.

Service can depend on:

• Flight duration
• Aircraft
• Cabin class
• Daytime vs overnight schedule
• Route
• Airline service policy

For travelers between India and the USA, Canada, UK, Europe or Australia, traditional full-service airlines generally have a much stronger bedding product than low-cost regional carriers.

Does Emirates Give Free Blankets and Pillows?

Yes on its applicable long-haul Economy service.

Emirates specifically promotes blankets and pillows as part of its onboard comfort experience.

The airline says passengers can relax with a pillow and soft blanket, while Economy passengers on longer flights can also receive complimentary amenity kits.

Emirates notes that amenities can vary by:

• Route
• Flight duration
• Aircraft type
• Aircraft configuration

Emirates illustrates the full-service difference: bedding is part of its long-haul Economy comfort product rather than a paid accessory.

Does Qatar Airways Give Blankets in Economy?

Yes on applicable long-haul service.

Qatar Airways' current Economy Class description specifically promotes a warm blanket as part of the onboard comfort experience.

Exact pillow and amenity setup can still depend on route and service length.

Does Singapore Airlines Provide Blankets and Pillows?

Singapore Airlines provides bedding according to flight length and cabin service.

For example, the airline currently confirms blankets and pillows in all cabins on long-haul sectors such as Rome–Singapore, with bedding appropriate to flight length on the connecting Singapore–Kolkata service.

This is a good example of why the same airline can provide different bedding on different sectors of one itinerary.

Does a 4-Hour Flight Give You a Blanket?

Not necessarily.

A four-hour journey could be:

• A full-service airline with blankets
• An IndiGo Economy flight where a blanket must be purchased
• An Akasa flight where you should bring your own
• An Air India aircraft with a different service depending on route

Flight duration does not create a blanket entitlement.

Do Overnight Flights Provide Blankets and Pillows?

Overnight scheduling increases the likelihood that a full-service long-haul airline will provide bedding.

But a red-eye departure alone is not enough.

An overnight low-cost flight can still offer exactly the same cabin amenities as its daytime equivalent.

Example

An overnight:

Delhi → Dubai

flight on a low-cost airline does not automatically include a blanket simply because passengers would like to sleep.

Are Blankets and Pillows Free in Economy Class?

On many full-service long-haul airlines, yes.

Examples include long-haul Economy products from airlines such as Air India, Emirates and Qatar Airways on applicable services.

On Indian low-cost carriers, the answer is usually:

• Not included
• Available for purchase on certain flights
• Available only with a premium cabin/product
• Not offered as a standard amenity

Can You Ask the Cabin Crew for a Blanket?

Yes—you can always ask, but availability is not guaranteed.

If the airline carries spare bedding, cabin crew may be able to provide it.

However:

• The aircraft may not carry blankets at all.
• Supplies may be limited.
• They may be reserved for certain cabins.
• The airline may sell rather than give them away.

If you're genuinely cold, ask politely. But on a low-cost flight, do not assume cabin crew have a hidden supply of complimentary blankets.

Can You Ask for an Extra Blanket or Pillow?

On a full-service long-haul flight, you can ask.

Whether you receive one depends on spare inventory after passengers have been supplied.

Extra bedding is more likely to be limited when:

• The flight is full.
• Many passengers ask at once.
• The aircraft carries a tightly controlled bedding quantity.
• You are in Economy rather than a premium cabin.

Can You Keep the Airline Blanket or Pillow?

Usually no.

The standard blanket and pillow supplied at your seat are normally reusable airline service items.

They are collected, cleaned or processed according to the airline's service arrangements and used again.

Do not put one in your bag unless the airline specifically tells you that the item is yours to keep.

What Can You Keep?

Some airlines provide disposable or take-home items such as:

• Eye masks
• Socks
• Dental kits
• Amenity-kit pouches

Those are different from the reusable cabin blanket.

Don't assume “it was on my seat, so I paid for it.” Airline bedding usually remains airline property.

Are Airline Blankets and Pillows Clean?

Airlines normally have procedures for collecting and preparing reusable bedding between uses, but the process and packaging differ by carrier.

A sealed blanket can provide reassurance that it was prepared for the flight, but packaging style itself does not tell you everything about the cleaning process.

If You Prefer Your Own

Consider carrying:

• Compact travel blanket
• Large shawl
• Light fleece
• Inflatable travel pillow
• Neck pillow with washable cover

Do Children Get Blankets and Pillows?

On full-service long-haul airlines, children usually receive the same basic bedding as other passengers where blankets and pillows are part of the cabin service.

Some airlines offer additional child-focused comfort items.

Emirates, for example, specifically promotes pillows and blankets for children as part of its family Economy experience.

On Indian low-cost carriers, however, having a child does not necessarily make a complimentary blanket appear.

Traveling with a baby or small child? Carry a familiar lightweight blanket if baggage rules permit. It can be useful both onboard and during cold airport layovers.

Can You Bring Your Own Blanket on a Plane?

Generally yes, subject to the airline's cabin baggage rules.

Air India's current cabin baggage rules specifically list a rug/blanket as an eligible small personal item in addition to standard cabin baggage, subject to its conditions.

Air India Express also lists a rug or blanket among permitted personal items.

Good Options

• Thin fleece blanket
• Large shawl
• Pashmina
• Packable travel blanket

A bulky bedroom comforter is obviously much less practical.

Can You Bring a Travel Pillow on a Flight?

Generally yes.

A small neck pillow is a common travel item.

However, the airline ultimately controls how cabin baggage and additional personal items are counted.

A small neck pillow attached to your backpack is unlikely to create the same baggage issue as carrying a giant bed pillow separately.

Low-cost airline traveler: compact is better. Anything large enough to look like another piece of cabin baggage can attract attention at the gate.

Does a Blanket or Pillow Count as Carry-On?

This depends on the airline.

Some carriers explicitly permit items such as:

• Overcoat
• Wrap
• Blanket

in addition to standard cabin baggage.

But there is no worldwide “pillows never count” rule.

If your pillow is stuffed with clothing or is effectively another large bag, the airline can treat the situation differently.

Why Do Airplane Cabins Feel So Cold?

Cabin temperature can vary substantially during:

• Boarding
• Taxi
• Cruise
• Meal service
• Overnight portions of a flight

The temperature that feels comfortable to one passenger can feel cold to another.

This is especially noticeable if you are:

• Wearing light summer clothes
• Trying to sleep
• Sitting still for several hours
• Directly under an air vent

What Should You Pack for a Cold Flight?

• Wear layers. A T-shirt plus light sweater is more flexible than one heavy garment.
• Carry a shawl or light jacket.
• Bring a neck pillow if you need one.
• Wear socks on a long overnight flight.
• Do not rely on low-cost airlines providing bedding.
• Check whether your airline sells a comfort kit before departure.
• Keep your warm layer in cabin baggage, not checked luggage.

How Can You Check If Your Flight Provides Blankets?

Before flying, check:

• The operating airline. Codeshare flights can have different amenities.
• Your cabin class. Economy and premium cabins may have different bedding.
• The aircraft. A350 service can differ from narrowbody service.
• The flight duration. Some airlines provide amenities only on longer routes.
• The airline's official onboard-services page.
• Your fare/product. IndiGoStretch and SpiceMax differ from standard Economy.

Bottom line: Free blankets and pillows are still common on full-service long-haul flights, but they are not a universal airline amenity. Air India provides them on many long-haul services, including A350 Economy. Standard IndiGo passengers should generally bring their own or purchase comfort items on eligible international flights, while IndiGoStretch provides complimentary bedding on selected long-haul operations. Akasa and Air India Express should be approached as bring-your-own comfort flights unless your specific service says otherwise.

Related Airline Amenities and Free Perks

• Free Airline Services and Perks in India
• Do Airlines in India Give Free Headphones or Earbuds?
• Do India Domestic Airlines Provide Free Meals?
• Is Food Free on IndiGo Flights?
• Are Drinks Free on Air India International Flights?
• Free Alcohol on International Flights
• Do You Get Free Alcohol on India Domestic Flights?
• Air India Lounge Secrets Revealed: Free Access & Reviews
• Free Airport Lounge Access in India
• Are Gate-Checked Bags Free?

Official Airline Sources

• Air India Airbus A350-900 Features
• Air India Cabin Baggage and Personal Items
• IndiGo International Travel Tips and Comfort Items
• IndiGo A321XLR Cabin Amenities
• IndiGo Norse Long-Haul Amenities
• Air India Express Inflight FAQ
• SpiceJet SpiceMax Amenities
• Emirates Onboard Comfort
• Qatar Airways Economy Class

Frequently Asked Questions

Do airlines provide free blankets and pillows?

Many full-service long-haul airlines provide complimentary blankets and pillows, particularly on overnight international flights. Indian domestic and low-cost airlines generally do not provide them as a standard free Economy amenity.

Does Air India provide free blankets and pillows?

Yes on many long-haul flights. Air India specifically lists a blanket and pillow as part of the Economy Class product on its Airbus A350. Availability on shorter domestic flights should not be assumed.

Does Air India Economy get a blanket?

On long-haul aircraft such as the A350, yes. Air India's official A350 Economy specifications include a blanket and pillow. Other aircraft and short routes can have different service.

Does IndiGo give free blankets?

Not as a normal complimentary Economy amenity. IndiGo says blankets and neck pillows can be purchased on international flights. Selected long-haul premium products such as IndiGoStretch include complimentary bedding.

Can you buy a blanket on IndiGo?

Yes on applicable international services. IndiGo says blankets, neck pillows, eye masks and dental kits can be purchased onboard, and some can be pre-booked before the flight.

Does IndiGo provide blankets on international flights?

Standard Economy passengers should not expect a free blanket. On A321XLR flights, travel accessories are available for purchase or pre-booking in Economy and complimentary in IndiGoStretch. On Norse-operated long-haul aircraft, pillows and blankets are complimentary for Stretch customers while Economy passengers pre-book or purchase them.

Does Akasa Air give free blankets?

Akasa does not advertise complimentary blanket-and-pillow service as a standard Economy amenity. Passengers who get cold easily should bring a lightweight layer or travel blanket.

Does Air India Express provide blankets?

Air India Express does not advertise free blankets and pillows as a standard Economy amenity across its network. Its baggage rules do allow passengers to carry a rug or blanket as a listed personal item, subject to applicable conditions.

Does SpiceJet give blankets and pillows?

SpiceJet says pillows and blankets are provided to SpiceMax passengers on select international flights. Standard Economy passengers should not assume they are included.

Does Emirates provide free blankets in Economy?

Yes on applicable long-haul Economy services. Emirates promotes blankets and pillows as part of its onboard comfort product, although amenities can vary according to route, aircraft and flight duration.

Does Qatar Airways give blankets in Economy?

Yes on applicable long-haul Economy services. Qatar Airways includes a warm blanket as part of its published Economy comfort experience.

Does a 4-hour flight provide a blanket?

Not automatically. A four-hour full-service flight may provide one, while a four-hour low-cost flight may not. Airline, cabin and route matter more than flight duration alone.

Do overnight flights provide blankets?

Full-service long-haul overnight flights commonly provide bedding, but an overnight departure alone does not guarantee it. Low-cost red-eye flights may offer no complimentary blanket or pillow.

Can I ask a flight attendant for a blanket?

Yes. If the aircraft carries spare bedding, cabin crew may be able to provide one. Availability is not guaranteed, particularly on low-cost flights or full flights.

Can I ask for an extra blanket on a flight?

You can ask, but extra bedding depends on available inventory after other passengers have been supplied.

Can you keep the blanket from an airplane?

Usually no. Standard reusable airline blankets and pillows normally remain airline property. Disposable or specifically designated take-home amenity-kit items are different.

Can I bring my own blanket on a plane?

Generally yes, subject to airline cabin baggage rules. Air India and Air India Express specifically list a rug or blanket among permitted personal items under their published baggage guidance.

Can I bring my own neck pillow?

Usually yes. A compact travel neck pillow is a common passenger item, although oversized pillows can potentially be considered part of your cabin baggage by the airline.

Does a travel pillow count as carry-on baggage?

There is no universal rule exempting every pillow from baggage limits. Small neck pillows are normally straightforward, but a large pillow or one stuffed with belongings can be treated differently by the airline.

Do children get blankets on flights?

On full-service flights where bedding is provided in Economy, children normally receive the applicable cabin bedding too. Some airlines such as Emirates also promote blankets, pillows and other comfort items specifically for children.

Should I bring my own blanket on an India flight?

If you are flying IndiGo, Akasa, Air India Express or another low-cost carrier and you get cold easily, bringing a compact shawl, jacket or travel blanket is the safest approach. Do not rely on complimentary bedding being available.