Peanut Allergies on India Flights: Airline Policies, EpiPens and Food Safety

Can you fly to or within India with a peanut allergy? Many people do, but preparation matters. Do not assume the aircraft, airline meal or neighbouring passengers’ snacks will be peanut-free.

• Contact the operating airline before travelling and discuss your individual needs.
• Carry your prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors within reach. Do not rely on the airline having an EpiPen.
• Vegetarian, vegan and diabetic meals are not peanut-free certifications.
• Bring food you have checked and can safely eat. Allow for delays and connections.
• In India, peanuts may be called groundnuts, moongphali or mungphali.

Updated November 2026. This guide supports travel planning; your allergist’s advice and personal emergency action plan should guide your medical preparations.

For a traveller with a peanut allergy, a flight involves more than choosing a meal. Food preparation, previous passengers’ snacks, medication access and communication with the crew all matter. Parents also need a plan that works when a child is tired, hungry or unable to explain symptoms clearly.

The aim is to reduce avoidable exposure and be ready to respond—not to mistake a special-meal request for a promise that the flight is allergy-free.

On This Page

• Air India, IndiGo and other airline policies
• Why special meal codes do not guarantee safety
• EpiPens and medication on India flights
• Before boarding: food, cleaning and requests
• What to do during an allergic emergency
• Peanuts and restaurant food in India
• Is peanut allergy common in India?
• Frequently asked questions

What Do Indian Airlines Say About Peanut Allergies?

A confirmed booking or special meal does not establish a peanut-free cabin. Check the airline actually operating each flight, including connecting and codeshare sectors. Different airlines may offer different assistance.

Airline	Published information	What it means for your trip
Air India	Its dining guidance warns that meals may contain nuts or traces because nut-containing products are handled in the preparation environment.	Do not treat a special meal as a guarantee against nuts or cross-contact.
IndiGo	Its conditions ask passengers to enquire about food ingredients and ensure they are not allergic to the contents.	Check the specific product. A vegetarian label or meal pre-order does not answer an allergy question.
Air India Express	Its terms state that it does not provide a nut-free environment and cannot provide an allergen-free meal, cabin or environment.	Plan for possible exposure from airline food and food carried by other passengers.
Akasa Air, SpiceJet and other carriers	Ask the operating airline directly about your requirements and the assistance available on your flight.	Do not assume another airline’s arrangements apply or that silence means the cabin is peanut-free.

Official references: Air India dining guidance, IndiGo conditions of carriage and Air India Express terms.

Which Airline Is Best for Peanut Allergies?

There is no responsible universal ranking that makes one airline safe for every allergic passenger. Compare the answers you receive about your actual itinerary:

• Can the airline record the allergy and explain what that notation achieves?
• Can it provide ingredient and cross-contact information?
• Can you board early to clean the seating area?
• Does it offer any seating accommodation or announcement?
• What medical assistance is available, and are there documentation requirements?

A vague reassurance such as “we have vegetarian food” does not address peanut allergy. Save written responses and reconfirm arrangements if your flight or operating carrier changes.

AVML, VGML and DBML Are Not Peanut-Free Meals

Do not select a meal code as a substitute for discussing your allergy. These codes describe dietary requirements, not a universal system for excluding peanut protein.

• AVML: An Asian vegetarian meal can contain peanuts or tree nuts.
• VGML: A vegan meal can contain nuts; they are plant foods.
• DBML: A diabetic meal is not designed to exclude peanuts.
• NLML: A low-lactose or non-lactose meal does not address peanut allergy.
• FPML: A fruit platter is not automatically protected against cross-contact.
• SPML: A special request is not proof that an allergen-free meal has been accepted or prepared.

Even when a recipe has no peanut ingredient, shared preparation surfaces, equipment or packaging processes may matter. Ask about both ingredients and cross-contact. If the answer is unclear, do not rely on that meal.

Our airline meals guide and vegan versus vegetarian meal guide explain the dietary distinctions.

Is an EpiPen Available on Indian Domestic Flights?

Do not assume an Indian domestic flight carries an EpiPen or another ready-to-use auto-injector. Stock adrenaline in a medical kit, where available, is not necessarily an auto-injector. Access and administration procedures can also differ.

The CDC’s guidance for severely allergic travellers specifically advises against relying on an airline as the only source of injectable epinephrine. Availability or access may be delayed.

What Should You Carry?

Food Allergy Research & Education recommends carrying two epinephrine doses. Discuss your supply, device and emergency plan with your clinician before departure.

• Keep prescribed rescue medication accessible in the cabin, never in checked baggage.
• Remove it before handing over a cabin bag for gate-checking.
• Carry your prescription, original labelled packaging and a medical letter explaining the need for the medication.
• Check expiry dates and follow the product’s storage instructions.
• Make sure a travelling companion knows where the medication is and how to use your particular device.

Check airline, security and destination requirements before an international journey. Do not postpone obtaining medication until you reach India or assume your usual brand will be readily available.

Before Boarding: Reduce Avoidable Exposure

Bring Food You Have Checked

Pack enough familiar food for the journey and a realistic delay. Check labels on every purchase, even when the brand looks familiar: ingredients can vary between products and countries.

Keep food protected from shared surfaces and avoid swapping snacks. Check liquid restrictions and destination food-import rules separately. Permission to eat something on the aircraft does not necessarily mean you may carry leftovers through arrival customs.

See our guides to snacks on India flights and bringing food into India.

Ask to Clean Your Seating Area

Request early boarding rather than assuming it will be offered. Clean the tray table, armrests and other hard surfaces you or your child will touch, following the wipe manufacturer’s instructions and crew guidance.

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia recommends detergent-based cleaning to remove food allergens. The purpose is physical removal of allergen residue, not simply killing germs. A specialist “allergen-denaturing” product is not universally required.

Wash hands with soap and water before eating where possible. Do not treat alcohol hand sanitiser as a substitute for removing food allergens. Keep food on its own clean wrapper or container.

Tell the Crew Clearly

A practical explanation is: “I have a serious peanut allergy. My prescribed emergency medication is here. Could you explain what assistance is available on this flight?” For a child, make sure the accompanying adults know the plan.

Ask about a seating change or announcement if needed, but do not build your safety plan around receiving one. There is no verified universal “under 85% full” rule that entitles you to empty adjacent seats. A buffer zone also cannot eliminate cross-contact or control every passenger’s food.

What About Peanuts in the Cabin Air?

The CDC describes reassuring evidence that inhalation-only or incidental skin contact without ingestion is unlikely to cause significant reactions. That does not make an aircraft allergen-free. Food handling and transfer from contaminated hands or surfaces remain practical concerns. Discuss your personal reaction history with your allergist rather than relying on cabin filters as protection.

What If an Allergic Reaction Starts During the Flight?

Possible anaphylaxis is an emergency. Warning signs can include throat or tongue swelling, difficulty breathing, faintness or collapse. A rash may occur, but do not wait for one.

1. Follow your emergency action plan and use your prescribed adrenaline auto-injector promptly when indicated. Do not delay treatment while waiting for someone to locate an airline medical kit.
2. Alert cabin crew immediately. State that you suspect anaphylaxis and explain what medication has been given.
3. Lie down if possible. If breathing is difficult, raise the shoulders or sit up slowly. Do not stand or walk, even if you start feeling better.
4. If symptoms have not improved after five minutes, use a second auto-injector as directed by your action plan.
5. Obtain urgent medical assessment. Improvement does not mean the emergency is over.

These immediate steps reflect NHS anaphylaxis guidance. Antihistamines do not replace adrenaline for anaphylaxis. The crew will coordinate the aircraft’s emergency response.

Eating in India With a Peanut or Tree Nut Allergy

Indian food is not one uniform cuisine. Recipes differ between regions, restaurants and individual cooks. A dish you ate safely elsewhere may have different ingredients in India.

Peanuts are also called groundnuts, moongphali or mungphali. Explain that this is an allergy, not a dislike or a request for less spice. A professionally translated allergy card in the relevant local language can help.

Ask specifically about chutneys, sauces, groundnut oil, snack mixtures, sweets and garnishes. If you also have a tree nut allergy, identify the relevant nuts—for example, cashews, almonds or pistachios—rather than assuming “no peanuts” covers them.

Peanut allergy and tree nut allergy are distinct. Your clinician should identify what you need to avoid. The peanut and tree nut allergy factsheet explains that distinction.

Can You Visit an Indian Restaurant?

Choose a restaurant that can discuss ingredients and preparation with you. Ask whether separate utensils, preparation surfaces and cooking oil can be used. Removing a garnish after cooking does not resolve ingredients already mixed into the dish.

A useful question is: “Can the kitchen prepare this without my allergens and prevent contact with them during preparation?” If staff cannot give a clear answer, choose another option.

A luxury hotel, familiar fast-food chain or small homestay is not automatically allergy-safe. Buffets and shared serving utensils also require caution. FARE’s overseas travel guidance recommends researching restaurants and planning how to communicate your needs before departure.

Is Peanut Allergy Common in India?

India does not have a single robust, nationally representative peanut-allergy percentage that can predict your travel risk. Published research includes regional studies, and results depend on age, location and how allergy was diagnosed.

A review of food-allergy research in India and other lower- and middle-income countries identifies limited community-based Indian evidence. Findings from one region should not be presented as a nationwide estimate.

Even where reported prevalence is lower, that does not make peanut-containing food safer for someone already diagnosed. Your precautions should follow your own allergy history.

Peanut Allergies on India Flights: FAQs

Are peanuts allowed on domestic and international flights?

There is no universal passenger-wide peanut ban. Airline food or passengers’ snacks may contain peanuts. Individual airlines may make specific arrangements, so check your flight rather than assuming a ban applies.

Will an airline definitely stop serving nuts if I ask?

No. Ask before booking what the airline can offer. An announcement, meal change or seating request is not the same as a guaranteed nut-free flight.

Can I fly with a severe nut allergy?

Many people do, but suitability and preparation are individual. Discuss recent reactions, asthma control, medication and the itinerary with your clinician, and clarify arrangements with the operating airline.

Does a vegetarian or vegan meal exclude peanuts?

No. These meal categories can include peanuts and tree nuts. They do not certify protection against cross-contact.

Which country or race has the most peanut allergies?

A simple ranking would be misleading without comparable studies using the same age groups and diagnostic methods. Race or nationality should not be used to judge whether someone’s reported allergy is serious.

What is the most common allergy in India?

That depends on whether the question concerns food allergy, allergic rhinitis, asthma or another condition, and which population is studied. There is no useful single answer for assessing the safety of your airline meal.

Can a peanut allergy go away?

Some children outgrow it, but many do not. An allergist should assess whether the allergy persists; do not test this yourself by eating peanuts. Read the guidance on outgrowing food allergies.

Is Indian food unsuitable for everyone with a nut allergy?

No, but recipes and kitchen practices need checking. Whether a particular meal is suitable depends on your allergens, its ingredients and how it is prepared—not simply whether it is Indian food.

Related Food and Flight Guides

• Air India Special Meal Codes Explained
• VGML Meal on Flights: Is a Vegan Meal Really Vegan?
• Which Airline Meal Has No Dairy?
• Gluten-Free Meals on Flights
• Water Bottle, Tiffin and Thermos on Indian Flights

VGML Meal on Flights: Is a Vegan Meal Really Vegan?

VGML is the airline meal code for a vegan meal, often described as a “Vegetarian Vegan Meal.” It is intended to exclude meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy, eggs, honey and other animal-derived ingredients.

But a meal request and the tray placed in front of you are not the same thing. Check that you received the correct meal, read the labels on separately packaged items and ask about anything unexpected. A vegan main course does not make a dairy butter packet vegan.

For India travellers, the biggest booking mistake is selecting “vegetarian” and assuming it means vegan. AVML can contain dairy; VGML is intended to exclude it.

Airline information reviewed: November 2026. Availability and request deadlines depend on the flight and operating airline.

On This Page

• What does VGML mean?
• Is the entire meal really vegan?
• VGML and Yoghurt (Curd), Milk and Cheese
• VGML vs AVML and other meal codes
• Does Air India offer vegan meals?
• Does IndiGo offer vegan meals?
• Which other airlines offer VGML?
• How and when to request your meal
• What to check on your tray
• Vegan meals and food allergies
• What if your vegan meal is missing or wrong?
• Frequently asked questions

What Does VGML Mean on a Flight?

VGML means a vegan meal, not simply a meat-free meal. Airline descriptions may use “Vegan Meal,” “Vegetarian Vegan Meal” or similar wording.

A vegan meal should exclude:

• Meat, poultry, fish and seafood.
• Eggs and egg-based ingredients.
• Milk, butter, ghee, cheese, paneer, cream and yoghurt.
• Honey.
• Animal-derived ingredients such as animal gelatin, animal fat and animal rennet.

Emirates explicitly lists these exclusions in its VGML description. Airline menus and the dishes served will still vary.

Does vegan just mean “no meat”?

No. A paneer curry, cheese sandwich or butter croissant can be vegetarian while containing dairy. An egg sandwich can be suitable for some vegetarians but is not vegan.

When making the request, say “vegan—no dairy, eggs or honey” rather than relying only on the word “veg.”

Is a VGML Meal Really Vegan?

That is what the meal is intended to be. A tray containing an ordinary dairy yoghurt or butter packet does not meet that intention merely because its main dish is plant-based.

However, distinguish three different situations:

Situation	What it means	What to do
You received a standard vegetarian meal	The wrong meal category may have been supplied.	Ask the crew to check your VGML request and tray label.
A separately packaged side contains dairy or egg	That item is unsuitable for a vegan diet.	Leave it unopened and ask whether a suitable replacement is available.
The ingredients are vegan but a label warns of possible traces	This concerns potential cross-contact, not necessarily an intentional animal ingredient.	If you have an allergy, follow your medical plan and the airline’s allergy guidance.

There is no verified industry-wide success percentage in this guide. Individual passenger experiences can reveal problems, but they cannot establish how often every airline serves an incorrect meal.

Likewise, there is no basis here for claiming that breakfast is universally less reliable than dinner. Check every service, including breakfast, snacks and drinks.

VGML and Yoghurt (Curd), Milk and Cheese: Are They Allowed?

Regular yoghurt or curd, animal milk and dairy cheese are not vegan and should not be included in a VGML meal. This also applies to paneer, butter, ghee, cream and milk powder. A vegetarian label does not make these products suitable for vegans.

• Yoghurt or curd: Dairy versions are not vegan. A plant-based alternative may be suitable, but check all ingredients, including honey.
• Milk: Cow, buffalo, goat and other animal milk are excluded. Lactose-free dairy milk is still not vegan.
• Cheese: Regular cheese and paneer contain dairy. “Vegetarian cheese” may use non-animal rennet but still contain milk.
• Plant-based substitutes: Soy, oat or coconut alternatives may be suitable when their full ingredient list is vegan.

If a dairy item appears on your tray, ask the cabin crew to check that you received the correct meal. An unopened dairy packet can be set aside for a vegan dietary preference, but removing it does not establish that the remaining meal is safe for someone with a milk allergy.

VGML vs AVML: Which Meal Should You Order?

Code	Usual description	What a vegan passenger should know
VGML	Vegan meal	The clearest standard request for a meal excluding animal ingredients.
AVML	Asian or Indian vegetarian meal	Can contain dairy, including paneer, yoghurt or ghee. Do not assume vegan.
VLML	Lacto-ovo vegetarian meal	Can contain dairy and eggs.
VOML	Vegetarian Oriental meal	Some airlines explicitly exclude meat, seafood, eggs and dairy. Check the carrier’s full definition.
VJML	Jain vegetarian meal	Has religious ingredient restrictions. Confirm the airline’s dairy and other ingredient exclusions.
HNML	Hindu non-vegetarian meal	Can contain meat or fish. It is not a vegan or vegetarian request.
GFML	Gluten-free or gluten-intolerant meal	Does not automatically exclude animal ingredients.

For example, Qatar Airways describes VOML as excluding meat, fish, eggs and dairy, while its AVML can contain dairy. This is why “only VGML can ever be vegan” is too broad.

Source: Qatar Airways special-meal descriptions.

Compare our dedicated guides to AVML meals, Jain meals and vegan versus vegetarian airline meals.

Does Air India Have Vegan Meals?

Yes. Air India lists Vegan Meal (VGML) in its special menu. Its description excludes animal-derived ingredients, specifically including dairy, eggs and honey.

Air India’s AVML is a different choice: it is prepared in an Indian vegetarian style and may contain dairy.

Check the meal options available for your particular flight through the airline’s booking channels. Its dietary-meal FAQ instructs passengers to order at least 24 hours before departure.

Keep the request confirmation and check it again after a flight change. At check-in, ask whether VGML remains recorded for the relevant flight.

Sources: Air India special menu and Air India dietary-meal FAQ.

For other options, see Air India special meal codes.

Does IndiGo Have Vegan Meals?

Do not assume an IndiGo vegetarian selection is a confirmed vegan meal. Its published 6E Eats page offers pre-bookable food choices, but that alone does not establish that a dish excludes dairy, eggs and honey.

For this review, a current official policy confirming a dedicated vegan VGML service across IndiGo’s domestic or selected long-haul network could not be verified. That does not prove vegan food is unavailable on every flight; it means you should obtain confirmation for your actual booking.

Ask IndiGo these questions:

• Is a specifically vegan meal available on this flight number and date?
• Does it exclude dairy, eggs, honey and animal-derived ingredients?
• What is the request deadline?
• Is the meal request confirmed for every relevant sector?

Ordinary paneer is dairy. A paneer dish does not become vegan because it includes vegan mayonnaise. A plant-based substitute would need to be explicitly identified.

Start with the official IndiGo food menu. For general meal pricing and inclusions, read Is Food Free on IndiGo Flights?

Which Other Airlines Offer Vegan Meals?

Several airlines serving India publish vegan special-meal options. Availability can depend on route, cabin and whether a meal service is provided.

• Emirates: Lists VGML with explicit exclusions for animal products and by-products.
• Qatar Airways: Lists a vegan vegetarian meal excluding dairy, eggs and honey.
• Singapore Airlines: Lists VGML and other vegetarian choices with published ingredient exclusions.
• ANA: Lists VGML without meat, fish, eggs, honey or dairy.
• Gulf Air: Lists VGML excluding animal ingredients, including eggs, honey and dairy derivatives.

Check the operating airline when a ticket includes a partner flight. A meal selected for one carrier should not be assumed to cover every connection.

Official menus: ANA and Gulf Air.

How Early Should You Request VGML?

Request it when you book. A general recommendation to order “24 to 48 hours ahead” can be insufficient for some departures.

Airline	Published timing relevant to this guide
Air India	Dietary-meal FAQ: at least 24 hours before departure.
Qatar Airways	Special-meal requests: at least 24 hours before departure.
Singapore Airlines	Generally 24 hours, but longer deadlines apply at specified departure airports.

Singapore Airlines currently lists 56 hours for departures from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi, and 32 hours from Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Kochi. Check its full list for other departure cities.

Sources: Singapore Airlines special-meal deadlines and Qatar Airways meal requests.

A simple booking checklist

1. Select the explicitly vegan option for the correct passenger.
2. Check each outbound, connecting and return flight separately.
3. Save the confirmation or screenshot.
4. Recheck the request after a date, flight or cabin change.
5. Confirm with staff before boarding if the booking record is unclear.

Useful wording: “Please confirm a vegan meal for this flight—not just vegetarian. I do not eat dairy, eggs, honey or other animal-derived ingredients.”

What Should You Check When Your Meal Arrives?

A quick check is especially useful for packaged sides and items offered separately during service.

• Meal label: Ask whether this is the VGML assigned to you.
• Spreads: Check butter and margarine ingredients.
• Bread and pastries: Do not assume a plain-looking roll contains no milk or egg.
• Dessert: Check for milk, cream, eggs, honey or animal gelatin.
• Dressings and sauces: Ask about ingredients rather than judging by appearance.
• Tea and coffee: Confirm the milk or creamer offered separately.
• Later snacks: Check these independently from the main meal.

For a vegan dietary preference, an unopened unsuitable side can be set aside. If you suspect the main dish contains an animal ingredient, ask for clarification or an alternative rather than assuming that removing a visible topping resolves it.

A colour, texture or dish name alone cannot verify the recipe. Vegetable rice might be cooked with oil or butter; a curry may or may not contain cream.

Is VGML Safe for a Milk or Egg Allergy?

A vegan meal is not an allergen-free guarantee. It can also contain ingredients such as wheat, soy, peanuts or tree nuts.

Airlines including Singapore Airlines and Emirates explain that shared preparation facilities and the cabin environment can expose food to allergens. A meal intended to exclude dairy is therefore different from a guarantee against milk cross-contact.

If you have a food allergy, tell the airline about the allergy itself, seek medical advice for your travel plan and carry prescribed medication as advised. Do not rely solely on selecting VGML.

For an allergy, removing a butter packet or picking an ingredient out of a dish does not establish that the remaining food is safe.

See the airlines’ special-meal allergy notice and dietary requirements guidance, plus our food-allergy travel guide.

What If Your Vegan Meal Is Missing or Contains Dairy?

1. Pause before eating. Keep the packaging and meal label.
2. Explain the issue calmly. Show your confirmed request if needed.
3. Ask the crew to check. They may be able to identify the correct tray or provide an alternative.
4. Verify the replacement. A standard vegetarian meal may still contain dairy.
5. Document the problem. Photograph the tray and relevant labels without including other passengers.
6. Report it after travel. Include the flight number, date, sector, meal confirmation and a clear description.

The crew may have limited replacement food available once the flight has departed. Do not assume another full vegan meal can be prepared on board.

For more help, read what to do when the wrong meal is served.

Should You Pack Backup Food?

Yes, consider a small amount of suitable food that does not require refrigeration or reheating. Check ingredients and choose something compatible with your own dietary and allergy needs.

Do not describe nuts as a universally safe backup. Also check security restrictions for liquids, spreads and gels, plus food-import rules at your destination.

See carrying snacks on flights in India and bringing food into India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VGML vegan or vegetarian?

It is intended to be vegan. Although some airlines call it a “Vegetarian Vegan Meal,” it should exclude animal-derived ingredients rather than merely exclude meat.

What is the main difference between AVML and VGML?

AVML can include dairy. VGML is intended to exclude dairy as well as eggs, honey and other animal ingredients.

Does VGML contain paneer or ghee?

Ordinary paneer and ghee are dairy products and do not belong in a vegan meal. Check any claimed plant-based substitute explicitly.

Is a Jain meal automatically vegan?

Do not assume so from the name alone. Read the operating airline’s definition and confirm dairy exclusions along with the religious ingredient restrictions.

Can a VOML meal be vegan?

Yes. Some airlines define VOML without meat, seafood, eggs or dairy. Check the complete description, including any other animal-derived ingredients you avoid.

Is VGML gluten-free?

No. A vegan meal can contain bread, pasta or other wheat-based ingredients. If you need both vegan and gluten-free food, ask whether the airline can meet both requirements.

Can I request VGML after boarding?

You can ask what is available, but a suitable meal may not have been loaded. Advance confirmation is much more useful than relying on an onboard request.

Will the same VGML dishes be served on my return flight?

Do not expect an identical menu. The meal code describes the dietary category, not a guaranteed recipe or set of dishes.

Does choosing a vegan meal cover every snack and drink?

Check separately served snacks, desserts, milk and creamers individually. Do not assume every item offered during the flight is part of your special meal.

Related Airline Meal Guides

• Which Airline Meal Has No Dairy? Avoiding Paneer, Ghee, Milk and Curd
• Airline Meals Explained: Codes, Special Meals and What to Order
• AVML Meal on Flights: What Is an Asian Vegetarian Meal?
• Air India Special Meal Codes
• Vegan vs Vegetarian Meals on Flights
• HNML Meal on Flights: Is a Hindu Meal Vegetarian?
• Gluten-Free Meals on Flights
• Do Indian Domestic Airlines Provide Free Meals?

Vegan vs Vegetarian Meals on Flights: Airline Meal Codes Guide

A vegetarian airline meal is not automatically vegan—or egg-free. A tray labelled vegetarian may contain cheese, butter, yoghurt or eggs. If you avoid all animal-derived ingredients, request a vegan meal rather than relying on the general vegetarian option.

The three most useful codes are VGML for vegan, AVML for Indian-style vegetarian food that may contain dairy, and VLML for vegetarian food that may contain both dairy and eggs. Always read the operating airline’s description before selecting your meal.

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026. Meal availability and request deadlines vary by airline and departure airport.

On this page

• Vegan vs vegetarian: the important differences
• Airline meal codes comparison
• Which meal should you choose?
• Jain, Oriental, raw and fruit meals
• Air India, IndiGo and international airlines
• Booking deadlines and how to order
• Common mistakes and missing meals
• Backup food and allergy considerations
• Frequently asked questions

What Is the Difference Between Vegan and Vegetarian Flight Meals?

A vegetarian meal excludes meat, poultry, fish and seafood. Whether it contains eggs or dairy depends on the type of vegetarian meal selected.

A vegan meal excludes animal-derived ingredients, including eggs, milk, cheese, butter, ghee and honey. It may include vegetables, rice, pasta, lentils, beans, tofu, fruit or plant-based alternatives. The exact dishes depend on the airline and caterer.

For Indian travellers, the main point of confusion is often eggs. An Indian-style vegetarian meal and a Western lacto-ovo vegetarian meal are different requests. Do not select VLML if avoiding eggs is essential.

Choose by ingredients first, cuisine second. AVML may suit someone who eats paneer but avoids eggs. VGML suits someone avoiding both dairy and eggs. Neither code guarantees a particular curry, dessert or level of spice.

Airline Meal Codes Explained

These are common airline special-meal codes. Availability is not universal, and the airline’s published description takes priority over a general guide.

Code	Meal	Dairy and eggs	Main consideration
VGML	Vegan meal	Neither should be included	Excludes animal-derived ingredients, including honey.
AVML	Asian or Indian vegetarian meal	May contain dairy; excludes eggs in the airline descriptions reviewed	Usually prepared in an Indian style.
VLML	Lacto-ovo vegetarian meal	May contain both	Unsuitable if you avoid eggs or dairy.
VJML	Jain vegetarian meal	Excludes eggs; verify the airline’s complete ingredient policy	Excludes root vegetables and ingredients such as onion and garlic.
VOML	Vegetarian Oriental meal	Typically excludes both	Usually prepared in an East Asian style.
RVML	Raw vegetarian meal	Check the airline’s description	Usually raw vegetables and fruit rather than a cooked main course.
FPML	Fruit platter	Check any accompanying items	A fruit-based meal, not a substitute for every dietary requirement.

For example, Qatar Airways’ meal descriptions distinguish vegan, lacto-ovo, Indian vegetarian, Oriental vegetarian, raw vegetarian and fruit options. Its fruit platter may include fresh or dried fruit, illustrating why “fresh fruit only” is not a universal description.

VGML vs VLML vs AVML: Which Should You Choose?

Choose VGML If You Are Vegan

VGML is the clearest starting point if you avoid animal-derived ingredients. Do not replace it with AVML simply because both meals are vegetarian: an AVML tray may contain paneer, yoghurt, ghee or a milk-based dessert.

Check separately offered extras too. A suitable main course does not make a butter portion, milk sachet or replacement snack vegan.

Choose AVML If You Want Indian Vegetarian Food Without Eggs

AVML commonly suits passengers who eat dairy but avoid meat, fish and eggs. Typical dishes might include dal, rice, vegetables, roti or paneer, but these are examples rather than a promised menu.

It does not automatically exclude onion or garlic. For a detailed explanation, read AVML: What Is an Asian Vegetarian Meal?

Choose VLML If Dairy and Eggs Are Acceptable

“Lacto” refers to milk and “ovo” to eggs. VLML can therefore include cheese, an omelette or food prepared with egg. It is vegetarian, but it may not match what an Indian traveller means by an egg-free vegetarian meal.

Do Not Confuse HNML With a Vegetarian Meal

HNML is generally a Hindu non-vegetarian meal. It can contain chicken, fish or other permitted meat. The word “Hindu” does not establish that the meal is vegetarian.

Check the distinction before booking: HNML vs AVML: Which Meal Should You Choose?

Jain, Oriental, Raw and Fruit Meals

VJML: Jain Vegetarian Meal

A Jain meal is designed around additional ingredient restrictions, including avoiding root vegetables. However, selecting VJML should not replace checking the airline’s description against your own observance.

For example, Emirates explicitly excludes dairy from its Jain meal. Do not assume every airline’s Jain offering follows exactly the same specification, or that it includes dairy because you consume dairy at home.

See our Jain airline meal guide for questions to ask before departure.

VOML: Vegetarian Oriental Meal

VOML generally offers an East Asian-style alternative to an Indian vegetarian meal. The airline descriptions reviewed exclude meat, seafood, eggs and dairy. It may be useful when you want a different cuisine, but check its availability on your flight.

RVML and FPML: Raw Food or Fruit

These options can suit specific preferences, but they are different from a full cooked vegan meal. If you want a substantial meal with rice, lentils or another cooked dish, do not choose a fruit platter merely because it sounds easier to identify.

Also, a fruit platter is not automatically suitable for every religious fast. Check the actual contents against your requirements.

Which Airlines Offer Vegan and Vegetarian Meals?

Air India

Air India’s special-meal menu lists VGML, AVML, VLML, VJML and other options. Its VOML option is available only on selected international sectors.

Air India asks passengers to request special meals at least 24 hours before departure. You can add the request when booking, through Manage Booking or through your travel agent. For a partner-operated flight, contact the operating airline.

Check your actual flight’s options rather than assuming every listed meal is available on every sector. Our Air India special meal codes guide explains the choices.

IndiGo

IndiGo’s 6E Eats menu includes vegetarian products, but “veg” does not establish that a product is vegan. Its paneer sandwich, for example, contains a dairy ingredient.

Check the menu offered for your flight and ask about ingredients before purchasing. Do not assume that a full-service airline’s special-meal code can be requested on every IndiGo service.

Meal inclusion also varies. IndiGo’s Mumbai–Manchester launch information described an included Indian vegetarian economy meal. Therefore, “IndiGo never includes food” is too broad; check the route, cabin and booking conditions.

Emirates and Qatar Airways

Both publish vegan, Indian vegetarian and Jain meal descriptions. Use those descriptions to confirm ingredients, and request the meal for each eligible sector.

Qatar Airways requires requests at least 24 hours before departure and notes restrictions on special-meal provision for some short Gulf flights. A connection on the same booking does not guarantee an identical catering service.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines publishes departure-airport exceptions to its usual 24-hour special-meal deadline:

• At least 56 hours: Departures from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi.
• At least 32 hours: Departures from Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Kochi, among other listed airports.

This is why a general instruction to order “24–48 hours before departure” can be insufficient. Submit your request when you book and check the current deadline for your departure airport.

How to Book a Vegan or Vegetarian Airline Meal

1. Identify the operating airline: Check who actually operates each flight, especially on a codeshare itinerary.
2. Read the meal description: Match the ingredients to your requirements before choosing the code.
3. Request early: Select the meal during booking where possible.
4. Check every passenger and sector: One person’s request does not cover the whole family or automatically cover every connection.
5. Save confirmation: Keep an offline screenshot or booking record showing the meal request.
6. Recheck after changes: Confirm again if you change flights, are rebooked or move to another airline.
7. Speak to the crew early: After boarding, ask them to check the special meal associated with your seat.

If the booking page does not offer the meal you need, contact the airline before relying on it. A request recorded in your booking is useful evidence, but it does not eliminate the possibility of a catering problem.

Common Mistakes That Lead to the Wrong Meal

• Choosing VLML while avoiding eggs: Lacto-ovo vegetarian meals may include eggs.
• Choosing AVML while avoiding dairy: Indian vegetarian food may contain milk products.
• Choosing HNML because it sounds vegetarian: It is normally a non-vegetarian option.
• Choosing a lactose-restricted meal as a vegan substitute: Some airlines’ NLML meals contain meat or fish.
• Assuming gluten-free means vegetarian: These are separate requirements.
• Waiting until boarding: The crew may have no suitable spare meal.

What If Your Meal Is Missing or Looks Wrong?

Pause before eating and ask the crew to check the meal label and your request. Explain the specific restriction—such as no eggs or no dairy—rather than repeating only “vegetarian.”

If the meal cannot be verified, ask whether there is a clearly labelled alternative. Keep a record of what happened if you want to raise it with the airline afterward. See what to do when a vegetarian passenger receives a non-vegetarian meal.

Backup Food and Allergy Considerations

Carry a modest backup that matches your diet, particularly for a long journey. Clearly labelled crackers, suitable snack bars or dry cereal can be easier to assess than an unfamiliar airport dish.

Check the rules at departure, transit and destination before packing food. Permission to eat something onboard does not automatically permit taking leftovers through customs. Our carry-on snacks guide covers the practical distinctions.

Vegan does not mean allergy-safe. Vegan food may contain nuts, soy, sesame or wheat. Airlines may prepare special meals in shared facilities, and an ingredient exclusion is not a guarantee against cross-contact.

Emirates explicitly states that it cannot guarantee meals are free of allergen traces. If you have a serious food allergy, discuss your requirements with the airline and follow your clinician’s travel plan. See our airline allergy guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the vegan airline meal code?

VGML is the commonly used code. Look for the airline’s vegan description and confirm that the option is available for your flight.

Does a vegetarian airline meal contain eggs?

It can. VLML permits eggs, while the AVML descriptions reviewed exclude them. “Vegetarian” alone is not precise enough if you avoid eggs.

Is AVML vegan?

No. AVML may contain dairy, including paneer, yoghurt or ghee. Select VGML if you avoid animal-derived ingredients.

Is VGML the same as a Jain meal?

No. A vegan meal may contain onion, garlic and root vegetables. Jain requirements involve additional restrictions.

Is VOML the same as VGML?

Both commonly exclude meat, seafood, dairy and eggs, but their usual cooking styles differ. Check the airline’s descriptions rather than assuming the dishes will be identical.

Can I request a vegan and gluten-free meal together?

Do not assume two meal codes can be combined. Ask whether the airline can accommodate both requirements; a standard gluten-free meal may contain animal ingredients.

Is a children’s meal automatically vegetarian?

No. Ask specifically for a suitable child meal. A standard children’s meal can contain chicken or fish, and a vegetarian child meal may still contain eggs or dairy.

Will the airline serve my special meal first?

It may be delivered before the main meal service, but do not rely on a particular serving order. The meal request specifies your dietary option, not guaranteed priority service.

Which option is best for an Indian vegetarian who eats dairy but not eggs?

AVML is usually the closest match, subject to the airline’s description. Choose VJML instead if you also need Jain ingredient restrictions.

Related Airline Meal Guides

• Which Airline Meal Has No Dairy? Avoiding Paneer, Ghee, Milk and Curd
• Airline Meals Explained: Codes, Special Meals and What to Order
• Vegetarian In-Flight Meals: Options and Ordering Tips
• Gluten-Free Meals on Domestic and International Flights
• Children’s Airline Meals: How to Order
• Do Indian Domestic Airlines Provide Free Meals?
• Is Food Free on IndiGo Flights?

Do Indian Domestic Airlines Provide Free Meals? Airline Guide 2026

Some Indian domestic flight tickets include a meal, while others charge separately for food. The answer depends on your airline, cabin, fare type and any package added to the booking. Even two passengers sitting in the same economy cabin can have different meal benefits.

Air India offers meal-inclusive fares, but its Basic economy fare excludes complimentary meals. Budget airlines also offer selected fares and packages that include food, so “low-cost airline” does not automatically mean every passenger must pay separately.

This guide covers meal inclusions, how to check your ticket, advance-ordering deadlines and carrying your own snacks.

Quick answer: Check the fare benefits attached to your booking. Air India Value, Classic and Flex economy fares include meals, while Basic does not. Selected IndiGo fares, SpiceMax, eligible Akasa bookings, Air India Express premium products and Star Air fare options can also include food. An included meal may be a snack or meal combo rather than a full hot meal.

Table of Contents

• Which domestic airline fares include meals?
• How to check whether your ticket includes food
• Air India meal policy
• IndiGo meal policy and free drinking water
• SpiceJet and SpiceMax meals
• Akasa Air meals
• Air India Express meals
• Star Air meals
• Meal pre-order deadlines
• Carrying your own food
• Vegetarian and special meals
• How to avoid unnecessary meal costs
• Frequently asked questions
• Related guides

Illustrative meal photo. Actual food depends on the flight and booking.

Which Indian Domestic Airline Fares Include Meals?

Use this comparison as a starting point, then confirm the benefits shown for your specific flight. “Complimentary” means included in the purchased fare or package; the package itself may cost more.

Airline	When food can be included	What to check
Air India	Value, Classic and Flex economy fares include meals; Basic excludes them	Fare name and route-specific service
IndiGo	Selected products, including Flexi Plus, UpFront and IndiGoStretch	Meal entitlement and selection in the booking
SpiceJet	SpiceMax includes a meal and beverage; certain special fares also include food	Your purchased package or eligible fare
Akasa Air	Eligible flexi and corporate bookings can include a meal	Advance selection and connecting-flight conditions
Air India Express	Xpress Biz includes meals; selected other fares may include a Lite Bite	Whether the inclusion is a snack or a meal
Star Air	Star Comfort and Business products include meals	Fare family and availability for late bookings

Official airline sources supporting these distinctions are linked in the sections below.

How Do I Check Whether My Flight Ticket Includes Food?

1. Identify the operating airline: Read the “operated by” information, especially when booking through another airline or a travel portal.
2. Find your fare name: Economy describes the cabin, but Basic, Value, Flexi or another fare label may determine the meal benefit.
3. Read the inclusions: Look for “meal included,” “complimentary meal,” “snack,” “Lite Bite” or a paid meal entry.
4. Open Manage Booking: Check the meal section for each passenger and flight segment.
5. Select a meal if required: An included entitlement may still require you to choose from the available menu before the deadline.
6. Keep confirmation: Save the updated itinerary or meal receipt. If the information is unclear, ask the airline or booking agent before departure.

For connecting flights: Do not assume one included meal means food on every segment. Some packages limit the complimentary meal to one flight in the journey.

Are Meals Included on Air India Domestic Flights?

Check the fare family. Air India introduced Basic economy fares on selected domestic routes in June 2026. Its Basic fare announcement distinguishes this option from Value, Classic and Flex, which include complimentary meals.

Air India economy fare	Meal inclusion
Basic	Meal excluded; advance purchase available where offered
Value, Classic and Flex	Complimentary meal benefit included

According to Air India’s booking FAQ, Basic passengers can pre-purchase meals up to 24 hours before departure. Meals are not available to purchase onboard. The FAQ also specifies a cookie and beverage rather than meal service on flights scheduled for less than 55 minutes.

Do not use a blanket “over 90 minutes means a free meal” rule. Check your fare and the service available on the actual flight.

What happened to Vistara meals?

Vistara merged with Air India on 12 November 2024. For a new booking, check the current Air India fare benefits rather than relying on an old Vistara meal policy.

Are IndiGo Meals Free on Domestic Flights?

Food is generally an extra on standard unbundled bookings, but it is incorrect to say that IndiGo never includes meals.

IndiGo’s fare rules list complimentary meals with Flexi Plus and UpFront. IndiGoStretch also includes a meal and beverage. Check your booking’s exact entitlement and available selection.

If food is not included, compare advance meal options with the onboard menu. Do not assume every item available for pre-order will also be sold during the flight.

Does IndiGo provide free water?

Yes. IndiGo provides cups of drinking water free of charge. Bottled water is available for purchase. This distinction is stated in its onboard facilities FAQ.

Can I add an IndiGo meal after checking in?

Check your booking’s meal options and the applicable ordering cutoff. Completing check-in does not extend a meal-order deadline. If the option is unavailable, contact IndiGo; onboard choices remain subject to availability.

For example, 6E Seat & Eat has a 24-hour condition for receiving the selected meal. That product-specific rule should not be treated as a universal deadline for every IndiGo food option.

Does SpiceJet Include Meals?

SpiceJet sells meals separately, but selected products include food. SpiceMax includes a meal and beverage alongside its other benefits.

SpiceMax passengers can select a meal up to six hours before departure. For bookings made within that window, the airline’s terms provide for an eatable item and beverage from the available onboard choices.

Other eligible fares can also include food. For example, SpiceJet’s Government Employee Fare lists a complimentary meal, subject to its eligibility and booking conditions.

For separately purchased food, consult the SpiceCafé menu and ordering rules.

Does Akasa Air Provide Complimentary Meals?

Café Akasa meals can be purchased separately, while eligible flexi and corporate bookings can include a meal. The Café Akasa terms specify that, on connecting journeys, the complimentary meal for these bookings is provided on the longest flight.

Standard meal pre-booking closes 12 hours before departure. Cakes require 48 hours. The airline also limits hot ready-to-eat meals and hot beverages to flights longer than 60 minutes.

Check the benefit actually shown on your ticket rather than assuming that every fare with a similar-sounding name includes food.

Are Meals Included on Air India Express?

Air India Express uses fare-specific inclusions. Its fare overview lists complimentary Gourmair meals with Xpress Biz. Selected other products may include a Lite Bite rather than a full meal; inspect the fare comparison shown during booking.

For a fare without food, meals can be added through the booking process or Manage Booking. The airline’s booking guidance lists a 12-hour advance cutoff for domestic Gourmair meals.

Check the operator: An Air India Express-operated flight should be checked against the meal entitlement on that specific booking. The website used to buy the ticket does not, by itself, establish what food is included.

Does Star Air Include Meals?

Star Air’s fare rules list chargeable food for Star Regular and Star Flexi, with complimentary meals and beverages for Star Comfort and Business products.

The same rules state that meal service is subject to availability for bookings made within 12 hours of departure. Confirm the entitlement when making a last-minute booking.

How Early Should You Pre-Order a Meal?

There is no single 24-hour deadline for all Indian airlines. Different products and special meals can have different cutoffs.

Airline or service	Published advance-order guidance	Important distinction
Air India Basic paid meals	At least 24 hours before departure	Do not rely on onboard meal purchase
Air India special meals	Generally at least 24 hours	Some options have longer deadlines or route restrictions
IndiGo	Check the selected product; 6E Seat & Eat specifies 24 hours for the chosen meal	Meal and package conditions can differ
SpiceJet	Main meals and sandwiches: six hours	Special meals: 24 hours; cakes: 48 hours
Akasa Air	Meals: 12 hours	Cakes: 48 hours
Air India Express	Domestic Gourmair meals: 12 hours	Confirm the options available for your flight

Sources: Air India booking FAQ, Air India special meals, IndiGo Seat & Eat, SpiceJet terms, Café Akasa terms and Air India Express booking guidance.

Pre-ordering is not an absolute guarantee. Operational changes or catering shortages can affect the selected item. IndiGo’s conditions of carriage make meal provision subject to availability. Keep your confirmation and ask about the applicable replacement or refund process if a paid meal is unavailable.

Can I Carry My Own Food on a Domestic Flight in India?

Usually, you can bring suitable snacks, subject to airline, security and cabin-baggage rules. IndiGo explicitly permits items such as cold snacks, snack bars and biscuits, while excluding messy, oily or strong-smelling food in its onboard guidance.

• Choose easy-to-pack food: Dry snacks and securely packed sandwiches are practical options.
• Use leak-resistant containers: Avoid foods likely to spill or disturb nearby passengers.
• Count the food towards your baggage: Do not assume an unlimited quantity or an extra food bag is permitted.
• Check liquids separately: Drinks, soups and similar foods can face different screening rules from solid snacks.

Air India’s cabin-baggage guidance states a 100 ml restriction for liquids, aerosols and gels, with exceptions including baby food and prescribed medicines. Follow the applicable security instructions for your journey.

Food bought after screening and items carried through screening should not be treated as identical situations. Check any further screening requirements on a connecting journey.

Read more in our guide to carrying snacks on flights and water bottle guide.

Vegetarian, Jain and Other Special Meals

Check the airline’s actual menu rather than relying on a general “special meal available” label. Meal types and availability can differ by route, fare and aircraft.

Air India’s special-meal page describes its options and generally asks passengers to request them at least 24 hours before departure. Some meals are restricted to selected international routes or require more notice.

Vegetarian, vegan and Jain are different requirements. Confirm the selected meal description and keep the request attached to the correct passenger and flight.

Food allergies: A special-meal request does not establish that a meal or cabin is allergen-free. Akasa, for example, explicitly states that it cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Confirm the airline’s arrangements before travelling if this affects your food choices.

See our guides to vegetarian airline meals, Jain meals and Air India special-meal codes.

How to Avoid Paying More Than Necessary for Food

1. Check existing benefits: Do not buy another meal before confirming whether your fare includes one.
2. Compare the whole fare: A more expensive ticket with food included may still cost more than a cheaper ticket plus a meal.
3. Compare actual menu prices: Do not assume a fixed percentage saving from pre-ordering.
4. Order before the relevant cutoff: This gives you access to the advance menu rather than only onboard stock.
5. Pack suitable snacks if useful: Consider the whole journey, including airport waiting time.
6. Recheck after flight changes: Confirm that the meal request still appears on the revised booking.

Illustrative comparison: A ₹5,000 ticket plus a ₹350 meal costs ₹5,350. A ₹5,700 meal-inclusive fare costs ₹350 more. The higher fare may include other useful benefits, but the meal alone does not make it cheaper. These figures are examples, not live prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Indian domestic airlines provide free food?

Several airlines include food in selected fares or packages. Check the fare benefits rather than assuming that every ticket on an airline has the same meal entitlement.

Is a meal included in Air India domestic economy?

Value, Classic and Flex include meals. Basic economy excludes complimentary meals, with advance purchase available where offered. Short-flight service can differ.

How do I check whether my Air India ticket includes food?

Check the fare family on your confirmation and open Manage Booking. Review the benefits and any meal request for each passenger and segment. Contact Air India if the information is unclear.

Are IndiGo meals free on domestic flights?

Not on every booking. Selected products such as Flexi Plus, UpFront and IndiGoStretch include food. Other passengers can purchase available options.

Is drinking water free on IndiGo?

Yes. Cups of drinking water are complimentary. Bottled water is sold separately.

Can I add an IndiGo meal after checking in?

Check whether the meal option remains available for your booking and whether its ordering deadline has passed. Check-in does not extend the cutoff. Contact IndiGo if you cannot add the item online.

Does SpiceMax include food?

Yes. SpiceMax includes a meal and beverage. Advance selection and the options available for late bookings follow the product’s conditions.

Does economy class always include a meal?

No. Economy is a cabin category. Meal inclusion depends on the specific fare or package and the service offered on the flight.

Can I carry homemade food on a domestic flight?

Suitable food may be carried subject to airline, security and baggage rules. Choose securely packed items, check restrictions on liquids and avoid messy or strong-smelling food.

Is pre-ordering always cheaper, and does it guarantee my meal?

No universal saving or guarantee applies. Compare the displayed prices and read the airline’s availability, substitution and refund conditions.

How many meals are served on a 15-hour flight?

That is a long-haul question rather than a domestic-flight rule. The number and timing of services depend on the airline, cabin, route and departure time. Check the flight’s dining information instead of applying a domestic meal policy.

Related Airline Food and Baggage Guides

• Airline Meals Explained: Codes, Special Meals and What to Order
• Is Food Free on IndiGo Flights?
• AVML: Asian Vegetarian Meals Explained
• HNML: Is a Hindu Meal Vegetarian?
• How to Order a Child Meal on Flights
• Hand Baggage Allowance in India
• Domestic Airlines in India: Official Websites and Baggage Guides

Updated: 13 September 2026.

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

• Which Airline Meal Has No Dairy? Avoiding Paneer, Ghee, Milk and Curd
• 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.