Know exactly which special meals you can order on Virgin Atlantic flights – comprehensive dietary options with specific timing requirements and route restrictions to plan around.
| MEAL CATEGORY | NUMBER OF OPTIONS | ADVANCE NOTICE | ROUTE RESTRICTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical/Dietary Needs | 6 types | 24 hours | Available on all flights |
| Religious Meals | 2 types | 24-48 hours | Multiple route restrictions |
| Vegetarian Options | 4 types | 24 hours | Available on all flights |
| Child/Baby Meals | 2 types | 24 hours | Available on all flights |
Special Meals List
The following 16 special meals can be ordered at least 24 hours before departure.
IATA Code: LFML
The LFML or Low Fat meal is a meal of limited fat and cholesterol suited to people who wish to follow a low-fat restricted diet.
IATA Code: LSML
The LSML or Low Salt meal is suited for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, fluid retention or kidney problems. No salt will be used during the preparation of food, and airlines try to avoid using food that contains added salt.
IATA Code: DBML
The DBML or Diabetic Meal should be ordered by those who suffer from diabetes (high sugar levels). It’s a low sugar meal that contains minimal salt, low-fat products, grilled white meat, high fibre fruits and vegetables, cereals and diabetic friendly products like sugar-free jam.
IATA Code: FPML
The FPML or Fruit Platter meal may be ordered by people who are fasting, or perhaps vegan/gluten-free options are not available and this special meal fits the requirement. Generally, the FPML will contain fresh seasonal fruit only, and it may contain dried fruit without sulphites.
IATA Code: GFML
The GFML or Gluten-Free meal is designed for those who suffer from celiac disease or can’t tolerate gluten in their diet. Grains such as wheat, rye, oats, bran and barley are eliminated from these special meals as well as flours starches and semolina.
IATA Code: KSML
The KSML or Kosher Meal is a meal where the food is chosen, prepared and served in accordance with Jewish religious guidelines. The meals are packaged in double wrapping which allows the meals to be heated in the aircraft oven that is non-kosher.
IATA Code: VLML
The VLML or vegetarian lacto ovo meal is a vegetarian special meal with the added addition of eggs and dairy.
IATA Code: NLML
The NLNL or Non-Lactose meal is a lactose-free meal for people who are allergic or intolerant to milk and milk products, or those suffering from low lactose levels.
IATA Code: VGML
The VGML or vegetarian meal is a meal option for passengers who wish to consume meals free of animal products. Vegans and vegetarians can order this option on their next flight, it is quite a standard meal option that is widely available for you to pre-order.
IATA Code: HNML
The HNML or Hindu Non-Vegetarian is a meal for people who follow Hindu custom. Meals are non-vegetarian and cooked Indian style. It’s one of those special meals that confuses a lot of people, people assume because it’s called Hindu that it’s vegetarian but the N stands for non-vegetarian.
IATA Code: MOML
The MOML or Muslim is a meal that is prepared in accordance with the Islamic tradition and custom. No Haram (forbidden) products will be used in these meals including pork products, gelatin, alcohol, extracted flavouring from alcohol and non-halal prepared meats.
IATA Code: VJML
The VJML or vegetarian Jain is a meal option for passengers who are part of the Jain community.
IATA Code: AVML
This Indian-style vegetarian meal features authentic spices, proper seasonings, and ingredients like paneer and basmati rice, making it worth pre-ordering. Here’s everything you need to know about getting the AVML on your next flight.
IATA Code: chml
The CHML, or Children’s Meal, is an airline meal code used to request food for young travellers, typically aged between 2 to 12 years.
IATA Code: BBML
The BBML or Baby Meal can be ordered for infants under 2 years of age (depending on the airline, some airlines will only supply the BBML to an infant up to 10 months only) and will normally consist of pre-packaged baby meal products.
Important Timing Requirements
Most special meals: 24 hours before departure, minimum
Kosher meals: 48 hours before departure required
Child meals: Not automatically booked – must be requested manually
Critical Route Restrictions
Kosher Meals
Not available on flights departing from:
Bengaluru
Lagos
Maldives
Caribbean destinations
Alternative- Selection of uncut fruit available for both meal services
Muslim/Halal Meals
Not available on flights to/from Riyadh as full Halal-compliant meal service is provided instead.
Virgin Atlantic Limitations
Cannot alter meals or ingredients based on customer requests
Cannot control the ingredients that other passengers bring onboard
Cannot offer allergen-free flights
Meals not produced in a nut-free environment
Other passengers may consume nuts during the flight
Bottom Line
Virgin Atlantic offers a comprehensive range of special meal options, with 16 different types available; however, timing and route restrictions are crucial. Kosher meals require 48 48-hour notice and aren’t available from several destinations. Muslim meals aren’t offered to/from Riyadh since full Halal service is provided. Child meals must be requested manually and are not available in a vegetarian option.
FAQs
Are kosher meals available on Virgin Atlantic flights?
Yes, kosher meals are available, but they require 48 hours’ advance notice and are not available on flights departing from Bengaluru, Lagos, the Maldives, or Caribbean destinations. Uncut fruit is offered as an alternative.
Are halal meals available on Virgin Atlantic flights?
Yes, Muslim meals (MOML) are available with 24 hours’ notice, except on flights to/from Riyadh, where full Halal-compliant meal service is provided for all passengers.
Can I request a special meal on all Virgin Atlantic flights?
Yes! Special meals are available on Virgin Atlantic flights. Availability may vary depending on the flight duration and class of service.
Are child meals automatically provided?
No, child meals are not automatically booked and must be requested through “My Booking” or your booking agent. If a vegetarian option is needed for children, order a standard vegetarian meal instead.
What if I have severe allergies?
Contact Virgin Atlantic’s special assistance team in advance. Virgin cannot guarantee allergen-free environments, but provides comprehensive support.
