Special Meals
Here’s everything you need to know about ordering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and other special meals on Turkish Airlines.
Know exactly how to order special meals on Turkish Airlines flights โ from ordering requirements and deadlines to the complete step-by-step process, with all available options and troubleshooting tips.
Ordering Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Ordering Deadline | At least 24 hours before departure |
| Ordering Methods | Online via “Manage Booking” or contact Turkish Airlines customer service |
| Cost | Complimentary โ no additional charges |
| Flight Availability | International flights only (not available on domestic Turkish flights) |
| Available Options | 17+ special meal types covering dietary, religious, and health requirements |
Special Meals Availability
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: 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: RVML
The RVML or raw vegetarian meal is a meal consisting of only raw fruits and vegetables.
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.
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: SFML
The SFML or Seafood meal is a meal option for passengers who wish to only eat seafood. These types of meals are becoming rarer on most airlines worldwide, it’s an expensive special meal to create and not always offered.
IATA Code: BLML
The BLML (Bland Meal) is your safest option when you need gentle, easily digestible food during flight. This specialised meal focuses on simple, stomach friendly ingredients that won’t trigger digestive problems at 35,000 feet.
IATA Code: LCML
The LCML or Low-Calorie meal is a meal of low levels of calories and suited to people who are on a low-calorie diet. Some airlines aim to have no more than 400 calories per meal, but this will vary from airline to airline.
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: 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: VJML
The VJML or vegetarian Jain is a meal option for passengers who are part of the Jain community.
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: 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: VLML
The VLML or vegetarian lacto ovo meal is a vegetarian special meal with the added addition of eggs and dairy.
IATA Code: VOML
The VOML or vegetarian oriental meal is a vegetarian special meal for passengers who prefer an oriental style meal. It won’t contain any animal products, animal-derived ingredients, eggs, or dairy products.
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: 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.
Important Restrictions
24-Hour Deadline: Must be ordered at least 24 hours before departure
International Flights Only: Special meals are NOT available on domestic Turkish flights
All Meals are Halal: Turkish Airlines prepares all meals according to Islamic dietary laws, so no separate Muslim meal request is needed
Troubleshooting
Can’t find special meal options online? Ensure you’re booking an international flight as domestic Turkish flights don’t offer special meals.
Booking too close to departure? Contact Turkish Airlines customer service โ they may be able to accommodate requests within 24 hours depending on availability.
Need to change your selection? Access “Manage Booking” again before the 24-hour deadline or contact customer service.
Meal didn’t arrive onboard? Notify the cabin crew immediately and ask about alternative options available.
FAQs
Can I request a special meal on all Turkish Airlines flights?
Special meals are available on most Turkish Airlines flights, particularly on international routes and long-haul flights.
They are not available on Turkish domestic flights.
Are Turkish Airlines meals halal?
Yes, all meals served on Turkish Airlines flights are halal, adhering to Islamic dietary laws, so passengers can request these meals with confidence.
Are there additional charges for special meals on Turkish Airlines flights?
No, requesting a special meal on Turkish Airlines flights does not incur any additional charges.
These meals are provided as part of the airlineโs inflight service.
