Special Meals
Know exactly which special meals you can order on your American Airlines flight and how to request them.
Important Information
Long-haul flights only: Special meals are available on flights to Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, select South American cities (Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Sao Paulo), and Doha.
Order in advance: Request from 30 days up to 24 hours before departure.
No extra cost: All special meals are complimentary.
Special Meals
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
FAQs
Which flights offer special meals on American Airlines?
Special meals are available on long-haul international flights to Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, select South American cities, and Doha. Not available on domestic or short-haul flights.
Does American Airlines offer meals for children and babies?
Yes, child meals (CHML) are available for children aged 2-11, and baby meals (BBML) are available for infants under 2 years old on international flights.
Can I bring my own special meal on board if my request cannot be accommodated?
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food on board if American Airlines is unable to accommodate their special meal request. However, be mindful of security regulations regarding liquids and gels.
Do I need to confirm my special meal request before my flight?
While it’s not always necessary, it’s a good idea to confirm your special meal request with American Airlines customer service at least 24 hours before your flight to ensure your meal will be available.
