Know exactly which special meals you can order on Korean Air flights – comprehensive dietary options with specific age requirements and advance booking needed.
Korean Air updated its special dietary meals in September 2025, working with nutrition experts from Inha University Hospital to improve taste and health benefits across seven meal categories including diabetic, gluten-free, and low-salt options.
The enhanced meals are available to all cabin classes and still require 24-hour advance booking.
| MEAL CATEGORY | NUMBER OF OPTIONS | ADVANCE NOTICE | SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian Meals | 7 types (including Korean vegan) | 24 hours minimum | Korean vegan not available ex-London Heathrow |
| Medical/Dietary Needs | 7 types | 24 hours minimum | – |
| Special Preferences | 3 types | 24 hours minimum | Allergen-free requires ingredient specification |
| Baby/Child Meals | 2 types | 24 hours minimum | Age-specific: Under 24 months / 24 months-12 years |
Special Meals List
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: VLML
The VLML or vegetarian lacto ovo meal is a vegetarian special meal with the added addition of eggs and dairy.
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: VJML
The VJML or vegetarian Jain is a meal option for passengers who are part of the Jain community.
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: 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: 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.
How to Order Special Meals
Contact Korean Air customer service or use “Manage My Booking” on their website.
Order at least 24 hours before departure to ensure availability.
Please specify the meal code and any special requirements (e.g., specific allergens to avoid).
Confirm your selection and verify that it appears in your booking.
Important Notes
Korean vegan meal
Not available on flights departing London Heathrow (regular vegan meal still available)
Formula recommendation
Bring your baby formula, as airline-provided formulas may not suit your infant.
Allergen-free meals
Must specify exact allergens when ordering
Bottom Line
Korean Air offers a comprehensive range of special meal options, featuring 17 different types that cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian and medical requirements.
The Korean vegan meal is a unique offering worth trying, but please note that it’s not available on flights from London Heathrow.
Child meals are route-specific with better Korean options departing Seoul. Order 24 hours in advance and specify your allergen requirements to avoid any issues.
FAQs
How far in advance must I place an order for a special meal on Korean Air?
All special meals must be ordered at least 24 hours before scheduled departure through customer service or the “Manage My Booking” online portal.
What’s the difference between a Korean air vegan meal and a regular vegan meal?
The Korean vegan meal features traditional Korean temple cuisine style, while the regular vegan meal (VGML) is Western-style. Both exclude all animal products.
Are special meals available on all Korean Air routes?
Most special meals are available on all routes; however, the Korean vegan meal is not available on flights departing from London Heathrow.
What child meal options are available on Korean Air?
Child meals vary by departure point. From Korea: bulgogi, cheese spaghetti, BBQ chicken, croquettes. From overseas: spaghetti, pizza, hot dogs. Some flights from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia offer Korean-style options.
