Learn exactly how to secure your dietary special meal on Hawaiian Airlines flights – with route restrictions, phone-only ordering, and timing requirements to ensure proper accommodation.
Quick Reference
| FLIGHT TYPE | SPECIAL MEALS AVAILABLE | ORDERING METHOD | ADVANCE NOTICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| International inbound/outbound | Yes – 4 types only | Phone reservations only | 48 hours before departure |
| US domestic flights | Not available | Standard meals only | N/A |
| South Pacific (PPT, PPG, RAR) | Not available | Standard meal service only | N/A |
Special Meal List
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: 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: 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: 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.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Can’t order special meals online?
- Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t offer online special meal ordering
- Must call the reservations department directly
- Cannot add special meals through the website “Manage My Reservation”
- Travel agents can assist with requests if you booked through them
Domestic flight special meal request?
- Special meals are not available on any US domestic routes
- Includes all mainland US to Hawaii flights
- Hawaiian Airlines provides standard complimentary meals only
- Bring your food if you have dietary restrictions
Need kosher, halal, or diabetic meals?
- Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t offer these special meal types
- Minimal selection compared to major international carriers
- Bring your own approved food items for these dietary needs
- Consider flying airlines with more comprehensive special meal programmes
Booking within 48 hours?
- Special meal requests not accepted within 48 hours of departure
- Contact reservations immediately for urgent dietary needs
- Consider bringing your own approved food items
- Standard meal service may include some vegetarian options
South Pacific destination restrictions?
- No special meals available to Pago Pago (PPG), Papeete (PPT), or Rarotonga (RAR)
- These routes don’t qualify for special dietary accommodations
- Bring your food for these destinations
- Standard meal service is provided on these routes
Severe allergies or complex dietary needs?
- Hawaiian’s limited special meal selection may not accommodate complex requirements
- Bring your food for severe allergies or specific medical diets
- Inform cabin crew of allergies when boarding
- Hawaiian Airlines cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment
Important Limitations
Route restrictions: Special meals only on international flights (excluding South Pacific)
No online ordering: Phone reservations required – no self-service options
Limited selection: Only four meal types vs 15-20 offered by major international carriers
48-hour deadline: Longer advance notice required than most airlines
No religious meals: No kosher, halal, or Hindu meal options available
No medical meals: No diabetic, low-sodium, or other specialised medical dietary options
No guarantee: Hawaiian Airlines cannot guarantee special meal availability on all flights
Bottom Line
Hawaiian Airlines operates one of the most restrictive special meal programmes among major carriers, offering only four basic dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and child) exclusively on international flights via phone ordering with 48-hour advance notice. The airline does not accommodate standard religious dietary requirements (such as kosher and halal) or medical dietary needs (including diabetic and low-sodium diets), requiring passengers with these restrictions to bring their food. US domestic flights, including the crucial mainland-to-Hawaii routes, offer no special meal accommodations whatsoever. While Hawaiian excels at complimentary standard meal service, travellers with specific dietary needs should plan to bring their food or consider airlines with more comprehensive special meal programmes.
FAQs
Why doesn’t Hawaiian Airlines offer special meals on domestic flights?
Hawaiian Airlines’ service model restricts special meals to international routes only. All US domestic flights, including routes between the mainland and Hawaii, offer standard complimentary meals without special dietary accommodations.
Can I order special meals online?
No, Hawaiian Airlines requires a phone call to their reservations department for all special meal requests. There is no online ordering system available through their website.
What happens if I need a special meal on South Pacific routes?
Special meals are not available on flights to Pago Pago (PPG), Papeete (PPT), or Rarotonga (RAR). Passengers with dietary restrictions are required to bring their food on these routes.