Special Meals
Know exactly what special meals you can order on Qantas flights โ from 13 dietary options to availability by route type, with all ordering deadlines and methods.
Ordering Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Ordering Deadline | 24 hours minimum (36 hours for kosher meals) |
| Available Options | 13 different meal types covering dietary, religious, and medical needs |
| Cost | Complimentary – no additional charges |
| Ordering Methods | During booking, “Manage My Booking”, or via travel agent |
Special Meal Types
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: VJML
The VJML or vegetarian Jain is a meal option for passengers who are part of the Jain community.
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: 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: 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.
Availability by Flight Type
| Flight Type | Availability | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| International | All routes, all special meals available | No kosher meals on Delhi/Bengaluru routes, government-facilitated flights |
| Trans-Tasman | All special meals available | None |
| Domestic Business Class | All domestic and regional flights | None |
| Domestic Economy | Flights over 3.5 hours only | Limited or no service on shorter flights |
Important Notes
No additional cost: All special meals are complimentary
Route restrictions: Some routes have limited kosher meal availability
Flight duration matters: Domestic economy only on flights over 3.5 hours
Advance planning recommended: Order when booking to ensure availability
Bottom Line
Qantas offers 13 complimentary special meal options on international flights and domestic flights over 3.5 hours.
Most meals require 24-hour notice (kosher needs 36 hours). Order during booking or via “Manage My Booking” with no additional charges.
FAQs
What special meals are available on Qantas flights?
Qantas offers a variety of special meals to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, diabetic, low-fat, low-sodium, and child meals.
Are there additional charges for special meals on Qantas flights?
No, requesting a special meal does not incur any additional charges. These meals are provided as part of Qantas’s inflight service.
How can I request a special meal on Qantas flights?
Special meals can be requested during the booking process or by managing your booking on the Qantas website or mobile app. Requests should be made at least 24 hours before your flight’s departure.
On which flights are Qantas special meals available?
Special meals are available on most Qantas international (including Trans Tasman) and domestic flights over 3.5 hours in economy class.
Availability may vary depending on the flight duration and route.
Do I need to reconfirm my special meal request before the flight?
While it’s generally not necessary to reconfirm your special meal request, it can be helpful to check with Qantas customer service or verify your request online to ensure everything is in order.
