What Are Meal Codes in Air Travel?

Meal codes are standardized airline abbreviations used to indicate a passenger’s meal preference or dietary requirement when booking a flight. These codes help airlines provide meals that meet specific needs, whether for health, religious, or personal reasons. Common meal codes include VGML (Vegetarian Meal), GFML (Gluten-Free Meal), KSML (Kosher Meal), and LFML (Low-Fat Meal). Passengers can select a meal preference at the time of booking, though airlines usually require advance notice—typically 24 to 48 hours before departure—to accommodate special requests.

For business travellers, ensuring the right meal selection can be important on long-haul flights where meal service is included. Corporate travel managers often pre-select meal preferences for frequent travellers to ensure consistency across bookings. While most full-service airlines offer a range of meal options, low-cost carriers may have limited selections or require passengers to purchase meals separately.