The first time a took a flight I was 16, I had no idea of what I had to do or where I had to go.
Imagine my surprise when I saw a flight attendant offering me a meal!
I was so shocked that I just refused it 🙂
On my way back I recovered from the surprise and I tried it. I don’t remember if I was a vegetarian back then or if I still ate fish, but I think I managed to eat something.
Things have changed a lot from that moment, and I can now suggest you how to book you favorite vegan inflight meals.
Meal codes
The first thing you need to know is that inflight meals have standard codes that are used by airlines world wide, so you don't need to worry about checking every single company every time you fly.
Vegan meals have the following codes:
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VVML/ VGML: Vegetarian Vegan Meal
No meat, poultry, fish, seafood, milk, eggs, honey or any products from animal sources.
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VOML: Vegetarian Oriental Meal
Prepared in Chinese style. No meat, poultry, fish, seafood, milk, eggs, bulbous vegetables such as garlic, onions, shallots, leeks, etc.
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VJML: Vegetarian Jain Meal
Prepared in Indian style according to Jain customs. No meat, poultry, fish, seafood, milk, eggs, honey, root or bulbous vegetables.
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RVML: Vegetarian Raw Meal
Raw fruits and vegetables only.
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FPML: Fruit Platter Meal
Fruits only.
How to order
Now that you have learned the differences among the codes, you are ready to order your vegan inflight meal!
Different companies may have different page layouts, but (generally speaking) you will find your "MEALS" button under the "menage your booking" section.
Usually you will need to repeat the operation for all your flights, but remember that short trips won't give you the possibility to select your meal, as they only offer a standard snack.
SUGGESTION: bring some food with you just in case your special meal get lost (yes, it can happen) or it's mistaken.
Which meal is the best?
The first times I chose my vegan inflight meals I used to choose the VGML, as I didn't know what to expect from the other.
I think I won't order the raw and the fruit meal as I don't like cold food, but lately me and my boyfriend are requesting both VGML and VJML so that we can compare and share 🙂
