How Do I Order A Special Meal with British Airways

If you’re flying with British Airways and have specific dietary needs, the good news is: ordering a special meal on British Airways is quick, easy, and free. Whether you require a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, diabetic, Hindu, kosher, halal or Lactose Free meal because you are like me, British Airways offers a wide selection of special meals to suit a range of dietary, religious, and medical requirements.

Special meals are a fantastic way to ensure anyone with a dietary requirement gets fed well too.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to order a special meal on British Airways, when you need to do it, and which routes and cabin classes qualify. Let’s make sure your next flight is as comfortable and satisfying as possible.

What Types of Special Meals Does British Airways Offer?

British Airways offers around 14 types of special meals with full descriptions on what each meal is found here:

• Child

• Diabetic

• Gluten Intolerant

• Halal

• Hindu Non-Vegetarian

• Hindu Vegetarian

• Jain

• Kosher

• Low Calorie

• Low Fat

• Low Lactose

• Low Salt/Sodium

• Vegan

• Vegetarian

Note: British Airways does not currently offer nut-free guarantees, so passengers with severe allergies should take extra precautions. We would recommend reading through their guide on Food Allergies as well as their page around travelling with medical conditions such as Severe Food Allergies.

When Should You Order Your Special Meal?

Kosher meals must be requested at least 48 hours before your flight, unless you’re travelling from London Heathrow which means you can request a kosher meal up to 24 hours before departure. However, with all other specials meals must be ordered at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure. However, we recommend doing it as early as possible after booking.

Ordering a Special Meal couldn't be simpler with British Airways

How do I order a Special Meal with British Airways

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to request a special meal with British Airways:

1. Log into “Manage My Booking”

• Go to the official British Airways website: www.britishairways.com

• Click on “Manage My Booking”

• Enter your booking reference and last name

Finding the Request A Special Meal option is super easy to find on the British Airways website

2. Select Your Flight

• Choose the flight segment for which you want to request a special meal

Once the flight is selected it really is just a case of selecting from the drop down menus

3. Choose ‘Meal Preferences’

• Under the passenger details, click on ‘Request a Special Meal’ (only visible if your flight is eligible)

• A dropdown menu will appear with all available meal options

British Airways also share links to useful information on the special meals and food allergy information

4. Select Your Meal and Confirm

• Pick your meal type (e.g., Vegan, Kosher, Gluten-Free)

• Click “Save” or “Confirm” to finalize your request

Once the meal is selected simply scroll to the bottoms and click "Confirm"

You’re done. You should receive confirmation, and your special meal will be loaded onto your flight.

Can You Change Your Special Meal Later?

Yes - you can update or change your special meal via “Manage My Booking” up to 24 hours before departure. If you're cutting it close, it’s best to call British Airways Customer Service directly.

Still Need Help?

If you’re having trouble, you can:

• Call British Airways Customer Service

• Use their Live Chat on the website

• Contact your travel agent (if booked through one)

Bonus Tips for Flying with a Special Meal

• Check your meal status before departure via “Manage My Booking”

• Bring snacks just in case. This is always a smart idea when traveling with dietary restrictions.

• Mention your special meal to the cabin crew when boarding as well as any allergies you may have and the severity of them.

Final Thoughts: Ordering a Special Meal on British Airways is Easy and Worth It

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, British Airways makes it easy to fly comfortably with dietary requirements. This has been an asbolute game changer for me having discovered in 2023 I was lactose intolerant. It means I can enjoy an airplane meal without having to worry about any dairy products sneaking into it!

Always remember to order your special meal at least 24 hours in advance, unless it is Kosher where it is 48 hours, and you’ll be all set to enjoy your inflight experience with peace of mind.

If you've ever wondered "How do I order a special meal on British Airways?", now you have the full answer - and your next flight is one step closer to being worry-free.

Helena

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