Qatar Airways Special Meals: How to Order and What You Need to Know
- Helena
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Flying with dietary restrictions like mine isn’t always easy. I’m lactose intolerant, so I know the struggle of finding safe and satisfying meals when travelling. To be fair, mine isn't the most difficult, and actual allergen is much trickier.
On our flights with Qatar Airways in January, I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth the whole process was. Ordering a special meal was quick and straightforward, and the food itself was genuinely good, fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and exactly what I needed (you can read the full review here). If you have dietary requirements, Qatar Airways makes it simple to enjoy your journey without the stress of worrying about what you’ll eat.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ordering special meals on Qatar Airways, from the types of meals available to how to make a request, allergy policies, and pro travel tips.
Why Order a Special Meal on Qatar Airways?
Ordering a special meal in advance ensures your dietary needs are catered to with care. Standard inflight menus may not cover vegan, gluten-free, or religious requirements, so booking ahead guarantees that your meal is freshly prepared and ready for you.
Tip: Always order your special meal at least 24 hours before departure via “Manage Booking” on the Qatar Airways website or app.
Qatar Airways Special Meal Options
Here’s a breakdown of the meal categories you can request:
Baby & Children’s Meals
Baby Meal (BBML): Pre-packaged, mild purees suitable for infants under two. These meals are tender, easy to digest, and provided as a standard option without needing pre-booking.
Children’s Non-Vegetarian Meal (CHML): Designed for young travellers, this meal includes child-friendly favourites like pasta, pancakes, breaded chicken or fish, chips, fruit, and treats.
Children’s Vegetarian Meal (CVML): A lacto-ovo vegetarian option with eggs and dairy, featuring wholesome, soft, and easy-to-chew foods.
Vegetarian & Vegan Meals
Vegan Meal (VGML): 100% plant-based with vegetables, grains, lentils, and fruit — free from meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and animal by-products.
Fruit Platter (FPML): A fresh seasonal assortment of fruits, free from additives, preservatives, or canned items.
Raw Vegetarian Meal (RVML): A purely raw diet option of uncooked vegetables and fruits, without processed or cooked foods.
Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal (VLML): Includes eggs and dairy alongside vegetables, soy products, and fruit, but excludes meat, fish, and seafood.
Vegetarian Oriental Meal (VOML): Asian-inspired vegetarian dishes prepared with vegetables, grains, and fruit, but no dairy or eggs.
Asian Vegetarian / Vegetarian Hindu Meal (AVML): Flavoured with Indian spices and mildly spiced, this vegetarian option may include dairy but excludes meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and eggs.
Vegetarian Jain Meal (VJML): Prepared according to Jain dietary principles, this meal avoids root vegetables, onions, and garlic. It features rice, pulses, cereals, tofu, and above-ground vegetables.
Religious Meals
Non-Vegetarian Hindu Meal (HNML): A non-vegetarian option inspired by Indian cuisine, using rice, poultry, fish, lamb, or goat — but never beef or beef products.
Kosher Meal (KSML): Pre-packaged meals certified under Jewish dietary laws.
Health & Medical Meals
Diabetic Meal (DBML): Balanced with complex carbs, lean proteins, vegetables, and fresh fruit, without sugary or fried items.
Gluten-Free Meal (GFML): Designed for passengers with gluten intolerance, containing fresh meat, seafood, rice, and vegetables, but no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-based products.
Bland Meal (BLML): Mildly seasoned, light meals for easier digestion — excludes spicy, fried, or heavily seasoned foods.
Low-Salt Meal (LSML): Prepared without added salt, MSG, or salty products, instead using herbs for flavour.
Non-Lactose Meal (NLML): Ideal for lactose-intolerant passengers, this meal excludes dairy products and instead uses meat, rice, vegetables, and fruit.
Low-Calorie Meal (LCML): A calorie-controlled option with lean proteins, complex carbs, and vegetables, cooked by steaming or poaching.
Low Cholesterol / Low Fat Meal (LFML): Limited in saturated fats, this meal uses lean proteins, low-fat dairy, egg whites, fresh vegetables, and grains.
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How to Request a Special Meal on Qatar Airways
Booking your meal is simple and can be done at the time of reservation or later:
During Booking: Select your meal preference when purchasing your ticket.
Manage Booking: Log in on the Qatar Airways website or mobile app, then go to Meal Preferences under “Manage Booking.”
Customer Service: If you can’t find your preferred option, contact Qatar Airways directly.
Special meals must be requested at least 24 hours before departure.
Important Limitations
Special meals are not provided on short-haul Gulf routes (e.g., Oman, Kuwait).
Requests for custom meals (like “only pasta” or “steak”) are not accepted.
Special meals on codeshare flights depend on the operating airline — always check at the time of booking.
Qatar Airways Allergy Policy
Qatar Airways states that while it aims to accommodate passengers with allergies, it cannot guarantee an allergen-free cabin because its flights are open to the public. According to the airline, passengers with mild allergies are expected to carry any required medication on board and may be asked to sign a liability waiver. Those with severe or “hyper” allergies must submit a completed Medical Information (MEDIF) form in English at the time of booking or no later than 48 hours before departure so that it can be reviewed and approved.
The airline also advises severely allergic travellers to carry their own medication and, if necessary, bring their own meals on board. However, these meals cannot be refrigerated or heated and should be free of strong odours. Because of quarantine rules in some countries, any food brought on board must either be consumed during the flight or left on the aircraft. Qatar Airways specifies that MEDIF forms must be submitted between 48 hours and seven days before each flight, taking time zones and office hours into account, and says that a separate indemnity form may also be required for hyper-allergy cases.
Here’s what you should know:
Nut-free meals are not available. Cross-contamination risks remain.
Passengers with severe allergies are encouraged to bring their own meals (but note: meals cannot be reheated or refrigerated onboard).
Always carry necessary medication (e.g., epi-pens).
Severe allergy cases may require a Medical Information (MEDIF) form, submitted at least 48 hours before departure.
On flights to/from the U.S., passengers with allergies may need to sign a waiver of liability form.
Travel Tip: Wipe down your seat area, request a window seat, and inform the crew of your allergy upon boarding.
Pro Tips for Flying with Dietary Restrictions on Qatar Airways
Book early: Always request your special meal at least 24 hours before departure.
Pack snacks: Bring your own allergy-safe or dietary-specific snacks.
Check with crew: Politely remind the flight attendants about your meal after boarding.
Be prepared: If you have a severe allergy, ensure you carry your medication and inform staff.
Final Thoughts
Qatar Airways makes flying with dietary restrictions more comfortable thanks to its wide range of special meals, covering everything from vegan and gluten-free to religious and children’s meal options.
By booking your meal in advance and understanding the airline’s allergy policies, you can relax knowing your dietary needs will be looked after at 35,000 feet.
Now you know the answer to: How do I order a special meal on Qatar Airways? Safe travels and happy dining!
Helena
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