Flying with American Airlines and have specific dietary needs? Whether you're vegetarian, require a gluten-free meal, or adhere to religious dietary guidelines, requesting a special meal is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your in-flight experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your culinary preferences are accommodated on your next American Airlines journey.
Ready to make your flight more enjoyable with a meal tailored just for you? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Confirming Eligibility for Special Meals
Before you get excited about your custom meal, it's crucial to understand when and where special meals are available. Not all flights offer special meal service, and typically, it's reserved for longer routes.
Sub-heading: Understanding Flight Eligibility
American Airlines generally offers special meals on:
International flights: Most long-haul international flights that include complimentary meal service will have special meal options.
Transcontinental flights: Certain longer domestic flights, often those designated as "Flagship" routes, may also offer special meals in premium cabins.
Flight Duration: Special meals are typically available on flights lasting longer than 2,200 miles or those with scheduled full meal service. Shorter flights or those only offering snack service usually do not have special meal options.
How to check: The easiest way to confirm if your flight is eligible is during the booking process online or by checking the "Travel Information" section on the American Airlines website, specifically under "Dining" or "Special Meals."
Step 2: Exploring American Airlines Special Meal Options
American Airlines provides a variety of special meals to cater to diverse dietary requirements. Knowing your options beforehand will help you make an informed choice.
Sub-heading: A Glimpse at Available Special Meals
Here's a list of common special meal options offered by American Airlines:
Vegetarian/Vegan Meals:
Vegetarian Vegan Meal (VGML): Does not contain meat, fish, fowl, eggs, or dairy products.
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Meal (VLML): May include eggs and dairy products, but no meat, fish, or fowl.
Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVML): Spicy vegetarian meals often with limited use of dairy products.
Vegetarian Jain Meal (VJML): Prepared according to Jain dietary practices, excluding root vegetables like onion and garlic, and all animal products.
Religious Meals:
Kosher Meal (KSML): Prepared and served in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. Note: Availability may be restricted on certain routes (e.g., flights from India or Shanghai).
Muslim Meal (MOML) / Halal Meal: Does not contain pork, by-products of pork, or ingredients containing alcohol, prepared according to Islamic traditions.
Hindu Meal (HNML): Prepared according to Hindu dietary practices, which may include dairy, curries, and spicy flavors, but no beef.
Medical/Dietary Meals:
Diabetic Meal (DBML): Suitable for reduced sugar, hyperglycemic, hypoglycemic, and carbohydrate-controlled meal requests.
Gluten-Intolerant Meal (GFML): Eliminates all foods prepared with wheat, rye, barley, and oats.
Low-Fat Meal (LFML): High in fiber, low in fat.
Low-Sodium Meal (LSML): Prepared without added salt, MSG, or baking powder/soda.
Bland Meal (BLML): Simple cooking methods used for passengers with digestive sensitivities.
Child/Baby Meals:
Child Meal (CHML): Foods that appeal to children aged 2-5, generally available to everyone.
Baby Meal (BBML): Selection of commercial baby food for children 2 and younger.
Important Note on Allergies: While American Airlines offers gluten-free options and is generally mindful of food allergies, they cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment due to the nature of airline catering and the possibility of other passengers bringing allergens onboard. If you have severe allergies, always take necessary medical precautions and consider bringing your own safe snacks as a backup. Inform the gate agent and flight attendants about your allergy upon boarding.
Step 3: Making Your Special Meal Request
There are a few convenient ways to request your special meal, whether you're booking a new flight or have an existing reservation.
Sub-heading: Requesting During Online Booking
When you are in the process of booking your flight on
aa.com, after selecting your flights and passenger details, you will usually encounter a section for "Meal Preferences" or "Special Services."Look for a dropdown menu or a list where you can select your desired special meal.
Be sure to select it before finalizing your booking.
Sub-heading: Adding a Special Meal to an Existing Reservation
Online via "Manage Trip":
Go to
aa.comand click on the "My Trips" or "Manage Trip" tab.Enter your first name, last name, and the six-character booking reference (confirmation code).
Once you access your booking details, scroll down and look for a section related to "Special Services," "Meal Preferences," or "Reserve a Meal."
If available, you'll see options to select or modify your meal choice.
Save your changes to ensure the request is processed.
Via the American Airlines Mobile App:
Log in to your American Airlines app.
Access your upcoming trip.
Similar to the website, look for a "Special Services" or "Meal" option within your trip details to make your selection.
By Phone (American Airlines Reservations):
If you encounter any issues online, or prefer speaking to a representative, call American Airlines Reservations. You can find the contact number on their official website under "Contact Us" or "Customer Service."
Have your booking reference ready when you call.
Clearly state your special meal request to the agent, and they will add it to your reservation.
Through Your Travel Agent:
If you booked your flight through a travel agent or a third-party website (like Expedia, Kayak, etc.), it's often best to contact them directly to request a special meal. They can typically add this information to your reservation.
However, you can also try managing your booking directly on
aa.comusing your American Airlines confirmation code, even if booked elsewhere. If that doesn't work, then contact your travel agent.
Step 4: Adhering to the Deadline
Timing is critical when requesting special meals. There's a specific window during which your request must be submitted.
Sub-heading: The Golden Rule: Request in Advance!
American Airlines typically requires special meal requests to be made at least 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
For certain special meals, like Kosher meals, the deadline might be even longer, sometimes up to 48 hours or more, especially on flights from specific regions.
It is highly recommended to make your request as soon as your travel plans are firm – ideally, right after you book your flight. This maximizes the chances of your requested meal being available and correctly provisioned.
Missing the deadline means the airline may not be able to accommodate your special meal, and you'll receive the standard meal served on the flight, or no meal at all if you're reliant on a special dietary option.
Step 5: Reconfirming Your Request
While the online system and phone representatives are usually reliable, it's always a good idea to double-check your special meal request closer to your departure date.
Sub-heading: Ensuring Peace of Mind
24-48 Hours Before Departure: Re-access your booking on
aa.comor the mobile app, or call American Airlines Reservations, to confirm that your special meal request is still noted on your itinerary.At the Airport: When you check in at the airport (either at the self-service kiosk or with a check-in agent), briefly mention that you have a special meal requested.
Onboard the Aircraft: Once you're seated on the plane, kindly inform a flight attendant that you have a special meal request. This helps them ensure you receive the correct meal and prevents any mix-ups. Special meals are often served before standard meals.
Step 6: What to Do if There's a Problem
Despite your best efforts, sometimes issues can arise. Knowing how to handle them can save you stress.
Sub-heading: Troubleshooting Your Meal Request
Meal Not Noted: If, upon reconfirming or boarding, you find your special meal request isn't noted, immediately speak to a flight attendant. While they might not be able to conjure up your specific meal on the spot, they can often offer alternatives from the standard meal service or other available options that might fit your dietary needs.
Bringing Your Own Food: If you have severe allergies or highly specific dietary restrictions, it is always wise to pack some non-perishable, safe snacks or a meal for yourself in your carry-on, especially for longer flights. American Airlines allows passengers to bring their own food on board. Ensure any liquids comply with TSA regulations.
Contact Customer Relations Post-Flight: If you experienced a significant issue with your special meal request that impacted your comfort or health, consider contacting American Airlines Customer Relations after your flight to provide feedback.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check if my American Airlines flight offers special meals?
You can check for special meal availability during the online booking process under "Meal Preferences" or "Special Services," or by visiting the "Dining" or "Special Meals" section of the American Airlines website under "Travel Information."
How to request a special meal if I booked through a travel agent?
If you booked through a travel agent or a third-party website, it's generally best to contact them directly to add the special meal request to your reservation. Alternatively, you can try accessing your booking on aa.com using your American Airlines confirmation code.
How to confirm my special meal request before my flight?
You can confirm your special meal request by logging into "My Trips" on aa.com or the American Airlines mobile app 24-48 hours before your flight. You can also call American Airlines Reservations or ask a check-in agent at the airport.
How to handle a severe food allergy on American Airlines?
While you can request a specific allergy meal (like gluten-free), American Airlines cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Inform the airline, gate agent, and flight attendants about your allergy, and always bring your own safe food/snacks as a backup.
How to change a special meal request on American Airlines?
You can typically change your special meal request by accessing your reservation through "My Trips" on aa.com or the mobile app, provided you do so before the specified deadline (usually 24 hours prior to departure). Alternatively, you can call American Airlines Reservations.
How to know the deadline for requesting a special meal on American Airlines?
The general deadline for requesting a special meal on American Airlines is at least 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. For certain meals like Kosher, it may be 48 hours or more. Always try to request as early as possible.
How to find the specific meal options available for my flight?
The specific special meal options available will be displayed when you go to select your meal during booking or when managing your trip online. American Airlines' website also lists the types of special meals generally offered.
How to ensure I get my special meal once onboard?
After boarding the aircraft, politely inform a flight attendant that you have a special meal requested. This helps them identify you and ensure you receive the correct meal.
How to bring my own food on an American Airlines flight?
You are generally allowed to bring your own food on American Airlines flights. Ensure that any liquids, gels, or aerosols in your packed food comply with TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage.
How to contact American Airlines for special meal assistance?
You can contact American Airlines Reservations by phone. Their contact number can be found on the "Contact Us" or "Customer Service" section of the official American Airlines website. Have your booking details ready for a quicker process.
