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Gluten-Free Meals On Flights
Which airlines offer gluten-free meals and how to order them for your flight
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What is a gluten-free airline meal?
A gluten-free airline meal is a type of special meal designed for passengers who can’t eat gluten. Gluten is commonly found in wheat, barley and rye, and can appear in lots of foods onboard, including bread rolls, pasta, sauces, desserts, and snacks.
Gluten-free meals are often labelled as GFML (Gluten Intolerant Meal) in airline meal systems.
A gluten-free airline meal may include things like:
- meat or fish with rice/potatoes
- cooked vegetables
- fruit
- gluten-free dessert (depending on the airline)
Just remember: gluten-free meals vary a lot by airline, and some may still contain traces of gluten due to shared preparation areas.
Which airlines offer gluten-free meals?
Many major airlines offer gluten-free meals on selected routes, especially where meals are included in the fare.
This includes British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Etihad, Turkish Airlines and Qantas.
Important: availability varies by flight, so always check with your airline before you travel.
Do all airlines offer gluten-free meals?
No. Gluten-free meals are usually available on full-service airlines, especially on long-haul flights with meal service.
Low-cost airlines and short-haul routes may not offer special meals, so it’s best to check in advance and bring gluten-free snacks just in case.
How to order gluten-free meals on Alternative Airlines
Ordering a gluten-free meal when you fly doesn’t have to be stressful.
When you book through Alternative Airlines, you can add your meal preference during the booking process:
- Search for your flights.
- Once you’ve selected your flights and reached the Details page, click “Add special requests and more” under Passenger Details.
- From the dropdown list, select “Meal preferences” and choose the gluten-free option (if available).
After you’ve added your request, we recommend double-checking your booking details and ordering as early as possible, as many airlines require gluten-free meals to be requested in advance.
Tips for flying gluten-free
Bring your own food
If you're worried the airline you're flying with doesn't offer gluten-free meals, consider bringing your own snacks or meal for the flight. Check out our guide to bringing your own food on the plane to make sure you comply with rules and regulations.
Feel free to double-check your food
While travelling, it's extremely important to look after your well-being. If something doesn't look right with your meal, don't hesitate to ask the cabin crew to double-check that your meal is gluten-free.
Inform the airline or Alternative Airlines as soon as possible
To give your gluten-free meal request the best chance of being confirmed, let the airline or Alternative Airlines know as soon as possible. Many airlines require advance notice for special meals, so the earlier you add your request, the better.
Other dietary requirements
To learn more about flying as a vegan or vegetarian, visit our vegan and vegetarian airline food page. For Halal or Kosher options, visit our Halal and Kosher pages.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a gluten-free airline meal?
A gluten-free airline meal is a special meal option for passengers who can’t eat gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye, and it can show up in common onboard foods like bread rolls, pasta, sauces, desserts, and snacks. Gluten-free meals are often labelled as GFML (Gluten Intolerant Meal).
Do I need to pay extra for a gluten-free meal?
Usually not on long-haul flights where meals are included as it’s usually a part of the service.
However, on low-cost airlines where food is purchased separately, you may need to pay for any onboard snacks.
Do all airlines offer gluten-free meals?
No, not all airlines offer gluten-free meals. They’re usually only available on flights that include a meal service, and they’re more common with full-service airlines than low-cost carriers.
What does a gluten-free airline meal usually include?
Gluten-free meals vary by airline, but they often include a protein (like chicken or fish), rice or potatoes, vegetables, fruit, and sometimes yoghurt or a gluten-free dessert. Some airlines may also offer gluten-free breakfast options like eggs, fruit, or yoghurt.
Can I bring my own gluten-free food on a plane?
In most cases, yes, and it’s a good idea, especially on short-haul flights where meals may not be included. Gluten-free snacks like protein bars, crackers, rice cakes, or dried fruit can help if your flight doesn’t have safe options.