What is a Bland Meal (BLML)?
A Bland Meal (BLML) is a special dietary meal provided by airlines for passengers who require a light, easily digestible meal. The initials stand for 'Bland Meal' and are part of the standardized airline meal codes used across the industry. This option is specifically designed for individuals who suffer from gastric discomfort, nausea, ulcers, or have recently undergone stomach or intestinal surgery. The primary goal of a BLML meal is to minimize digestive irritation by excluding certain ingredients known to cause issues.
Core Characteristics of a BLML Meal
Unlike standard in-flight meals that often contain a variety of strong flavors and heavy ingredients, a BLML meal adheres to a strict set of preparation rules. Key characteristics include:
- Mildly Seasoned: The food is prepared with minimal or no seasoning, specifically avoiding strong aromatic spices, black pepper, chili powder, garlic, and onions.
- Low in Fat: Fatty and fried foods are completely excluded. Ingredients are typically prepared by steaming, poaching, or boiling to ensure low fat content.
- Easy to Digest: The meal focuses on simple, unprocessed ingredients that are easy for the stomach to process. This helps prevent issues like heartburn and indigestion.
- Plain and Simple: The menu is straightforward, often featuring plain-cooked protein and soft vegetables.
Who Should Order a BLML Meal?
While anyone can request a bland meal, it is particularly suitable for specific passenger groups. These include:
- Travelers with Digestive Conditions: Passengers with conditions like ulcers, acid reflux, or inflammatory bowel disease can find relief with a BLML meal.
- Post-Surgery Patients: Individuals recovering from stomach or intestinal surgery can benefit from the gentle ingredients.
- Pregnant Women: Some pregnant women experiencing morning sickness or a sensitive stomach may find this meal option more palatable.
- Passengers with Motion Sickness: People who frequently experience nausea during flights may prefer the simple, non-greasy options of a bland meal.
Typical Components of a BLML Meal
A BLML meal is built around a few core categories of food that are considered non-irritating. This list outlines what you can generally expect to receive when you order this special meal:
- Protein: Lean, boiled, or poached meats like chicken or fish are common. Some versions may include dairy products like milk or low-fat cheese.
- Starch: Mashed potatoes, plain rice, or soft pasta are typical, providing simple carbohydrates for energy.
- Vegetables: Soft, non-cruciferous vegetables that have been steamed or boiled, such as carrots and spinach, are included.
- Exclusions: A bland meal explicitly avoids fried foods, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, and any strong spices or aromatic vegetables like garlic and onions.
Common BLML meal components:
- Plain poached chicken breast
- Steamed white rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked soft carrots
- Plain bread roll
- Simple dessert like a milk pudding or fresh fruit
How to Order Your BLML Meal
Requesting a BLML meal is a simple process, but requires some advance planning. Most airlines require that special meal requests be made at least 24 hours before your flight's departure, though some may require more time. You can typically do this through one of the following methods:
- Online Booking: Select the BLML option during the booking process on the airline's website or app.
- Manage My Booking: If you've already booked your flight, you can often add the request by managing your booking online.
- Contact Your Travel Agent: If you used a travel agent, they can make the request on your behalf.
- Airline Customer Service: Call the airline's customer service line to add the special meal to your reservation.
BLML vs. Other Common Airline Special Meals
To better understand what a bland meal offers, here is a comparison with other common special meals available on flights:
| Feature | BLML (Bland Meal) | LFML (Low-Fat/Low-Cholesterol Meal) | BBML (Baby Meal) | GFML (Gluten-Free Meal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | To prevent gastric discomfort and indigestion with easy-to-digest foods. | To limit saturated fat and cholesterol intake. | To provide easily digestible, pureed food for infants under two. | To exclude all gluten-containing ingredients for those with intolerance or celiac disease. |
| Key Inclusions | Boiled meat, mashed potatoes, plain rice, soft vegetables, mild dairy. | Lean meats, low-fat dairy, egg whites, rice, fresh vegetables. | Strained fruit, vegetables, and meat, often in jars or pouches. | Naturally gluten-free items like meat, fish, rice, legumes, and fresh produce. |
| Key Exclusions | Fried foods, nuts, garlic, onions, strong spices, excessive oil. | Fried foods, egg yolks, fatty meats, butter, high-fat sauces. | Strong spices, solids that are choking hazards, or adult-sized portions. | Wheat, barley, rye, and oats; products derived from them. |
| Preparation | Steamed, poached, or boiled. Minimally seasoned. | Steamed, poached, or baked. Low-fat cooking methods. | Pre-packaged puree or soft, bite-sized foods. | Carefully prepared to avoid cross-contamination with gluten. |
Conclusion
A BLML meal is a thoughtfully prepared special meal designed to provide comfort and prevent digestive issues during air travel. By focusing on simple, mildly seasoned, and low-fat ingredients, it offers a reliable dining option for passengers with sensitive stomachs, gastric ailments, or those recovering from surgery. The process for requesting a BLML meal is straightforward, but passengers should remember to place their order in advance of their flight. For those who prioritize a gentle and soothing meal on their journey, the bland meal is an excellent choice. More information on other special meal types is often available on specific airline websites, such as Etihad Airways' special meals page.
