The "vegan strict vegetarian meal on United" is officially referred to as the VGML meal code. This option caters to passengers who require a completely plant-based meal, free from any animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and honey. For vegans and those with specific dietary restrictions, understanding this meal option and the ordering process is crucial for a comfortable journey.
How to Order the VGML Meal on United
Requesting a special meal on United requires specific steps and adhering to important deadlines. The process is straightforward, but advance planning is key to success.
- Book Your Flight and Access Your Trip: Whether you book online at united.com or through the United app, you'll need to locate your reservation. You can do this by entering your confirmation number and last name in the "My Trips" section.
- Find the Special Meal Request Section: On the trip details page, look for a section labeled "Special Services" or "Meals." Here you can select a special meal request for each traveler on your reservation.
- Select the 'Vegetarian Vegan Meal': Choose the "VGML - Vegetarian Vegan Meal" option from the drop-down menu for the appropriate traveler. This is the correct code for a strict plant-based diet.
- Confirm and Re-verify: After saving your selection, always look for a confirmation message or a green checkmark indicating the request was successfully updated. It's also wise to check your reservation again in the days leading up to your flight to ensure the request is still listed.
- Understand the Timeline: Special meal requests must be made at least 24 hours before your flight's departure. For some routes, the cut-off can be up to 48 hours. It is always best to place your request as soon as you book to avoid any issues.
What to Expect from a VGML Meal
Based on passenger feedback, the contents and quality of United's vegan meals can vary depending on the route and catering provider. However, there are some common themes to anticipate.
Typical In-Flight Offerings
- Main Course: Expect a warm, hearty main dish. Frequent flyers report receiving Indian-style dishes, such as lentil curries with rice, or noodle stir-fries with assorted vegetables. While generally satisfying, they can sometimes be high in carbohydrates.
- Side Dishes and Snacks: The meal often comes with a side salad and a roll or bread. Be mindful of condiments, as some passengers have reported receiving non-vegan dressings or spreads. Always check the packaging or ask a flight attendant if you are unsure.
- Dessert: Vegan desserts are typically fruit-based. This could be a small fruit salad or a pre-packaged snack.
Inconsistency and Backup Plans
Experienced vegan travelers on United often advise setting expectations accordingly. While the airline has improved its offerings over the years, errors can still occur. Some passengers have reported receiving meals with dairy, despite the "vegan" labeling. For this reason, it is highly recommended to:
- Pack Vegan Snacks: Always carry approved, non-perishable vegan snacks like nuts, trail mix, or granola bars in case your special meal is incorrect or not loaded onto the plane.
- Confirm with the Flight Attendant: Once on board, you can politely ask a flight attendant to confirm that your special meal is loaded and ready for service. This simple step can prevent disappointment later in the flight.
United's VGML vs. AVML: A Crucial Distinction
It is vital for strict vegetarians to understand the difference between the VGML and AVML options to avoid accidental consumption of dairy. The table below highlights the key differences.
| Feature | VGML (Vegan Meal) | AVML (Asian Vegetarian Meal) |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Compliance | Strictly vegan; no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, or honey. | Vegetarian, but may contain dairy products. |
| Cuisine Style | Often Western or Indian-style. Recent meals have included noodles or curry. | Inspired by Indian-style cuisine, potentially spicy. Can include dairy products. |
| Preparation | Prepared to be free of all animal products. | Can include dairy products like paneer. |
| Who Should Order | Strict vegans and those with dairy/egg allergies. | Vegetarians who are not strict vegans and consume dairy. |
Vegan Options Beyond the Main Meal
In addition to pre-ordering a VGML, passengers can find other plant-based options on many United flights.
- Free Snacks: On flights over 300 miles, United offers complimentary snacks. Some of these, like the Savory Snack Mix or Quinoa Crisps, are often marked as vegetarian (V) or vegan (VG), though checking the on-board menu is recommended.
- Snacks for Purchase: For purchase on flights over 500 miles, vegan snacks like Pringles (VG) and Mega Omega Trail Mix (VG) are often available, providing more choice.
- United Club Lounges: For those with lounge access, vegan options can sometimes be found. However, consistency is low, ranging from a full salad bar to limited choices like grapes and plain lettuce.
Conclusion
When traveling on United, the "vegan strict vegetarian meal" is the VGML. By pre-ordering this specific meal at least 24 hours in advance, you can expect a plant-based meal, often featuring flavorful Indian-style cuisine. However, to account for potential catering errors and variations in quality, it is prudent to pack your own backup snacks. Distinguishing the VGML from the dairy-containing AVML is also a critical step for strict vegans. With careful planning and confirmation, a satisfying vegan meal is well within reach on your next United flight.
To learn more about United's policies on special meals and manage your booking, visit the official United Airlines website: United Airlines Special Meals.
