For Muslim passengers, halal food is often a concern during international flights. While many airlines now offer special menus, not everyone knows that halal meals must be requested before the flight. If you forget, you may have to go hungry during the flight.
So, how can you ensure that halal food is available during your journey? Here’s a practical guide.
Request Halal Food When Booking Tickets
The easiest and most practical way to ensure you get halal food is by selecting the “Halal Meal” option when booking your flight. Many international airlines now provide a special meal choice column during the booking process, either through their website or app.
Make sure to check this section carefully and choose the “Muslim Meal” (MOML) or “Halal Meal,” depending on the terminology used by the airline. This way, your request is recorded in the system from the start, and you don’t need to worry when the departure day arrives.
Request Halal Food via the “Manage Booking” Feature
If you’ve already bought your ticket but forgot to choose a halal meal, don’t worry. You can still request it through the “Manage Booking” feature on the airline’s official website or app. Simply log in using your booking code and last name as per your passport, then look for the “Meal Preferences” or “Special Meals” section.
Here, you can choose a halal meal before your departure date. Keep in mind that most airlines have a deadline, usually one or two days before the flight, so make sure to make the request well in advance.
Contact the Airline Directly
If you can’t find the halal food option when booking or through the “Manage Booking” feature, the next best step is to contact the airline’s customer service directly.
You can do this via email, social media, or phone. Be sure to provide your ticket number or booking code, departure date, and the type of meal you need (halal/muslim meal).
The airline staff will usually note your request manually. This is also an effective way to ensure that your request is received and recorded in the system.
Ordering on the Day of the Flight
Requesting a halal meal on the day of departure at the airport or on the plane is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. Most airlines prepare special meals based on requests received before the departure day.
However, if you forgot to make the request, you can try asking the check-in officer or flight attendants if there are any spare halal meals available. While the chances are low, some airlines do carry extra special meals.
Alternatively, you can bring halal snacks from home or purchase pre-packaged halal food at the airport before boarding the plane.
Airlines That Surely Provide Halal Meals for Muslim Passengers
Today, more and more international airlines provide halal meal options for Muslim passengers. Major airlines are becoming more attentive to the diversity of passenger needs, and halal meals have become one of the top priorities to ensure comfort during the flight.
Middle Eastern airlines, such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Turkish Airlines, certainly provide halal food for Muslim passengers, as they come from predominantly Muslim countries.
In addition, Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia’s flagship airline, also ensures that halal meals are available on all their flights, in line with Indonesia’s Muslim-majority population.
Other international airlines, such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, also offer halal meal options through the “request special meal” option on almost all their flights, making it easier for Muslim passengers to enjoy their journey without worrying about food.
With more airlines providing halal meals, Muslim passengers can travel to various international destinations with greater peace of mind and comfort.
