British Airways offers halal meals on request through their special meal service. While standard BA meals are not halal by default, Muslim travelers can pre-order MOML (Muslim Meal) for a halal dining experience on all BA flights. Explore halal certification for more information. Explore halal food guides for more information.
Quick Answer
Is British Airways halal?
- Default meals: Not halal
- Halal option: MOML available on request
- Request deadline: 24-48 hours before flight
- Certification: HFA-certified caterers
- All routes: Available on most flights
How to Request Halal Meals
Online Request
- Go to ba.com
- Click Manage My Booking
- Enter booking reference
- Select Special Meals
- Choose MOML (Muslim Meal)
- Save preferences
Other Methods
- BA App: Manage Booking section
- Phone: Call BA customer service
- Travel Agent: Request through agent
- Check-in: Often too late (not recommended)
Timing
- Minimum: 24 hours before departure
- Recommended: 48+ hours before
- Long-haul: Book as early as possible
MOML Meal Contents
What to Expect
- Halal-certified meat dishes
- No pork or pork derivatives
- No alcohol in preparation
- Clearly labeled packaging
Typical Menu Items
- Halal chicken curry
- Lamb dishes
- Fish options
- Vegetarian alternatives
- Halal-compliant desserts
Meal Service by Class
Economy (World Traveller)
- MOML available on request
- Standard halal portions
- Complimentary on long-haul
Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus)
- Enhanced MOML options
- Better presentation
- More variety
Business Class (Club World)
- MOML with premium quality
- Pre-flight dining lounge option
- Better halal selection
First Class
- Personalized MOML service
- Premium halal options
- Dedicated service
Heathrow Hub Considerations
Terminal 5 (BA Hub)
- Prayer room: Airside location
- Halal options: Limited in terminal
- Lounges: MOML can be arranged
- Wudu: Facilities available
Pre-Flight Dining
- Limited halal restaurants at T5
- Pack snacks as backup
- Lounge access may have options
Route Network
Routes to Muslim Countries
Higher halal availability:
- Dubai
- Doha (via Heathrow)
- Riyadh, Jeddah
- Cairo
- Marrakech
Domestic and European
- MOML available
- Shorter flights = simpler meals
- May be snack only
Long-Haul
- Full MOML meal service
- Multiple meals on ultra-long
- Request for all meal periods
British Airways vs Gulf Airlines
| Feature | British Airways | Gulf Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Default Halal | No | Yes |
| MOML Quality | Good | Standard |
| Request Required | Yes | No |
| UK Routes | Extensive | Limited |
| Heathrow Hub | Yes | No |
Practical Tips
- Always pre-order MOML - don’t rely on availability
- Confirm 24 hours before - check your booking
- Pack backup snacks - just in case
- Executive Club - save MOML preference
- Lounges - limited halal options
- Connecting flights - request for all legs
- Short flights - may be snacks only
- Window seat - easier for prayer
Vegetarian Alternative
If MOML unavailable:
- VGML (Vegetarian) is safer option
- AVML (Asian Vegetarian)
- Fruit plates available
- Ask crew for assistance
Special Considerations
Alcohol on BA
- Served on most flights
- Easy to decline
- Food is separate from alcohol service
- MOML is alcohol-free
Children’s Meals
- Kids’ MOML available
- Request during booking
- Baby food: verify ingredients
Connecting Flights
- Request MOML for all flight segments
- BA may not transfer meal preferences
- Confirm for each leg separately
Heathrow Terminal 5 Facilities
Prayer Room
- Located airside
- Multi-faith space
- Open 24/7
- Wudu facilities nearby
Halal Food Options
- Limited dedicated halal restaurants
- Some chains may have halal options
- Pack snacks recommended
- Lounges vary in options
BA Executive Club
Saving Preferences
- Log meal preference in profile
- MOML saved for future bookings
- Still confirm each trip
- Tier benefits apply
Summary
British Airways accommodates Muslim travelers with:
- MOML halal meals on request
- Advance booking required (24-48 hours)
- Available on all routes
- Certified halal preparation
- BA app for easy meal management
While not default halal like Gulf airlines, British Airways provides reliable halal options for Muslim passengers who plan ahead. Always request MOML at booking and confirm before travel.