JAL LSML (Low Salt Meal) 2025-Honest In-Flight Review

JAL Low Salt Meal (LSML) Review: Is It Tasty?

For those concerned about staying healthy on long-haul flights:

As someone who takes medication for high blood pressure and watches my salt intake daily, I’ve always been cautious about the sodium content in in-flight meals.
On my recent direct flight from Tokyo Haneda to Paris with Japan Airlines (JAL), I decided to request a Low Salt Meal (LSML) to see how it actually tastes.
Here is my honest review.

What is JAL’s Low Salt Meal (LSML)?

JAL offers several types of special meals for passengers with health or religious dietary needs. I chose the LSML, which is designed for health-conscious passengers limiting their sodium intake.

Outbound Flight Report: Tokyo Haneda (HND) → Paris (CDG)

🍱 Dinner Review: Outbound Flight from Japan

The meal set included:

• Chicken cutlet with vegetables
• Shrimp and boiled vegetables
• Carrots and onions tossed in vinegar
• Unsalted bread
• Yuzu sorbet

Review:

It looked just like a regular in-flight meal and was quite filling!
While the seasoning was mild as expected, it was flavorful and satisfying. The unsalted bread had a soft texture and natural sweetness. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything.

☕️ Mid-Flight Snack & Pre-Arrival Meal

The mid-flight vegetable sandwich was very low in salt. It tasted a bit bland compared to regular sandwiches, but it felt light and gentle on the stomach—perfect for a long flight where digestion slows down.

🍱 Pre-Arrival Breakfast or Light Meal

Meal contents:

• Boiled vegetables (main dish)
• Raw vegetables
• Salad
• Bread
• Fruit
• nuts

Review:
After a long flight, this vegetable-rich meal helped me arrive feeling refreshed and well.

Return Flight Report: Paris (CDG) → Tokyo Haneda

🍱 First Meal (Dinner — Shortly After Departure from Paris)

Meal contents:

• Braised meat in tomato sauce + rice + grilled zucchini
• Salad (cucumber, tomato, black olives)
• Fruit platter
• Bread & Becel margarine
• Soup

My verdict:
The braised meat in tomato sauce looked vibrant and genuinely appetizing — not at all what you’d expect from a “low salt” meal. With the grilled zucchini on the side, it was packed with vegetables and surprisingly satisfying. Honestly, I kept thinking: “This is the low salt option?”

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☕️ Mid-Flight Snack

Contents:

• Vegetable sandwich (same as the outbound flight)

My verdict:
It felt a little drier than the one on the way out — though that might have been because I wasn’t very hungry when it was served. Either way, make sure you have a drink handy!

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🍱 Pre-Arrival Meal (Before Landing in Tokyo)

Meal contents:

• Main dish: white fish with pear (?)
• Salad (cucumber, radish, tomato)
• Fruit (mandarin orange, red berries)
• Becel margarine & vinaigrette
  
  

My verdict:
Chopsticks were included — a lovely touch that gave the meal a Japanese feel as we headed home. The flavors were gentle and easy on a stomach tired from a long flight. I finished it happily.

I also caught a glimpse of my neighbor’s regular meal: tomato pasta with vegetables, a croissant, fromage frais, fruit, and green soup. It looked wonderful — and yes, I was a little envious!

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✈️ Honest Takeaway: Would I Choose LSML Again?

I arrived back in Tokyo feeling genuinely well — no bloating, no heaviness, ready to get on with daily life. That alone made the LSML worth it.

But I’ll be honest: I’m not sure I’d choose it every time.

Two reasons:

1. No Häagen-Dazs. JAL’s international flights are famous for their in-flight ice cream — and LSML passengers don’t get it. I didn’t know this in advance, and watching my neighbor enjoy theirs on both legs of the trip was… a little painful.
2. The pre-arrival meal looks quite different from the standard option. My neighbor’s tray was noticeably more colorful and appealing.

That said, if you’re prioritizing your health — especially on a long-haul flight — LSML is a genuinely smart choice. My suggestion: choose it when your health comes first, and enjoy the regular menu when you want the full JAL experience.

Tips for Requesting the LSML

• How to order: Request through the JAL website at least 24–48 hours before departure.
• Onboard: A sticker marked “LSML” will be placed at your seat. The cabin crew will confirm your name before serving.
• Don’t forget the return trip: If you want the special meal on your flight back, make sure to request it for both legs of your journey!

Long-Haul Flight Essentials I Actually Used on This Trip

Watching your salt intake is one thing — but there are a few more ways to make a 14-hour flight easier on your body. Here are four items I personally brought on this Haneda–Paris trip and would recommend without hesitation.

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🛏️ ① H-Shaped Neck Pillow (Physical Therapist-Approved)

If you’re worried about your body on a long economy class flight, start with your neck pillow.

That uncomfortable jolt when your head drops forward — on a 14-hour flight, it really takes a toll. The H-shaped pillow I use was developed with input from a physical therapist. It also has a hood, so you get a sense of privacy without blocking your phone screen. A small but genuinely useful detail.

▶ Related article (in Japanese): [Travel Gear #7 | Sleep Better on an 18-Hour Flight — The H-Shaped Neck Pillow That Saved My Economy Seat]

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*The product links below are affiliate links for the Japanese market

*The product links below are affiliate links for the Japanese market

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😴 ② Earplugs & Eye Mask

Have you ever arrived at your destination already exhausted — without quite knowing why? Cabin noise and light cause a slow, steady fatigue that adds up over hours.

Earplugs and an eye mask are basic, but essential. Silicone earplugs in particular make takeoff and landing noticeably more comfortable.

▶ Related article (in Japanese): [Travel Gear #8 | Comfortable Takeoff & Landing — Flight Earplugs Review]
*The product links below are affiliate links for the Japanese market

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💧 ③ Portable Water Filter Bottle

Staying hydrated on a long flight matters — but drinks aren’t always served right away, especially when there’s turbulence over Alaska on European routes. Ever since I started carrying a water filter bottle, I stopped worrying about waiting for the cart.

It also comes in handy at your destination. During my stay in Paris, I could drink tap water without buying bottled water — a real money-saver.

▶ Related article (in Japanese): [Travel Gear #2 | BRITA Portable Water Filter Bottle]
*The product links below are affiliate links for the Japanese market

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🧦 ④ Compression Socks for Flights

Even with a low-salt meal, sitting still for hours can cause swelling in your legs. Compression socks help with circulation and reduce the risk of economy class syndrome. Look for a graduated compression design made specifically for flying — they’re comfortable enough to wear throughout the flight.
*The product links below are affiliate links for the Japanese market

Summary

The LSML option is perfect if you:

• Are concerned about high blood pressure, swelling, or lifestyle-related conditions
• Find regular in-flight meals too salty or heavy
• Want to arrive at your destination — and return home — feeling light and refreshed

Have a nice flight with JAL!

Japanese version:
日本語版の記事はこちら： JAL減塩ミール搭乗記