[*]the special meals defenetly reduce your chances for upgrades in the last 24-hours window before the flight (has been discussed and verified in all details months ago on this board[*]it may even reduce your upgrade chances before those 24 hours: take the special meal out of your profile and ask for it, if your upgrade cleared before that 24 hours order limit for special meals[*]the vegetarian needs (western style) are practically always met/satisfied with regular meal-choices in all classes - the problem is MUCH WORSE for OTHER SPECIAL MEALS![*]it works the other way (in your favor) too: Being bumped is much less risky if you are booked with a special meal.