United Introduces Preorder Option for Fresh Meals in Economy Cabin
United Airlines has launched a new option that allows customers to preorder fresh meals in United Economy before their flight through the airline’s website and mobile app. The update is intended to give customers more choice, improve catering planning, and support the airline’s efforts to reduce food waste.
The preorder feature is available on flights of more than 1,190 miles across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. United said that starting March 1, preordering will become the only way for Economy customers to purchase fresh entrées onboard. However, customers will still be able to buy snack boxes, packaged snacks, and beverages during the flight.
Supporting Catering Efficiency and Waste Reduction
United expects the new preorder process to improve operational efficiency by helping catering teams better match supply with demand. The airline also said the change will contribute to its food-waste reduction goals by limiting the number of unused fresh food items loaded onto flights.
According to United, the initiative is expected to prevent more than 100,000 pounds of unused food from ending up in landfills each year.
Expanded Menu Plans
United plans to add more options to the preorder menu later this year. New items expected this summer include:
Salads
Gourmet sandwiches
Wraps
The airline also plans to introduce additional preorder-only premium beverage options later in the year.
Background and Booking Window
United introduced meal preordering for premium cabins in 2021 and said it contributed to improved customer satisfaction on domestic flights.
“We’re continuing to invest in meaningful improvements to our onboard food and beverage program, with a focus on quality, consistency and customer choice,” said Aaron McMillan, Managing Director of Hospitality Programs at United.
“Preordering is a win for everyone – customers board the plane knowing they’ll get the meal they want, our catering partners know exactly how much food to prepare for each flight and it helps our operation run even more smoothly and reduce food waste.”
Customers can preorder fresh Bistro on Board meals and select retail items starting five days before departure and up to 24 hours before take-off through the Trips section on united.com or within the United app. App users will also receive a notification when preordering becomes available for their flight.
Menu options currently include items such as the Steakhouse Burger, Tacos Al Pastor, Fresh Cheese & Fruit Tray, and Everything Bagel Dots, alongside United’s standard onboard snacks and beverages.
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