By Tiffany Williams –
CHICAGO — United Airlines is changing how economy passengers buy fresh meals, making preordering the default and soon the only option for purchasing hot and fresh entrees onboard.
United customers can now preorder United Economy meals such as burgers and sandwiches through the airline’s website and mobile app, a move the airline says is designed to give travelers more choice while streamlining catering operations and cutting food waste. The change applies to flights longer than 1,190 miles within the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Beginning March 1, preorders will be the only way Economy passengers can purchase fresh entrees onboard. United will continue to sell its snack boxes, packaged snacks and beverages during flights.
The airline says the shift is expected to significantly reduce food waste by limiting the number of unused fresh meals loaded onto aircraft. United estimates the change will keep more than 100,000 pounds of food out of landfills each year.
United plans to expand its preorder menu this summer with additional fresh options including elevated salads, gourmet sandwiches and wraps. Preorder-only premium beverage options are also expected to roll out later this year.
United first introduced meal preordering for premium cabins in 2021 and reported that customer satisfaction scores on domestic flights increased by nearly 40% following the change.
“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 and retail items starting five days and up to 24 hours before departure through the United app or on united.com. The January menu includes options such as the Steakhouse Burger, Tacos Al Pastor, Fresh Cheese & Fruit Tray and Everything Bagel Dots.