United Airlines has expanded its onboard food offering by allowing customers traveling in United Economy to preorder fresh meals such as burgers and sandwiches through the airline’s website and mobile app, a move aimed at improving customer choice, operational efficiency and reducing food waste.
See United Airlines Comfort and Environmental Index
The preorder option is available on flights longer than 1,190 miles within the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. From March 1, preordering will become the only way Economy passengers can purchase fresh entrees on eligible flights. United will continue to sell snack boxes, packaged snacks and beverages onboard.
The airline said the change is expected to significantly cut food waste by better aligning catering quantities with customer demand. United estimates the initiative could prevent more than 100,000 pounds of unused food from being sent to landfills each year.
United plans to expand the preorder menu later this year, adding items such as salads, gourmet sandwiches and wraps during the summer. Additional preorder-only premium beverage options are also expected to launch later in the year.
The carrier first introduced meal preordering for premium cabins in 2021. United said customer satisfaction scores on domestic flights increased by nearly 40% following the rollout.
Customers can preorder fresh Bistro on Board meals and retail items beginning five days and up to 24 hours before departure via the United app or united.com. Available selections vary by flight and currently include items such as the Steakhouse Burger, Tacos Al Pastor, Fresh Cheese and Fruit Tray, and Everything Bagel Dots. United app users will receive a notification when preordering opens for their flight.
United said preordered meals may not be available in certain circumstances.
About 42kft:
At 42 Thousand Feet (42kft.com), we bring you factual, insightful airline news—cutting through the noise to deliver what truly matters to airline passengers, aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Why the name? 42,000 feet marks the uppermost cruising altitude of today’s commercial aircraft, and just like those soaring jets, we aim to elevate your understanding of the aviation world. Our goal is simple: to help readers and subscribers stay ahead of the curve, making sense of both the present and the future of this ever-evolving industry.
With over 50 years of passion for aviation, our commitment has always been to get the facts right and present them in a way that’s both accurate and easy to grasp. After all, aviation is one of the most complex industries—often defying common logic. For example, strength in aviation isn’t about rigidity but flexibility, just like the remarkable bend of a wing in flight.
Beyond news, 42kft is home to the world’s first environmental rankings and our unique take on inflight product rankings:
Environmental Rankings – Unlike others that focus on distant “grand plans”, we recognize airlines taking real action today to reduce their carbon footprint.
Product Rankings – Instead of just reviewing current offerings, we reward long-term commitment—airlines investing in new aircraft and cabin innovations that will shape the passenger experience for years to come.
At 42kft, we don’t just report aviation news—we help you rise above it.
