Know exactly how to secure your meal choice on eligible Alaska Airlines flights – with timing requirements, payment setup, and troubleshooting tips.
Before You Start – Check Eligibility
Flight distance
Must be 775+ miles (picnic packs) or 1100+ miles (full meals)
Departure time
5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (775+ miles) or specific breakfast/lunch/dinner windows (1100+ miles)
Ordering window
2 weeks to 20 hours before departure
Group bookings
Cannot pre-order meals
Important
You must store a credit card for touchless onboard payment; this is not optional, unlike the old system.
How to Order
- 1
Access Your Trip
Open the Alaska Airlines mobile app and log in
Find your upcoming trip on the home screen
Tap on flight information
- 2
Select Food Pre-Order
Look for the “Food pre-order” option
Tap to view the available menu
- 3
Make Your Choice
Browse available options and tap “Add” for the desired meals
Review ingredients and dietary information
Tap “Continue” when satisfied with selections
Managing Your Order
View/Edit Reservations
Return to “My Trips” and select “View Food Reservation”
Make changes up to 20 hours before departure
Cancel if needed (charges only apply onboard)
If You Change Flights
Meal selections do not transfer to new flights
Must place a new pre-order for the changed reservation
Check new flight eligibility (distance/time requirements)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Don’t see the pre-order option?
Verify flight distance meets the 775+ mile requirement
Check that the departure time falls within the service windows
Confirm you’re not on a group booking (10+ passengers)
Routes to Southwest states may have limited/no service
Important Restrictions
Timing: 2 weeks to 20 hours before departure only
Payment: Stored credit card required (no cash/pay-later option)
Group bookings: Pre-orders are not available for 10+ passenger bookings
Flight changes: Must reorder for new flights
Availability: Popular items may sell out – first choice not guaranteed
Bottom Line
Alaska’s pre-order system requires setting up a stored credit card and adhering to specific timing, but guarantees your meal choice on eligible flights.
The 20-hour cutoff is firm, and flight changes require new orders.
