Economy travellers on United Airlines can now order fresh entrées in advance through the airline’s website and mobile app.
The programme launches today across flights of 1,190 miles or more within the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
From 1 March, preordering fresh entrées will be the only way to purchase them onboard for Economy passengers, though signature snack boxes, packaged snacks, and beverages will remain available for purchase during the flight.
United anticipates removing more than 100,000 pounds of unconsumed fresh food from landfills annually.
The January menu includes the Steakhouse Burger, Tacos Al Pastor, Fresh Cheese & Fruit Tray, Everything Bagel Dots, and signature snack boxes.
United plans to expand its preorder options this summer, including elevated salads, gourmet sandwiches, and wraps. Premium beverage options exclusive to preordering are planned for later in 2026.
Passengers can browse and select meals 24 hours to 5 days before departure in the Trips section on united.com or via the United mobile app. App users receive notifications when preordering opens for their specific flight.
United first tested preordering in 2021 for premium cabin passengers and saw customer satisfaction scores for domestic flights increase by almost 40 per cent. The airline is now expanding the system to Economy passengers.
Aaron McMillan, managing director of hospitality programmes at United, framed the change as operational efficiency: “Preordering is a win for everyone, customers board 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 redu
Photos: United Airlines
Nik founded Inflight Feed in 2012, blending his passion for inflight dining with over a decade of experience in the airline industry. For the past 13 years, he has travelled the world, exploring and reviewing airline meals across countless carriers.
CNN Travel, The New York Times, and BBC World News have featured Nik’s expertise. When he’s not on the ground, you’ll find him at 35,000 feet, camera in hand, capturing the unique flavours of air travel. Follow his inflight meal adventures on Instagram: @InflightFeed.