United Airlines expands meal preordering to economy class

United Airlines confirmed meal preordering for fresh Bistro on Board items in economy on flights longer than 1,190 miles within the US Canada Mexico and Caribbean starting 1 March 2026. Customers must select meals in advance via united.com or the United app from five days to 24 hours before departure. Burgers sandwiches tacos and similar fresh options will no longer be sold onboard in economy while snack boxes packaged snacks and beverages remain available for purchase during flight. The change expands the preorder system introduced to premium cabins in 2021 which increased customer satisfaction by nearly 40pc. United estimates the shift will prevent over 100,000 pounds of unused food from entering landfills annually.

Aaron McMillan Managing Director of Hospitality Programs at United described the move as an investment in quality consistency and customer choice. Preordering allows precise catering reducing waste and improving service flow. The January menu includes Steakhouse Burger Tacos Al Pastor Fresh Cheese & Fruit Tray and Everything Bagel Dots. Additional options such as elevated salads gourmet sandwiches and wraps arrive in summer with premium beverage additions later in the year. The system provides certainty for passengers and operational benefits for the airline.

Aaron McMillan Managing Director of Hospitality Programs at United shared “We’re continuing to invest in meaningful improvements to our onboard food and beverage program with a focus on quality consistency and customer choice. 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.”