United Airlines’ Economy Class Customers Can Now Order Fresh Meals Before Their Flight

United Airlines has today announced that customers can now order fresh, United Economy meals before their flight, with selections such as Burgers, sandwiches, snack boxes and more available for purchase via the airline’s website or app. 

United Economy Customers Can Now Pre-order and Purchase Meals Prior to Departure - Courtesy United Airlines / PRNewswire

On Wednesday (January 14, 2026), United Airlines announced that customers can now order fresh, United Economy meals like burgers and sandwiches before their flight through the airline’s website and mobile app.  This change prioritizes giving customers more choice and ensuring they get the meals they want, while also helping the airline’s catering operation run more efficiently and supporting efforts to reduce food waste.

In Wednesday’s announcement, United Airlines’ Managing Director of Hospitality Programs, Aaron McMillan, said,

“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.”

United Economy meal preorders are available on flights over 1,190 miles within the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, and starting March 1st, 2026, preorders will be the only way to purchase fresh entrees for customers traveling in the Economy.  United Economy will still offer its signature snack boxes, packaged snacks and beverages for purchase onboard.  United expects to add additional fresh meal choices to the preorder menu this summer that include elevated salads, gourmet sandwiches and wraps, with expanded preorder exclusive premium beverage options planned for later this year.

Customers can preorder both fresh Bistro on Board and retail items in advance through the mobile app or on United’s website, beginning five days and up to 24 hours before departure. Customers can browse the available options within the online Trips section, and United app users will receive a notification when preordering opens for their flight.  In addition to signature snack boxes, United’s January menu includes a variety of fresh and flavorful options including the Steakhouse Burger, Tacos Al Pastor, Fresh Cheese & Fruit Tray, Everything Bagel Dots and more.

Source: United Airlines / PRNewswire