United Airlines has launched Economy Class snack and beverage pre-ordering on select flights, becoming the first U.S. carrier to offer the option for Economy guests. The service is available to customers in all cabins via the airline’s award-winning mobile app.
On Wednesday (July 28, 2021), United Airlines announced the launch of a new option allowing customers in all cabins, including Economy Class, to pre-order snacks and beverages up to five days prior to travel via the airline’s award-winning app. The pre-order technology is an extension of United’s contactless payment platform that allows customers to store payment information in a digital wallet. The option is now available on select flights from Chicago to Orange County, Sacramento and San Diego, with departures on or after August 2nd. The service will be expanded to all flights over 1,500 miles by early fall 2021.
In Wednesday’s announcement, United Airlines’ Chief Customer Officer, Toby Enqvist, said,
“Our new pre-order option reflects the customer experience transformation taking place at United – customers in our economy cabins will have an easy, convenient way to choose their snack or drink, and our flight attendants can move through the cabin faster, delivering more personalized service. This new feature also builds on our existing contactless payment technology, which has enabled us to safely resume our inflight food and beverage program on select flights.”
To use the new service, customers will see an option in the Reservation Details section of the United app or on United.com up to five days prior to departure. Economy Class customers can pre-order items from United’s buy-on-board menu. Customers will be asked to enter credit card information, but won’t be charged until the items are served onboard. Premium guests can select their meal option directly on the United app or website and once they make their selection, they will receive an e-mail receipt.
United’s new buy-on-board menu includes alcoholic beverage options such as Mango White Claw®, red, white and sparkling wine, as well as new beer options including Breckenridge Brewery Juice Drop Hazy IPA and Michelob Ultra®. The menu also features three new snack boxes including a Tapas snack box with European-inspired offerings, a Takeoff snack box with high protein options, and a Recline snack box with movie theater themed treats. A-la-carte options include chips, dips, trail mix and chocolate-covered dry fruit.
Domestic premium cabin customers on flights over 1,500 miles and hub-to-hub flights of over 800 miles will also enjoy brand new meal options. The enhanced service includes fresher options such as an egg scramble with plant-based chorizo or grilled chicken breast with orzo and lemon basil pesto – sides, and a dessert. United has also partnered with Eli’s Cheesecake to create a bespoke United chocolate pie flavor called ‘Pie in the Sky.’ All meals will be served on one tray with individually wrapped items to limit person-to-person contact.
United Airlines’ shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” Shares in the company’s parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., are publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol ‘UAL.’
Source: United Airlines