United Expands Economy Meal Preorders Across Network

United Airlines has expanded its meal preorder program to Economy Class, allowing customers to order fresh entrées such as burgers and sandwiches before their flight through the airline’s website or mobile app.

 

The service is now available on flights over 1,190 miles within the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Beginning March 1, 2026, preordering will become the only way for Economy customers to purchase fresh entrées. United will continue to sell snack boxes, packaged snacks and beverages onboard.

United says the change is designed to increase customer choice, improve catering efficiency and reduce waste. By matching meal demand more accurately to passenger selections, the airline expects to keep over 100,000 pounds of unused food out of landfills each year.

Additional meal options will be added to the preorder menu this summer, including salads, sandwiches and wraps, and the airline plans to introduce preorder-exclusive premium beverage choices later in the year.

United first launched preorder functionality for premium cabins in 2021 and reported a nearly 40% increase in customer satisfaction on domestic flights.

According to Aaron McMillan, Managing Director of Hospitality Programs at United, the initiative benefits both travelers and the operation: “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, and it helps reduce food waste.”

Customers can preorder Bistro on Board and retail items from five days to 24 hours before departure through the Trips section of the mobile app or united.com. January menu highlights include items such as a Steakhouse Burger, Tacos al Pastor, a Cheese & Fruit Tray and Everything Bagel Dots.