United Airlines Economy Passengers Can Now Pre-Order Meals

If you’re flying United economy, you can now pre-order meals ahead of your flight using either the airline’s website or app.

The option is currently available on flights exceeding 1,190 miles within the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean and, in fact, starting next month, if you want a fresh meal during your flight and you’re flying economy, pre-ordering will be required. If you do not pre-order, you’ll be relegated to the packaged snacks and snack boxes offered in United Economy. The airline chalks this restriction up to its food waste reduction efforts.

“We’re continuing to invest in meaningful improvements to our onboard food and beverage program, with a focus on quality, consistency and customer choice,” said Aaron McMillan, managing director of hospitality programs, United Airlines. “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.”

Meal preorders can be placed five days ahead of your flight and up to 24 hours before departure.