United Will Require Some Economy Passengers To Preorder Meals Starting March 1

Updated: January 14, 2026, 9:31am CST

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United’s New Economy Meal Preordering System
Final Thoughts

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United Airlines is changing the meal ordering process for economy passengers on some flights over 1,190 miles.

As of March 1, 2026, economy passengers on select routes will be required to preorder their inflight meals.

“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 at United. The airline also says this will reduce waste.

Let’s take a look at what this might mean for your next economy flight with United.

United’s New Economy Meal Preordering System

United is implementing a significant change that will affect economy passengers on flights to the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, or Mexico that are over 1,190 miles. This will include all of United’s transcontinental services.

As of March 1, the only way to enjoy a fresh, hot meal on these flights will be by preordering through United’s website or app.

While snack boxes and packaged snacks will remain available for purchase onboard, they will also be made available for prepurchase, along with fresh meals.

Close,Up,Of,Woman,Using,Cell,Phone,sending,Massages,On,The — United’s preordering service will launch on March 1, 2026. Image Credit: United

Note that the changes will not affect economy passengers taking a long-haul flight where United offers complimentary hot meals.

During the summer months, passengers can expect to find new items on the preorder menu, such as fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps. United’s current selection of buy-on-board meals for January includes Tacos Al Pastor, a Steakhouse Burger, and Everything Bagel Dots.

Items from United’s Bistro on Board menu will be made available to preorder from 5 days before the flight and up to 24 hours before departure.

The move is certainly beneficial for passengers, as it ensures their preferred meal is available. However, United expects the knock-on effect to result in a reduction of more than 100,000 pounds of food waste annually — waste that’s currently heading to landfills.

Hot Tip:

When preordering an inflight meal or purchasing snacks or WiFi onboard, you can earn bonus United miles by using one of United’s cobranded credit cards. Additionally, you could also earn up to a 25% statement credit to save money on the purchase.

Final Thoughts

Being able to preorder meals will likely be welcome for United’s economy passengers who like to plan ahead. However, for those who eat in the lounge preflight or don’t eat at all, the change won’t make much difference in their inflight experience.

Either way, it’s reassuring to know that ultimately this will result in less food ending up in landfills. And it will help passengers ensure the meal they want is actually available during their trip, thanks to preordering.