United Airlines Expands In-Flight Meal Pre-Orders to Shorter Flights

Image: A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8. (Photo Credit: United Airlines)
Image: A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8. (Photo Credit: United Airlines)
Jessica Puckett
by Jessica Puckett
Last updated: 10:15 AM ET, Mon October 19, 2026

More United Airlines economy passengers will now be able to choose their onboard meal before they even step on the plane.

United has expanded meal pre-order access to economy fliers on hundreds of shorter flights across North America and the Caribbean.

The Chicago-based airline has lowered the threshold for pre-orders from flights over 1,190 miles to flights over 900 miles.

The change extends the amenity to 65,000 more passengers a day across 420 additional daily flights. The expansion also brings the convenient dining perk to key routes between United’s hubs, like Chicago and Houston, Denver and San Francisco, and Houston and Washington, D.C.

To pre-order a meal, passengers can visit the “Trips” section on United’s website or app from five days to 24 hours before departure.

Travelers will be able to select from a menu of sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and breakfast options. Menus rotate monthly, with the current selection including dishes like a pork mojo burrito, Chicago patty melt by Jeff Mauro of Mauro Provisions, and a hot honey chicken and waffle sandwich.

United says that the expanded meal pre-orders are part of a larger initiative to continue to invest in the passenger experience across cabin classes.

"We want our customers to have more of what they value when they fly – more choice, more convenience and a better experience onboard," said United's Chief Customer Officer, David Kinzelman.

"Expanding Economy meal preorder to millions more customers is one way we're delivering on that, alongside the investments that make it easier to stay connected with fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members, enjoy great entertainment and get more out of their time onboard," said Kinzelman.

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Jessica Puckett

Jessica Puckett

Jessica Puckett is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who covers transportation and travel news. She has reported for ABC News, The Points Guy, Condé Nast Traveler, and several other publications.

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