• United Economy passengers must preorder fresh entrees starting March 1 to receive them on eligible flights.
• The preorder system aims to reduce annual food waste by an estimated 100,000 pounds.
• Selection is available via the mobile app and website from five days up to 24 hours before departure.
• New gourmet menu items and premium beverage options will be added to the program later this year.

United Airlines has announced a significant update to its inflight dining services by allowing Economy passengers to preorder fresh meals before their flights. Starting January 14, 2026, travelers on routes exceeding 1,190 miles within the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean can reserve items such as burgers and sandwiches through the airline’s official website or mobile app. This digital transition is designed to provide passengers with guaranteed meal selections while simultaneously improving the airline’s internal catering logistics.

A key component of this policy change will take effect on March 1, 2026, when preordering will become the exclusive method for purchasing fresh entrees in the Economy cabin. While fresh items will require advance selection, United will continue to offer its standard assortment of snack boxes, packaged snacks, and beverages for purchase during the flight. This shift is intended to support the airline’s sustainability goals by drastically reducing food waste. United estimates that by preparing only the fresh meals requested by passengers, it can prevent over 100,000 pounds of unused food from entering landfills annually.

The preorder window opens five days before departure and closes 24 hours prior to takeoff. The current menu features diverse options, including Steakhouse Burgers and Tacos Al Pastor, with plans to introduce elevated salads and gourmet wraps later this summer. United initially launched preorder capabilities for premium cabins in 2021, which resulted in a 40 percent increase in customer satisfaction scores for domestic flights. By expanding this service to Economy, the airline aims to replicate this success through better consistency and quality. This program allows catering partners to manage inventory with higher precision, ensuring a more streamlined operation that benefits both the consumer and the environment.

Based on United Airlines’ latest menu for January 2026, here are the current prices and details for the fresh “Bistro on Board” items available for preorder in Economy:

Current Menu Pricing

• Steakhouse Burger:$11.00 (or 1,300 MileagePlus miles)
  • Details: A beef patty served with American cheese, garlic pickle aioli, and a tomato demi-glace.
• Tacos Al Pastor:$11.00 (or 1,300 MileagePlus miles)
  • Details: Chipotle-spiced pork, pineapple, rice, and cotija cheese on flour tortillas, topped with onion and cilantro.
• Fresh Cheese & Fruit Tray:$10.00 (or 1,180 MileagePlus miles)
  • Details: Features sharp cheddar, fontiago, and grand cru cheeses, crackers, grapes, fig preserves, and a mint chocolate.
• Everything Bagel Dots:$9.00 (or 1,070 MileagePlus miles)
  • Details: Bagel bites seasoned with “everything” seasoning and filled with plain cream cheese.

Important Reminders for Your Flight

• Preorder Window: You can place your order through the United app or website starting five days before your flight, up until 24 hours before departure.
• March 1st Deadline: Keep in mind that starting March 1, 2026, preordering will be the only way to secure these fresh entrees in Economy. After that date, only snack boxes and packaged snacks will be available for purchase once you are onboard.
• Payment: United is a cashless airline, so ensure your payment method is saved in your MileagePlus profile or the United app before you fly.