United Airlines Launches Meal Preordering for Economy Passengers
United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) has officially announced that customers can now preorder fresh meals, such as burgers and sandwiches, for their United Economy flights. This new service, which is available via the airline's website and mobile app, aims to enhance customer choice and streamline catering operations while contributing to reduced food waste.
Meal Preordering Details
Beginning March 1, customers traveling on flights longer than 1,190 miles across North America and the Caribbean will be required to preorder their fresh meals. The preorder options will include a selection of meals, and while full meal options are new, signature snack boxes, packaged snacks, and beverages will still be available for purchase on board.
- Preorder Availability: Available on flights exceeding 1,190 miles.
- Preorder Launch Date: March 1, 2023.
- Meal Menu: Includes items like the Steakhouse Burger and Tacos Al Pastor.
Environmental and Operational Benefits
Implementing this preorder system is expected to enhance meal selection for customers and increase operational efficiency for United Airlines. By accurately predicting meal demand, the airline aims to minimize food waste, projecting a reduction of over 100,000 pounds of unused food sent to landfills annually.
Further enhancing the meal offerings, United plans to introduce additional fresh meal options over the summer. These will feature elevated salads, gourmet sandwiches, and wraps alongside exclusive premium beverages for preorder.
Customer Satisfaction and Future Plans
United Airlines initially launched a meal preorder option in premium cabins in 2021, leading to a remarkable 40% rise in customer satisfaction scores for domestic flights. Aaron McMillan, Managing Director of Hospitality Programs at United, stated, "Preordering is a win for everyone—customers board the plane knowing they'll get the meal they want, while our catering partners know exactly how much food to prepare."
Customers can place their meal preorders through the United mobile app or website, starting five days prior to departure and up to 24 hours before flight time. Notifications will be sent to app users when preordering becomes available.
About United Airlines
United Airlines, traded as UAL on the Nasdaq, operates a comprehensive global route network and is recognized as one of the largest airlines in the world based on available seat miles. The airline's commitment to continuous improvement reflects its vision of hospitality and customer satisfaction.
For more information on United Airlines, including career opportunities, visit united.com/careers and explore their services at united.com.