United Rolls Out Economy Pre-Order Meals Starting in March

United Airlines has announced that it will introduce a paid pre-order meal option for passengers travelling in economy class on select routes starting in March, marking a shift in ancillary service offerings aimed at enhancing inflight experience and driving additional revenue.

The new pre-order system will allow travellers, particularly those booking long-haul and premium transcontinental flights, to select their meal at the time of reservation or shortly thereafter. United said the initiative is designed to provide greater predictability and choice for economy passengers, allowing them to secure preferred dining options ahead of departure rather than relying on limited onboard selections.

United’s ancillary revenue strategy has increasingly focused on customisable offers that align with broader industry efforts to monetise services beyond base fares. Ancillary streams such as baggage fees, seat selection and loyalty partnerships have become critical to airline economics, and pre-order meals represent another element of that diversified revenue mix.

The announcement comes as carriers adapt to evolving passenger expectations around inflight services. Rivals in U.S. and international markets have experimented with prepaid meal options and premium economy offerings, using cuisine upgrades to differentiate products and manage inventory more efficiently on longer sectors.

United’s rollout will initially target select routes identified by duration and demand patterns, largely concentrated on transcontinental and overseas flights where passengers are onboard for extended periods. The meals offered for pre-order are expected to include a range of entrees designed for broad appeal, and the airline has indicated that pricing will be set to reflect enhanced quality relative to complimentary snacks typically offered in standard economy.

Operationally, implementing a pre-order meal programme requires close coordination between United, catering partners and ground operations teams. Forecasting meal quantities, managing special dietary requests and integrating pre-order data into onboard provisioning systems are key logistical components that United must synchronise to avoid waste and ensure service reliability.

United’s senior management framed the pre-order initiative as part of a broader effort to elevate the economy travel experience while maintaining cost discipline. The airline has emphasised that the option will be voluntary and separate from complimentary service standards, which remain focused on reliability and safety.

Industry analysts note that meal pre-ordering can contribute positively to load factor yield management, particularly on routes where premium cabin occupancy is strong and ancillary uptake is variable. For passengers, the ability to secure a preferred meal ahead of travel can improve satisfaction and reduce uncertainty associated with limited onboard choices.

From a regulatory perspective, inflight catering operations must comply with food safety standards and aircraft certification norms governing galley equipment and storage. United has longstanding protocols for inflight food handling, and the integration of a paid pre-order system will build on those frameworks.

The move also aligns with broader trends in aviation where personalisation and choice are increasingly central to competitive product positioning. Airlines are investing in digital booking platforms that allow customers to tailor travel experiences — from seat amenities to inflight entertainment packages — at the point of sale.

As United prepares for the March launch, it will monitor passenger response and ancillary revenue performance closely, with an eye toward potential expansion of the pre-order meal option to additional routes and cabins depending on demand trends and operational outcomes.