United Expands Complimentary Menu Offerings

Who says there’s no such thing as a free meal? Coach passengers flying between the U.S. and Europe will now enjoy a range of complimentary snacks and munchies.

The snacks are back! Last December United Airlines announced that commencing in February 2016, it would be bringing back complimentary food for economy passengers on flights in North and Latin America.

Since then, travelers on flights departing before 9:45 a.m. have been able to enjoy a stroopwafel, a traditional Dutch caramel-filled waffle with their choice of hot beverage, while those departing later in the day could choose from an array of savory snacks.

Jimmy Samartzis, United’s vice president of food services and United Clubs, said in a statement at the time that, “We’re refocusing on the big and little things that we know matter to our customers and shape how they feel about their travel experience.”

But the carrier has now decided to expand its menu of free offerings for economy travelers flying between the U.S. and Europe. As of yesterday, these passengers received a complimentary hot meal and snack in addition to any food purchased from the carrier’s on-board menu. But from Wednesday, economy passengers flying from the U.S. to Europe with United will also be offered an additional free in-flight snack of a yogurt pot and a croissant with jam.

Those passengers heading to the U.S. from Europe will already receive a pre-arrival snack but will also now be offered a mid-flight snack.

Additionally, those heading to Europe from the West Coast will get a small sandwich. Because passengers coming to the West Coast from Europe will already be served a pre-arrival snack, these travelers will instead be offered an enhanced mid-flight snack.

United spokesman Jonathan Guerin commented on the expanded in-flight menu to the Los Angeles Times, saying, “We’re listening to our customers and making some changes based on their feedback.”

[Photo: United]