Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is UA preorder premium cabin meal, Y snacks/drinks - all >800 (900?) mile
united.com/preordermeals
Fall 2022 -- Only rare occasion widebodies and still hit or miss on narrow bodies.
Anticipated 1 June enhancements - UA bringing back hot meals to domestic first class -- 800 mile threshold, preorder still narrowbody only
uncomfirmed but source of earlier changes
UA is offering pre-order first class meal selection for selected domestic departures.
You receive, 4-5 days in advance, an individualized link to a selection of meals (with a caution these are not guaranteed)
generic link -- https://united.com/preordermeals
You have up until 24 hours prior to the flight to make a selection.
Note if the FA does not look in the right place on their iPhone, they may not see the pre-selection.
You can change your mind on the plane and make a different selection
If you change flights, the request is canceled and not transferred to the new flight
Initially offered on select departure from LAX (in Aug 2019) and then IAD
Some x-DEN flights started to appear in Jan 2020
Sample email
united.com/preordermeals
Fall 2022 -- Only rare occasion widebodies and still hit or miss on narrow bodies.
uncomfirmed but source of earlier changes
UA is offering pre-order first class meal selection for selected domestic departures.
You receive, 4-5 days in advance, an individualized link to a selection of meals (with a caution these are not guaranteed)
generic link -- https://united.com/preordermeals
You have up until 24 hours prior to the flight to make a selection.
Note if the FA does not look in the right place on their iPhone, they may not see the pre-selection.
You can change your mind on the plane and make a different selection
If you change flights, the request is canceled and not transferred to the new flight
Initially offered on select departure from LAX (in Aug 2019) and then IAD
Some x-DEN flights started to appear in Jan 2020
Sample email
Hi there,
We're happy to offer a variety of meals that you can preorder for flight UA XXXX on YYYY ZZZZ from AAA to BBB. Visit our meal selection page at united.com/preordermeals to choose your meal preference* from our menu of available options.
You can select your meal preference starting five days before your departure and up to 24 hours before your flight(s). If you don't want to choose a meal right now, you can let us know what you'd like to eat when you're on board.
Thank you for flying with us.
*After you select your entree, we'll do our best to reserve it for your flight(s). We try to serve you the meal you chose, but we can't guarantee it since availability of meal options may change. If you choose a meal and then decide that you'd like something different, we're happy to offer other meal options on board.
We're happy to offer a variety of meals that you can preorder for flight UA XXXX on YYYY ZZZZ from AAA to BBB. Visit our meal selection page at united.com/preordermeals to choose your meal preference* from our menu of available options.
You can select your meal preference starting five days before your departure and up to 24 hours before your flight(s). If you don't want to choose a meal right now, you can let us know what you'd like to eat when you're on board.
Thank you for flying with us.
*After you select your entree, we'll do our best to reserve it for your flight(s). We try to serve you the meal you chose, but we can't guarantee it since availability of meal options may change. If you choose a meal and then decide that you'd like something different, we're happy to offer other meal options on board.
UA preorder premium cabin meal, Y snacks/drinks {Archive}
#1
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Posts: 69,232
UA preorder premium cabin meal, Y snacks/drinks {Archive}
United is working towards offering passengers the option to pre-order their meal online prior to their flight. The initial phase of the work includes a trial for select passengers/flights departing LAX and IAD flying on 31 July. Details on when and how it will expand from there remain unclear.
Link to a an external site I have an interest in; FT rules require that I disclose that.
Link to a an external site I have an interest in; FT rules require that I disclose that.
Last edited by sbm12; Jul 30, 2019 at 7:50 pm
#2
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
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I’m departing LAX 31 July to OGG. Haven’t seen anything. I guess select flights...
#3
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 28
Sat next to an United employee on a flight last week and she works in management out of Denver responsible for food. She mentioned that they are testing this option. Also said that they are working on improvement both the quality and choices of food. As somebody who does not eat the food unless I have to, I was very impressed with her and her knowledge of the problems. She said the lentil chili is gone.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
Sat next to an United employee on a flight last week and she works in management out of Denver responsible for food. She mentioned that they are testing this option. Also said that they are working on improvement both the quality and choices of food. As somebody who does not eat the food unless I have to, I was very impressed with her and her knowledge of the problems. She said the lentil chili is gone.
#5
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,470
This is certainly welcome news.
When your IT lags AS, something is seriously wrong.
When your IT lags AS, something is seriously wrong.
#6
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Location: SFO/SJC
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Posts: 14,891
Wait...is this a one day trial, or is it flights out of these airports beginning July 31. Seems a real trial to see the flow, determine any issues, would need to go longer than a day!
but honestly, this is still a step in the right direction.
As for the Paneer, it’s been a while, but I remember it being decent. Certainly understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I do like that they are trying different options - American food is fine, but personally, I like a variety of things, so it’s nice to get different kind of options, IMO.
but honestly, this is still a step in the right direction.
As for the Paneer, it’s been a while, but I remember it being decent. Certainly understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I do like that they are trying different options - American food is fine, but personally, I like a variety of things, so it’s nice to get different kind of options, IMO.
#7
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: UA 1K MM, DL Diamond, NK Gold, Mariott LT Plat/Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 925
I hope this gets rolled out. I took a break from UA for the month of July and have really enjoyed preordering meals on Delta. I hope they switch out the Asian Noodle Salad, Lentil Chili, Chicken Pesto with Quinoa, Cobb Salad, and Buffalo Mac & Cheese soon!
#8
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Location: Pasadena, California
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Posts: 10,412
My understanding is that this is a one-day experiment on flights between LAX and IAD on July 31st, 2019.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: BDL/NYC/BOS
Programs: UA/*A Gold, Global Entry, Marriott Plat, Hilton+IHG Gold, Hertz PC, DL
Posts: 1,752
finally! awesome news for those of us with weird dietary restrictions.
#11
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,511
I never understood the rationale for offering lentil chili (i.e., "beans") for a long flight. The "end" result has to be unpleasant for everyone.
#12
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
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Posts: 14,423
Good news, but honestly surprising it has taken the industry this long to implement what should really end up as a win-win anyway (since they can cater more accurately). I definitely enjoy pre-order on DL.
+1. With the recent declines in quality the paneer is one of the best things domestically now.
As for the Paneer, it’s been a while, but I remember it being decent. Certainly understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I do like that they are trying different options - American food is fine, but personally, I like a variety of things, so it’s nice to get different kind of options, IMO.
#13
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Join Date: Apr 2013
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I would think the pre-order system will also give UA more accurate feedback on what pax like and don't like. As it stands, everything gets eaten so it's just anecdotal.
#14
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Given that AA and DL have both offered this for some time and that it works to UA's benefit as well because it means fewer passengers not receiving their first choice, the time lag seems silly.