do you get free food and drink on united airlines

When it comes to flying, one question that often comes to mind is whether or not you’ll be treated to complimentary food and drink during your journey. Airlines differ in their offerings, and today we will focus on United Airlines. So, the burning question is: do you get free food and drink on United Airlines?

United Airlines, one of the major carriers in the United States, does provide complimentary meals and drinks on most international flights. This means that if you’re traveling abroad with United Airlines, you can expect to be served a delicious meal and have access to a range of beverages, including wine and beer, free of charge.

However, the story is a little different when it comes to domestic US flights. On these shorter journeys, United Airlines only offers light snacks for free. This means that while you won’t go hungry, you may need to plan ahead if you’re looking for a more substantial meal during your flight.

Intrigued to find out more about the dining experience on United Airlines? Join us as we explore in-flight dining, buy on board options, special meal requests, and more. Whether you’re flying in economy class or enjoying the luxury of a premium cabin, we’ll uncover what you can expect when it comes to dining in the skies with United Airlines.

In-flight Dining Experience on United Airlines

in-flight dining on United Airlines

When it comes to in-flight dining, United Airlines aims to provide a delightful experience for its passengers. On most international flights, you can look forward to a full meal service that includes a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

To complement your meal, United Airlines also offers a selection of complimentary wine and beer options in United Economy, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your journey.

However, it’s important to note that the in-flight dining experience may differ on domestic flights. On these shorter flights, while non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary, alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here’s an enticing sample menu from United Airlines’ international flights:

Appetizers Entrees Desserts
Grilled shrimp skewers Seared fillet of beef Rich chocolate mousse
Caprese salad Roasted chicken breast Fruit tart
Smoked salmon Vegetable lasagna Vanilla panna cotta

As you can see, United Airlines strives to offer a diverse range of dishes to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you prefer seafood, poultry, or vegetarian options, you’ll find something delicious to savor at 35,000 feet in the air.

Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the overall dining experience on United Airlines. Feast your eyes on the mouthwatering image below:

Picture yourself indulging in a scrumptious meal while enjoying the stunning views from above. That’s the kind of experience United Airlines aims to provide for its passengers.

So, whether you’re embarking on an international adventure or flying within the United States, United Airlines ensures that your journey is accompanied by delightful in-flight dining options.

Buy On Board Options

When traveling on United Airlines within the US, Canada, Latin America, or the Caribbean, you have the convenience of purchasing delicious snacks and meals from their buy on board options. Whether you’re on a shorter domestic flight or a longer journey, United Airlines offers a variety of delectable choices to satisfy your cravings.

All-Day Snacks

On shorter flights, United Airlines provides all-day snacks that are perfect for a quick pick-me-up. Imagine indulging in mouthwatering treats such as Pringles, chocolate-covered strawberries, and jerky. These scrumptious snacks are available for purchase and will keep you satisfied throughout your journey.

Bistro on Board

For longer flights, United Airlines introduces the Bistro on Board menu, a delightful selection of heated and cold entrees. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a range of flavorful dishes, carefully prepared to enhance your in-flight dining experience. From savory hot meals to refreshing cold options, the Bistro on Board ensures that every bite is a memorable one. Simply choose your favorite dish and savor the culinary delights that await you aboard your United Airlines flight.

Journey Type Available Snacks
Shorter Flights
  • Pringles
  • Chocolate-covered strawberries
  • Jerky
Longer Flights
  • Heated and cold entrees

Special Meal Requests

When traveling with United Airlines, you have the option to request special meals to cater to your dietary needs or preferences. United Airlines understands that every passenger is unique, and they strive to ensure that everyone’s in-flight dining experience is enjoyable and accommodating.

United Airlines offers a range of special meal options to satisfy various requirements. Whether you have specific dietary restrictions or prefer a particular type of cuisine, you can request a special meal that suits your needs.

Here are some of the special meal options available on United Airlines:

  • Asian Vegetarian Meal: A plant-based meal with an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Child’s Meal: A meal specially designed for younger passengers, featuring child-friendly and nutritious options.
  • Gluten Intolerant Meal: A meal that avoids gluten-containing ingredients for passengers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
  • Kosher Meal: A meal prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws.
  • Vegan Meal: A completely plant-based meal that excludes all animal products.

Please note that special meals must be ordered at least 24 hours before departure to ensure availability. These special meal options are offered on select flights within the United States and internationally.

United Airlines is committed to providing a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all passengers. By offering special meal requests, they strive to accommodate diverse dietary needs and preferences, allowing you to have a pleasant in-flight dining experience.


In addition to special meal requests, United Airlines also provides various dining options depending on the cabin class you are traveling in. Stay tuned for the next section to learn about the in-flight dining experience in premium cabins on United Airlines.

In-flight Dining in Premium Cabins

premium cabins

When flying in United First on domestic US flights, you’ll have a delightful dining experience. On flights over 300 miles, you have the option of an all-in-one snack bag or a hot meal, depending on the duration of the flight. If you’re headed to the beautiful islands of Hawaii, United Airlines provides a special meal service that includes a selection of nuts, a delicious hot meal, and a delightful dessert. Prepare to indulge in delectable flavors while enjoying the stunning views from above.

In the premium cabins of United Airlines, such as Business and United First, you can savor exquisite meals tailored to your taste. Business class, in particular, offers a three-course menu, giving you the opportunity to select from a variety of mouthwatering mains and desserts. Each dish is expertly prepared to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, United Airlines ensures that your in-flight dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.

Sample Business Class Menu

Course Main Course Options Dessert Options
Starter Smoked Salmon with Shrimp Pecan Pie
Starter Spiced Shrimp with Parma Ham Cheese Plate
Main Course Filet Mignon Apple Pie
Main Course Chicken with Mushroom Cream Sauce

As you enjoy your meal, you can also relish the convenience and comfort of the premium cabin. With spacious seating arrangements, attentive service, and a relaxing environment, United Airlines ensures that your journey is as pleasurable as possible.

Economy Class In-flight Food Options

Economy Class In-flight Food Options

When flying in economy class on United Airlines, you have the option to purchase in-flight food from the onboard menu. Unlike in other travel classes, food is not complimentary for economy class passengers. However, the airline provides a variety of options to satisfy your cravings during the flight.

The available choices for in-flight food in economy class include:

  • Tapas Snack Box: This box is packed with a delightful assortment of snacks, offering a mix of flavors and textures to keep you satisfied throughout the journey.
  • Snack Box: If you prefer a more traditional snack selection, the Snack Box is a great choice. It includes crisps, raisins, biscuits, and a miniature Toblerone, ensuring a sweet and savory treat.

The selection of food options may vary based on the duration of your flight. United Airlines aims to provide a range of options that cater to different tastes and preferences, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal or snack while traveling in economy class.

Food Option Description
Tapas Snack Box A variety of snacks offering a mix of flavors and textures.
Snack Box Crisps, raisins, biscuits, and a miniature Toblerone.

Business Class In-flight Food Options

When traveling in business class with United Airlines, you can indulge in a delightful dining experience. The airline offers a variety of meals served in three courses, ensuring that you have a truly satisfying journey.

For starters, you can choose between options like smoked salmon with shrimp or spiced shrimp with Parma ham. These flavorful appetizers set the tone for a memorable dining experience.

When it comes to the main course, you have a selection of mouthwatering options to choose from. Sink your teeth into a succulent filet mignon cooked to perfection or savor a delicious chicken dish with mushroom cream sauce. The business class menu is carefully curated to offer a range of dishes that cater to different palates.

Save some room for dessert as United Airlines serves delectable options like pecan pie, cheese plates, or classic apple pie. These sweet treats provide the perfect ending to your in-flight culinary journey.

FAQ

Q: Do you get free food and drinks on United Airlines?

A: United Airlines offers complimentary meals and drinks on most international flights. However, on domestic US flights, only light snacks are provided for free.

Q: What is the in-flight dining experience like on United Airlines?

A: On most international flights, United Airlines provides a full meal service that includes options like appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Complimentary wine and beer are also available in United Economy. However, on domestic flights, only non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary, while alcoholic beverages can be purchased.

Q: What are the buy on board options on United Airlines?

A: United Airlines offers buy on board options for flights within the US, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. On shorter flights, all-day snacks like Pringles, chocolate-covered strawberries, and jerky are available for purchase. On longer flights, a Bistro on Board menu is offered, featuring heated and cold entrees for purchase.

Q: Can I request special meals on United Airlines?

A: Yes, United Airlines allows passengers to request special meals, such as Asian Vegetarian, Child’s Meal, Gluten Intolerant, Kosher, and Vegan meals. These special meals must be ordered at least 24 hours before departure and are available on select flights within the US and internationally.

Q: What is the in-flight dining like in premium cabins on United Airlines?

A: In United First on domestic US flights, passengers on flights over 300 miles can enjoy an all-in-one snack bag or hot meals depending on the flight duration. On flights to Hawaii, a meal service is provided, including nuts, a hot meal, and a dessert. Business class meals come with a three-course menu, offering a selection of mains and desserts.

Q: Are complimentary meals available in economy class on United Airlines?

A: No, in economy class on United Airlines, food is not complimentary and must be purchased onboard. Options include the Tapas Snack Box, which contains a variety of snacks, or a Snack Box with crisps, raisins, biscuits, and a miniature Toblerone. The choice of food may vary depending on the flight duration.

Q: What dining options are available in business class on United Airlines?

A: In business class, United Airlines offers a variety of meals served in three courses. The menu includes starters like smoked salmon with shrimp or spiced shrimp with Parma ham, followed by main courses like filet mignon or chicken with mushroom cream sauce. Desserts include options like pecan pie, cheese plates, or apple pie. Continental breakfast and second sitting meals are also available on specific flights.