Air travel has changed a lot over the years. Gone are the days when every passenger received a complimentary meal on short flights. Today, United Airlines offers a mix of free snacks and food-for-purchase options depending on your flight length and ticket class.
For seniors planning trips—or grandparents booking for family—it’s helpful to know what food you can expect onboard. This guide breaks it down in simple terms, with practical tips to make dining in the sky easier. And if you’d like to confirm details for your exact flight, you can always call 877-297-0699 to check with United.
United offers a range of items you can buy, especially on flights over 2 hours:
Snack boxes with a mix of sweet and savory items.
Fresh food such as sandwiches, wraps, or salads on medium-to-long flights.
Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails).
Complimentary items are still available: soft drinks, water, coffee, tea, and small packaged snacks (pretzels or cookies).
👉 Quick tip: Menu options vary by route and season. Call 877-297-0699 to confirm what’s available on your trip.
Snack boxes are among the most popular buy-on-board options. Examples include:
Tapas Box – cheese, crackers, nuts, dried fruit.
Classic Box – pretzels, cookies, chocolate.
Protein Box – jerky, hummus, trail mix.
👵 Anecdote: A senior traveler flying from Chicago to Phoenix said the Tapas Box was more than enough to share with her granddaughter on a 3-hour flight.
💡 Note: Availability can change, so checking United’s latest in-flight menu is wise.
On many flights over 3 hours, United sells fresh items such as:
Turkey or ham sandwiches
Veggie wraps
Chicken Caesar salads
These rotate seasonally, so the menu is not always the same. Longer flights and premium cabins typically have a wider selection.
👴 Tip: If you prefer lighter meals, fresh wraps or salads are often a healthier choice than snack boxes.
United offers a mix of free and paid beverages:
Complimentary: Water, coffee, tea, sodas, juices.
For purchase: Beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails.
💡 Senior tip: Cabin air is dehydrating. Limit alcohol and caffeine, and drink water regularly to feel better during and after your flight.
Planning ahead can make dining in the sky smoother:
Bring small snacks like granola bars or fruit.
Ask about ingredients if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Use a card—United no longer accepts cash for onboard purchases.
Drink water often to stay hydrated.
Plan around medication needs—make sure your food timing matches your medicine schedule.
👴 Example: A grandfather with diabetes shared that packing granola bars helped him bridge the time before snack boxes were served.
It’s easy to find out what food will be offered:
Visit United.com and check the “In-Flight Dining” section.
Review your specific flight details in the United app.
Call 877-297-0699 to confirm menu availability.
Double-check with a gate agent or flight attendant if needed.
👉 Think of it as: Check online → Call → Confirm → Enjoy.
So, what food is for purchase on United? The answer: a mix of snack boxes, fresh sandwiches, wraps, salads, and drinks—depending on your route. Seniors can make flying easier by packing small snacks, drinking plenty of water, and confirming menu details in advance.
With a quick call to 877-297-0699, you’ll know exactly what to expect on your journey and can travel with peace of mind.