Airplane food has changed a lot over the years. Gone are the days when every passenger automatically received a hot meal, no matter the flight length. On United Airlines today, what you get depends on how far you’re flying, what class you’re booked in, and whether you request a special meal ahead of time.
If you’re a senior traveler—or perhaps booking a trip for family—you’ll want to know what to expect. This guide explains United’s meal service in simple, plain-English terms. And if you’d like to confirm for your specific flight, you can always call 877-297-0699 for help directly from United.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Short domestic flights (under 2 hours): Complimentary drinks and packaged snacks.
Medium domestic flights (2–4 hours): Drinks plus snack boxes, sandwiches, or wraps available for purchase.
Long-haul and international flights: Complimentary hot meals in economy, upgraded multi-course meals in premium cabins.
Polaris Business Class: Restaurant-style dining with entrées, sides, and dessert.
👉 Think of it as a scale: the longer the flight, the more complete the meal service.
In the Economy cabin, short flights usually include water, coffee, tea, and a small snack (pretzels or cookies). For flights a bit longer, United offers buy-on-board options like snack boxes, fresh wraps, or sandwiches.
If you’re flying First Class or Polaris Business domestically, you’ll likely receive a hot meal or heartier snack depending on the flight length.
👵 Example: A senior traveler flying from Denver to Houston said she enjoyed the fresh fruit snack box on a 3-hour flight—it was light, healthy, and easy to eat onboard.
On long-haul flights, the offerings are more robust:
Economy: Complimentary hot meals, usually with two entrée options (such as chicken or pasta). Meals often include salad, bread, and dessert.
Premium Plus: Slightly elevated meals with glassware, real cutlery, and larger portions.
Polaris Business Class: Multi-course dining with appetizers, choice of entrées, desserts, and wine pairings.
Cultural variety is sometimes included. For example, United flights to Asia may feature rice-based dishes, while European routes could include pasta or regional flavors.
United understands that many travelers, especially seniors, may have dietary restrictions. Special meals must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. Options include:
Vegetarian
Gluten-free
Low-sodium
Diabetic-friendly
Kosher or halal (on select routes)
To request, log in to your United booking online or call 877-297-0699.
👴 Real-world story: A senior passenger with heart concerns shared that pre-ordering a low-sodium meal made him feel safer and more comfortable during his 8-hour flight.
Flying can be more comfortable with a little preparation. Here are some practical tips:
Pack a snack (granola bar, crackers, fruit) in case you get hungry between meal services.
Drink water often—cabin air is dehydrating.
Bring medications in your carry-on and take them with meals.
Request pre-boarding if you need extra time to stow snacks or medical items.
It’s easy to check what meals are available:
Go to United.com and look up your flight details.
Check the “Amenities” section to see if meal service is listed.
Call 877-297-0699 to confirm or request a special meal.
Arrive early at the airport—meal options can sometimes change last-minute.
United’s meal service ranges from simple snacks on short domestic flights to full restaurant-style dining on long international routes. Seniors, in particular, may benefit from requesting special meals in advance to match health and dietary needs.
With a little planning—and a quick call to 877-297-0699—you can travel with confidence knowing your dining needs will be met in the sky.