- United passengers can now order meals on some longer flights, The Chicago Business Journal first reported.
- Previously, United only offered snacks on flights lasting more than four hours due to COVID-19.
- United has five new menu items, including a $10 cheese tray, a spokesperson told Insider.
- See more stories on Insider's business page.
United Airlines said Wednesday that it was bringing back meals on some longer flights, The Chicago Business Journal first reported.
United passengers on domestic flights lasting more than four hours can now purchase fresh meals onboard, a United spokesperson told Insider. Previously, passengers could only buy snacks due to COVID-19 safety rules, according to a United FAQs on its website.
"The introduction of these new, fresh retail offerings is part of the customer experience transformation underway at United," an airline spokesperson told Insider in an emailed statement. "By leveraging contactless payment and pre-order technology, the airline is able to safely and seamlessly reintroduce the onboard offerings most important to customers."
Among the new items, which are listed on United's website on its Buy-on Board Menu, are:
- Chia Seed Pudding — $8
- Bacon, Egg and Cheese Spiral Croissant — $8
- Mediterranean Grain Bowl — $8
- Classic Beef Butter Burger with Cheddar — $10
- Kindred Creamery Selection Cheese Tray — $10
United is teaming up with Chicago-based restaurant company Lettuce Entertain You and Beatrix Market's chef partner, Janet Kirker, to provide some of the meals, the spokesperson said. United is headquartered in Chicago.
Insider contacted Lettuce Entertain You and Beatrix Market for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
From March 4, United passengers were able to purchase snacks and drinks again on some flights, according to the airline's website. United expanded its food options again on June 1, offering alcoholic beverages and a wider selection of snacks on most flights longer than two hours, it said in a statement.