CHICAGO– United Airlines (UA) is making changes to its international economy service, replacing pretzels with fresh packaged appetizers on flights between Europe and the United States starting September 2025.
The airline says the move will create a more premium dining experience without extending service time. Passengers flying in economy class on transatlantic routes will now receive a multi-course setup closer to what is typically seen in business class.
Photo: UnitedUnited Upgrades Transatlantic Meals
According to an internal memo shared with flight attendants and seen by Live and Let’s Fly, United Airlines (UA) is introducing a revised three-step meal process in economy class. Instead of distributing pretzels (USA departures) or breadsticks (Europe departures), crews will now serve a fresh packaged appetizer alongside beverages at the start of the meal service.
The updated process includes:
- Pre-meal service: Beverage and starter cart with cutlery, salad, dressing, bread, butter, packaged appetizer, and dessert.
- Collection as needed: Crews clear trays to prepare for the main course.
- Main meal service: Beverage and entrée cart. Warm entrées are offered on black trays with a choice of options.
The structure mirrors Delta Air Lines’ (DL) international economy service but with added elements like salad and bread, which Delta does not include.
Photo: Clément AlloingExceptions to the Rollout
Not all United (UA) flights will follow the new service sequence. Two key exceptions apply:
- Late-night departures: Flights with a scheduled takeoff after 8:00 pm will continue using the single-tray method.
- Aircraft limitations: Boeing 767-300 flights will maintain the current service due to crew ratios and galley space.
Additionally, United is trialing a more upscale bread service. On routes such as Los Angeles (LAX) and Washington Dulles (IAD) to London Heathrow (LHR), dinner rolls may be offered from a basket rather than individually wrapped.
Photo: DeltaFood Quality in Economy Class
While most passengers don’t choose an airline based solely on meal service, quality food can influence loyalty. United’s move follows a trend where airlines test improvements in long-haul economy.
For example, JetBlue Airways (B6) previously offered fresh, varied meals on its transatlantic routes before scaling back hot entrées.
United’s economy meals already include strong midflight and pre-arrival offerings, such as hot sandwiches and full hot breakfasts on West Coast–Europe flights.
Enhancing the initial service with fresh appetizers may further separate United from competitors like American Airlines (AA) and Delta Air Lines (DL).
Photo: United AirlinesBottom Line
The update signals a shift in how United positions its economy service. The airline is betting that a more thoughtful dining experience can raise satisfaction scores and create repeat customers, even among those not flying premium cabins.
CEO Scott Kirby has often referred to the importance of building “sticky” loyalty, and meal service is becoming part of that strategy.
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United Airlines Enhances In-Flight Dining With New Meals and Aperol Spritz
The post United Airlines Adds New Fresh Appetizers to Transatlantic Economy Meals appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
