United now lets Economy passengers preorder fresh meals on flights over 900 miles, down from over 1,190 miles. The airline announced the change on October 19, 2026. It says the lower threshold adds 420 flights a day and gives up to 65,000 more customers a day access to preorder. That figure is United's estimate of who could use the option, not a count of meals ordered.
What Changed
The preorder program covers United Economy on flights across North America and the Caribbean. The old cutoff was flights over 1,190 miles. The new one is over 900 miles, so some shorter domestic routes now qualify. The lower threshold took effect on October 19, the day United announced it.
How to Preorder
Open the United app or the Trips section of united.com. Preordering opens five days before departure and closes 24 hours before your flight. In the app, United sends a notification when preordering opens for your flight. United says the fresh items include sandwiches, burgers, pasta and breakfast items, and that the menu rotates monthly.
United also says preordered meals "may not be available under certain circumstances." Don't skip eating before a flight on the strength of an order. Flights of 900 miles or less still don't qualify.
How It Compares With American
American is testing economy food preorders on a smaller scale, starting with one route. See American's economy food preorder for how that test works. United's program already covers flights over 900 miles across North America and the Caribbean.
Cards That Help With United Trips
Meal preorder is open to United Economy customers on eligible flights. If you fly United often, our guide to the Chase United card lineup covers what each card costs and earns.
