Do They Serve Food on United Airlines? | 2025–2026 Full Guide

United Airlines is one of the largest carriers in the United States, serving domestic and international routes. Many passengers wonder what type of food is available during flights. Understanding what meals and snacks are offered can help travelers plan ahead and avoid surprises.

In 2025–2026, United Airlines provides a mix of complimentary snacks, beverages, and paid meal options depending on flight duration, route, and cabin class. This guide covers what food is served on domestic and international flights, premium options, and how to request special meals.

Food Service on Domestic Flights

United Airlines offers different food services depending on flight length and cabin class.

Short-Haul Domestic Flights (Under 3 Hours)

Complimentary snacks: pretzels, Biscoff cookies, or chips.

Complimentary beverages: coffee, tea, juice, and soda.

Paid options: buy-on-board meals including sandwiches, snack boxes, and salads.

Typical pricing: $7–$15 per item.

Long-Haul Domestic Flights (Over 3 Hours)

Complimentary snacks and beverages available throughout the flight.

Buy-on-board meal service includes sandwiches, salads, protein boxes, and light meals.

Passengers in United First or United Business on domestic transcontinental flights may receive premium complimentary meals.

Food Service on International Flights

United Airlines provides more extensive meal service for international flights. The offering varies by cabin class and flight duration.

Economy / Main Cabin

Flights under 6 hours: complimentary snacks and beverages.

Flights over 6 hours: complimentary meals provided on many routes.

Beverage service includes soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea, and limited alcoholic beverages on long-haul flights.

Paid snack boxes are available on select flights.

United Premium Plus

Enhanced meal options including hot entrees and multiple courses.

Complimentary alcoholic beverages on most international flights.

Additional snacks and packaged items available throughout the flight.

United Polaris / First Class

Full multi-course meals with appetizers, main courses, desserts, and premium beverages.

Special menus for dietary restrictions such as vegan, kosher, halal, gluten-free, and low-sodium.

Meals prepared with premium ingredients and presented with high-quality tableware.

Special Meal Requests

United Airlines accommodates passengers with dietary restrictions if requested at least 24–48 hours before departure:

Vegetarian or vegan

Gluten-free

Kosher or halal

Low-sodium or diabetic-friendly

Meal requests can be made during booking, via the United website, or by contacting United Reservations.

How to Access Meals and Snacks

Domestic flights: food is available via buy-on-board menus or complimentary snacks depending on cabin and duration.

International flights: meals are served according to a schedule; flight attendants will announce service times.

United app & website: passengers can check menus in advance, pre-order special meals, and see cabin-specific offerings.

Tips for Eating on United Airlines

Check your flight duration and cabin class to know which meals are included.

Pre-order special meals if you have dietary restrictions.

Bring extra snacks for shorter flights without full meal service.

Use United snack boxes for guaranteed options on domestic flights.

Stay hydrated—water is complimentary, and the dry air can increase thirst.

Conclusion

United Airlines in 2025–2026 provides a mix of complimentary snacks, beverages, and paid meal options depending on route, flight duration, and cabin class. Domestic flights generally offer snacks and buy-on-board options, while international flights provide full-service meals in Economy, Premium Plus, and Polaris/First Class.

Planning ahead by checking your cabin class, route, and menu options ensures a comfortable and satisfying inflight experience.