International travelers on United Airlines will soon have some refreshment options at their disposal beyond the typical pretzels and soda.
A new report from Live and Let Fly cites an internal United memo to flight attendants announcing the company’s intention of “reimagining the in-flight service delivery to offer a more premium experience without lengthening the service.”
In order to accomplish this, United will be upgrading its meal offerings in economy class on flights between Europe and America, starting next month.
Instead of pretzels when flying out of the United States or breadsticks when leaving from Europe or the United Kingdom, guests will have an opportunity toe experience a new three-part meal process that should be more satisfying.
How it works
Per the memo, a pre-meal service will get things going, featuring a standard beverage cart along with a tray stocked with cutlery, salad, dressing, bread and butter, a fresh packaged appetizer and dessert.
After that phase is complete, flight attendants will go around and clean as needed before the main course is introduced. The main course will consists of beverages and hot entrees.
Crew members will use a tray to offer a choice of hot food items from a cart.
The entire new process is meant to mimic the type of service United already provides customers in business class. It is also reportedly similar to what Delta Air Lines offers travelers in international economy class.
United has already tweaked food this year
This isn’t the first food-related change United has implemented in 2025. Back in February, the airline announced the return of its popular complimentary stroopwafel’s in economy class.
Stroop, there it is.
Daelmans Stroopwafels are back on board in United Economy. pic.twitter.com/umpLcTnebn
— United Airlines (@united) February 7, 2025
If you’ve ever flown on United in years past, the free stroopwafel is often the highlight of the journey, so it’s not a surprise that this decision was particularly well-received.
Additionally, a recent tweet from Robby Berger, host of the popular Bob Does Sports golf and comedy YouTube channel, indicates United has been serving a collaboration with Magnolia Bakery pudding, presumably in business class.
