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United debuts new — and free — snack menu for all economy passengers

Feb. 15, 2023
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3 min read
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United debuts new — and free — snack menu for all economy passengers
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If you're flying United in the coming weeks, you might want to take a look at the snack basket.

That's because the Chicago-based carrier just unveiled three new snack choices that are debuting just in time for the busy spring break travel period.

The new options include:

  • Dark chocolate and sea salt chocolate crisps by Undercover Snacks, starting March 1.
  • Apple and mango fruit bars by That’s it, starting April 1.
  • Savory snack mix by Summer Harvest, starting April 1.

Those with dietary restrictions, including Kosher, gluten- and allergen-free diets, will have something to enjoy with these new options. Both the chocolate crisps and apple and mango fruit bars are certified Kosher and are free from most allergens.

COURTESY UNITED

These new snacks will be available in all United economy cabins, and best of all, the carrier does not charge for snacks, even if you purchased an entry-level basic economy fare. United says it hands out 12 million snacks every month.

“We know the snack cart is often the highlight of a flight, so getting it right is very important to us. With the addition of Undercover Snacks, That’s it. Fruit Bars and a classic Savory Snack Mix, we’re confident there’s something for everyone," Aaron McMillan, managing director of hospitality and planning, said in a statement.

COURTESY THAT'S IT

While the new snacks are certainly exciting for frequent flyers, the airline still needs to work through a larger catering overhaul for its premium cabins and long-haul routes.

United's food options continue to disappoint, and many of the menus haven't been refreshed in months. The airline's long-haul catering pales in comparison to what its two biggest U.S. rivals, American and Delta, offer, and many travelers have become exasperated with the airline's pandemic-era food service.

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Fortunately, the airline is aware of the challenges and is working to address them. It recently opened a brand-new test kitchen in Chicago near its Willis Tower headquarters, with more exciting catering updates expected in the spring.

In the meantime, as of Feb. 1, those flying in the United Polaris cabin can once again enjoy the full dessert trolley experience, which includes a create-your-own sundae bar with six toppings, cheese plates and tasty tarts and cakes.

Related reading:

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.