Skip to content

United bringing back Kosher options and other specialized meals

Dec. 11, 2021
3 min read
United 737 EWR
United bringing back Kosher options and other specialized meals
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

United Airlines is again serving Kosher meals on some long-haul flights and will roll them out to many more over the next few weeks.

United also plans to bring back other specialized meals in early 2022, according to an article by DansDeals, and later confirmed by TPG. That means you should be able to pre-order Asian, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian meals sometime early next year.

There is good news for families too, as children's meals will also be available sometime in the first quarter of 2022.

United told TPG, "We're aiming to have the others available sometime in Q1.. [we'll] keep you posted as our timing firms up a bit more."

United first ditched special meals early in the pandemic as the airline - and almost all carriers - eliminated hot food and drinks as a COVID-19-containment strategy.

Related: What to expect for food and drinks on your next flight

(Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)

Earlier this year, United restored Kosher meals between destinations such as New York to London Heathrow (LHR), as well as San Francisco (SFO) to Sydney (SYD).

Kosher meals are already available for most other international flights out of Newark International Airport (EWR).

The meals will be provided by New-Jersey specialty food group Fresko which already supplies meals on United flights from Newark (EWR) to Tel Aviv.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Related: How to get maximum value from the United MileagePlus program

Who gets these meal options?

Meal options for those flying economy are limited compared to travelers in premium cabins (United Polaris business class or United domestic first class).

During long-haul international flights, meals are offered in all United cabins. This does not include economy-class travel in the Caribbean and Latin America, according to United's website.

Those flying in a premium cabin on long-haul domestic flights, to the Caribbean and to Latin America will have selections for sandwiches and snack boxes for flights over two hours and 20 minutes, according to United's website.

Travelers in premium cabin seats can also pre-order meals up to five days ahead or 24 hours before their departure flight depending on the route.

Related: Everything you need to know about United Polaris business class

Additional reporting by Zach Griff.

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.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app