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United bringing back Kosher options and other specialized meals

Dec. 11, 2021
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3 min read
United 737 EWR
United bringing back Kosher options and other specialized meals
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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.

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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.

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  • 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.
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  • $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.
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