United bringing back Kosher options and other specialized meals
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.
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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
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.
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.