United Airlines Brings Back Kids’ Meals In-flight

United Airlines is once again offering children’s meals onboard selected flights. As of November 1st, 2022, special breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are available on eligible flights.

At the start of the pandemic, and in a bid to reduce contamination, United Airlines was one of the many carriers worldwide that reduced their onboard meal offering. This move included no longer providing food options for children.

The airline gradually began restoring onboard meal services last year, but children’s meals were much slower to return. Rivals American Airlines, for example, were quicker to bring them back. However, they are now back onboard United Airlines too, and just in time for the busy holiday season.

Photo: United Airlines

On eligible domestic and international flights departing from the US, the children’s selection is made up of French toast with sausage, fruit, and a croissant for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, the children’s option is chicken tenders with fruit, bread roll, and dessert.

For those traveling on eligible international flights departing to the US, the breakfast remains the same as on flights leaving the US, but the lunch or dinner option is made up of a grilled cheese sandwich, bread roll, and dessert.

United Airlines’ managing director of hospitality and planning, Aaron McMillan, celebrated the return of meal options for children, saying,

“We’re committed to providing a great onboard experience for all of our customers, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer our youngest flyers new, kid-friendly food options on select routes. We know there’s a lot to balance when traveling as a family – especially during the busy holiday season – and hope this helps to put parents’ minds at ease as they prepare for travel with us.”

Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying

Which flights are eligible for children’s meals?

Children’s meals are available on flights that are over 2,000 miles and offer a complimentary meal service. This includes domestic routes to Hawaii (although not from the airline’s West Coast hubs) and international long-haul flights.

For example, an economy class flight from Newark (EWR) to Amsterdam (AMS) would be eligible. However, a flight from Newark to Los Angeles (LAX) would not. That is because despite the flight being more than 2,000 miles in length, no complimentary meal service is offered in economy class.

Pre-order available from next year

Starting in 2023, special options for children will also be included in United Airlines’ pre-order service, meaning that passengers traveling in eligible cabins on selected flights will be able to pre-order children’s food options up to 24 hours in advance.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple flying

Those flying on the Star Alliance member airline with children over the holiday season will no doubt be pleased by this latest announcement – having a dedicated children’s meal is a surefire way to keep little ones entertained, even if only for a few minutes.

Have you flown with children and requested a special meal for them? What did you think of the options available? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.