United cooking up new inflight food offerings

Maybe United Airlines sees the way to a passenger’s heart is through the stomach.

The Chicago-based airline is preparing a multimillion-dollar upgrade of its inflight food offerings beginning Feb. 1. Most of the changes are coming for passengers in the first-class seats. And meal service is being expanded to include flights of at least 800 miles or 2 hours and 20 minutes during mealtimes.

Examples from the new menu is cage-free scrambled eggs prepared skillet style, lobster macaroni and cheese; and chicken and sausage jambalaya. Fresh-baked cookies will be available on some flights.

“Our customers tell us they want greater options and fresh, savory dining choices when they fly with us,” said Lynda Coffman, United’s vice president of food services. “With these latest enhancements, we will offer restaurant-quality cuisine that enriches their in-flight experience.”

United Express will replace snack boxes with foods prepared inflight for its premium passengers too.