United has introduced to selected flights the option for economy passengers to pre-order snacks and beverages.
United’s pre-order technology is an extension of the airline’s contactless payment platform that allows customers to store payment information in a digital wallet. United’s pre-order option is now available on select flights departing from Chicago to Orange County, Sacramento, and San Diego, and will expand to all flights over 1,500 miles by early autumn.
“Our new pre-order option reflects the customer experience transformation taking place at United – customers in our economy cabins will have an easy, convenient way to choose their snack or drink, and our flight attendants can move through the cabin faster, delivering more personalised service,” said Toby Enqvist, Chief Customer Officer for United. “This new feature also builds on our existing contactless payment technology, which has enabled us to safely resume our in-flight food and beverage program on select flights.”
Five days prior to departure, customers will see an option in the Reservation Details section of the United app or on United.com to pre-order food and beverage items available for their specific flight. Customers will also receive an email notifying them when pre-order is available.
In economy cabins, customers can pre-order snacks and beverages from United’s buy-on-board menu. They will be asked to enter their credit card information but will not be charged until the items are served to them onboard.
In premium cabins, customers can select their meal option directly from the United app or website. Once they make their selection, they will get a receipt emailed to them.
For customers looking to purchase drinks and snack items while onboard, United’s contactless payment platform allows them to store their payment information in a digital wallet on the United app and on United.com prior to departure.
Once in flight, customers can access a menu to view available items either on the United app or in Hemispheres magazine.
Rather than handing the flight attendant a credit card, the flight attendant will ask for the customer’s name and seat to confirm the card on file. Once confirmed, customers will receive their products and the card on file will be charged.
