United Airlines launches pre-order cabin service for all passengers

United Airlines has launched a pre-order cabin service for all passengers no matter what class using the airline's mobile app and website to pre-order meals, snacks, and beverages up to five days before they're scheduled to travel for flights over 1,500 miles. United is the first US airline to offer economy customers the option to pre-order snacks and beverages, a reflection of the airline's customer experience transformation that is underway at the airline. 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. The pre-order option is now available on select United flights departing from Chicago to Honolulu, Orange County, CA Sacramento, CA and San Diego, and will expand to all flights over 1,500 miles by early fall. "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 personalized 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 inflight food and beverage program on select flights." How it works:

• 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 on board.
• 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 says its 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.