What To Expect With The Return Of United Airlines' Kids' Meals

Correction 11/11/22: A previous version of this article stated that United Airlines would not be offering kids' meals until 2023. Per a representative from United Airlines, kids' meals are available on select flights as of November 11, 2022.

Flying is a whole ordeal. Add kids to the mix, and you've got more than just your luggage to look after. Letting your child grow hungry up in the air certainly isn't going to make travel smooth.

The answer? Airplane food. But airlines don't always carry kid-friendly options — especially if you're flying United. During the COVID-19 pandemic, United Airlines scaled back its menu offerings so that only snacks were available, and only on long flights, as Insider noted. Then, in 2021, United brought back meals on those longer flights. Flyers could then get chia seed pudding; bacon, egg, and cheese spiral croissants; Mediterranean grain bowls; classic beef butter burgers with cheddar; or cheese trays. That doesn't exactly sound like what children enjoy, though.

Sure, you could bring your own food aboard. But who wants to do meal prep while they're packing and fit that into their luggage? Besides, as explained by USA Today, both United Airlines and the TSA have pretty specific guidelines for what you can and can't bring through security. All liquids and gels including certain foods, must fit in 3.4-ounce bottles that are carried in 1-quart bags. If you're flying international, there may even be restrictions on which fruits, nuts, and veggies are allowed. Sometimes, it's better to just buy some healthy snacks at the airport. The easiest thing of all, though, would be to purchase kids' meals on the plane itself.

As of November 2022, United Airlines offers kids' meals as a special option on select flights, per PR Newswire. During trips that travel more than 2,000 miles, cabins with complimentary meal service will offer kids French toast with sausage, fruit, and a croissant on the side for breakfast. Meanwhile, for international flights that are returning to the United States, children can order grilled cheese alongside dessert, fruit, and a roll for lunch and dinner. On qualifying domestic and international flights leaving the U.S., chicken tenders (also accompanied by dessert, fruit, and a roll) are available for lunch and dinner instead.

Aaron McMillan, managing director of hospitality and planning, explains the company's intentions, saying, "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" (via PR Newswire). 

Adults will still have to plan ahead for their little ones a little bit, as these options do require pre-ordering on United Airlines' website or app, at least 24 hours in advance. Nonetheless, this could lift a weight off parents' shoulders. Nobody wants to deal with a hangry tantrum thousands of feet in the air.