First Class Meals Replaced by Snacks at United in SF
United Airlines Faces Catering Disruptions at San Francisco International Airport
United Airlines (UA) is currently grappling with significant catering disruptions for flights departing from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This turmoil follows the airline’s recent switch to a new third-party catering vendor, implemented on May 15, 2025. Passengers, particularly in First Class, are experiencing a noticeable decline in service quality, raising concerns about their travel experience.
United Catering Disruptions at San Francisco
Reports indicate that passengers on transcontinental and international flights from SFO are receiving snack boxes and bottled water instead of the full hot meals typically expected. This catering issue has left many travelers dissatisfied, particularly on long-haul flights exceeding five hours.
Crew members have voiced concerns regarding the impact of this catering change on passenger satisfaction. Many flights have reportedly departed without the standard catering load, especially in premium cabins. Notably, First Class travelers have found themselves with only snack boxes, a stark contrast to the multi-course meals they anticipated.
An internal memo from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) confirmed that the recent catering transition has led to “additional catering or service modifications,” which may continue for the foreseeable future. While United Airlines management had outlined contingency plans, the execution on the ground has fallen short of expectations.
Broader Impacts on All Classes
While domestic routes have faced the most significant disruptions, international flights from SFO are also feeling the effects. Business and Polaris Class cabins—renowned for their superior service—have experienced reduced meal offerings. Long-haul flights to major destinations like London and Singapore are now starting with snack boxes instead of the elaborate meals typically served.
To address passenger dissatisfaction, some affected travelers have been provided with $15 airport food vouchers as a temporary solution. However, flight attendants report that these substitutions do not meet the expectations of premium travelers who invest in upgraded cabin experiences.
This catering disruption comes on the heels of United Airlines announcing a $150 million investment in its food and beverage services, which previously led to a 12% rise in customer satisfaction in Q1 2025. Ironically, these issues arise just months before United plans to launch its “Elevated” cabin experience, which features luxury amenities and enhanced meal services on flagship routes from SFO.
Long-Term Outlook for United Airlines
Flight attendants emphasize that catering logistics can be complex, and certain airports, including San Francisco, have historically struggled with reliability and food quality. The recent vendor switch is part of United Airlines’ broader overhaul of its food and beverage offerings aimed at improving service standards fleetwide.
Despite the current challenges, the airline is likely banking on long-term improvements from this new partnership. While a formal public apology has yet to be issued, United Airlines is reportedly monitoring the situation closely to stabilize operations and restore the high service quality expected by its premium travelers.
As United Airlines navigates these catering disruptions, passengers are encouraged to share their feedback and experiences. For more on travel-related news and updates, check out our related articles.
