United Struggles with Catering Issues in San Francisco

Catering Chaos at United Airlines: Ongoing Disruptions at San Francisco International Airport

United Airlines (UA) is currently grappling with significant catering issues at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), following a recent switch to a new provider. Since the transition from Gate Gourmet to LSG Sky Chefs, flight attendants have reported a myriad of challenges, including disorganized galleys, missing meals, and makeshift snack setups. This situation has escalated to the point where some crew members are opting to avoid SFO flights altogether.

United Airlines Catering Crisis: What Went Wrong?

On May 15, 2025, United Airlines made the bold decision to replace its long-time catering partner, Gate Gourmet, with LSG Sky Chefs at its hub in San Francisco. Unfortunately, this transition has not gone smoothly. Numerous reports indicate that many flights are departing without essential food services, forcing cabin crews to spend precious pre-flight time scrambling to organize galleys.

• Key Issues Reported:
  • Missing meals and inadequate snack options.
  • Disorganized galleys filled with trash bags and scattered supplies.
  • First Class passengers often receiving only ambient snacks instead of freshly prepared meals.

The staffing shortages and operational challenges at LSG Sky Chefs have created a domino effect, impacting not only flight operations but also the overall travel experience for passengers.

Crew Avoidance and Union Concerns

The chaos at SFO has prompted many United flight attendants to express their frustrations online, with a growing number stating they refuse to accept flights involving San Francisco. The phrase “Avoid SFO” has become a common refrain among crew members, emphasizing the extent of the ongoing crisis. One flight attendant described the situation as “a largely unmitigated disaster for the past two weeks.”

The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA), representing United’s crew members, has acknowledged these ongoing disruptions. They have issued a warning that service problems may persist for several weeks as the new catering supplier works to stabilize operations. To mitigate the impact on affected passengers, United is offering $15 food vouchers for flights identified with catering shortfalls. However, this measure is unlikely to alleviate the stress on flight attendants or enhance the overall in-flight experience.

Broader Implications for Airline Catering in the U.S.

The current catering crisis at SFO is a symptom of a larger issue within U.S. airline catering services. Reports of missing or mismatched supplies are not isolated to United Airlines; many airlines face similar challenges across various airports. Instances of flights utilizing items from other carriers, such as a Delta flight using American Airlines napkins, have become increasingly common.

Unlike major international airports, where catering services generally maintain consistency and quality, U.S.-based operations often struggle to meet these standards. The ongoing issues at San Francisco International Airport underscore the critical importance of reliable catering logistics for both passenger satisfaction and crew efficiency.

As the situation develops, United Airlines and its new catering provider, LSG Sky Chefs, will need to address these challenges to restore normalcy and improve the travel experience for everyone involved. For ongoing updates on airline operations and related topics, feel free to share your thoughts or explore our other articles on airline industry trends.