United Airlines Now Offers Meals for Kids

United Airlines has brought back its kids' meals—previously paused during the pandemic—available on domestic and international flights over 2,000 miles, in cabins with complimentary meal service.

What’s on the kids' menu when flying United? Breakfast features French toast, sausage, fruit, and a croissant, while lunch and dinner include chicken tenders, fruit, a dinner roll, and dessert, plus a grilled cheese option on international flights returning to the U.S.

These new kid-friendly meal options arrive just in time for the busy holiday season, as many families travel. To secure a kids' meal, passengers must select the 'children's meal' as a special option either during flight booking or by adding it to an existing reservation via the United app at least 24 hours before departure.

Regrettably, kids' meals won’t be available for domestic economy passengers, as meal service isn't complimentary on those flights. However, economy travelers on international flights and first-class passengers on domestic routes over 2,000 miles can enjoy this option.

Airlines Offering Kids' Meals

United isn't the only airline focused on young travelers. Many carriers provide infant and children's meals tailored for younger guests, including:

Air Canada

Advance bookings for meals for children aged 1 and older are available for premium and business class passengers traveling within North America and on international flights.

Air France

Air France provides a children's meal specifically designed for kids between the ages of 2 and 8.

British Airways

Passengers can pre-order special meals for children before their long-haul flights, which British Airways offers as non-vegetarian options suitable for ages 2 to 12. The airline also has a policy to serve kids’ meals first, ensuring they are delivered before the main cabin service begins.

Emirates

You can pre-order a children's in-flight meal for kids aged 2 to 12.

Etihad

With Etihad, ensure you request a children’s meal at least 24 hours prior to your flight, and they will provide a healthy option along with a sweet treat for kids aged 2 to 11.

JAL Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines provides a meal option for children that can be pre-booked for all routes for kids aged 2 and older. Young passengers flying in first and business class from Narita and Haneda enjoy an enhanced kid-friendly dining experience.

Lufthansa

On Lufthansa’s long-haul flights and select European routes, a child’s meal can be pre-ordered; crafted by renowned German chef and father Alexander Herrmann, it features fun elements while ensuring a nutritious and balanced meal for children.

Singapore Airlines

All travelers can pre-order a child’s meal, available in Western, Asian, or vegetarian options for kids aged 2 to 12. These meals can be booked up to four months before the flight, but must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. Additionally, the airline offers a “Book the Cook Yummy!” menu for kids traveling in suites, first, or business class, featuring a wide range of choices like burgers, fish fingers, fried rice, mac ‘n’ cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken with rice.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines offers specially crafted meals for children that exclude fish or meat with bones, nuts, seeds, and spices.

Qantas

The Australian airline provides a child’s meal option that can be pre-ordered for young travelers aged 2 to 11.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways presents its children’s meals in a fun meal box (which kids can keep) that includes a nutritious meal, juice, and treats. Passengers need to preorder this option.

Most of the mentioned airlines also provide a meal option for babies or infants and/or offer some baby food on board.