You can also view our food or drink menus on united.com or the United app.
Save a form of payment to buy snacks and drinks
To make your trip safer and more enjoyable, all inflight purchases on our flights must be completed with contactless payments instead of physical cards or cash. To buy snacks and drinks on board, you’ll need to save a form of payment before your flight. You can do this easily using the United app or using PayPal (only for registered PayPal users on select flights). If you’re a MileagePlus member, you can even redeem miles for inflight purchases.
Whether you are using the United app or PayPal, be sure to save or verify your United MileagePlus® Chase Card as your primary form of payment before traveling. When you pay with your card, you’ll receive 25% back on inflight purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi. To pay with miles, make sure your MileagePlus number is added to your reservation.
How to save a form of payment before your flight
There are multiple ways to save a form of payment for inflight purchases using the United app or on united.com:
All day
Flights scheduled over 1 hour
Within the United States, including to/from Hawaii
Ability to purchase with miles may not be available onboard all aircrafts
Alcoholic beverages
Beer
Michelob Ultra®$8 or 950 miles
Stella Artois®$8 or 950 miles
Wine
Red or white (187 mL) $9 or 1070 miles
Sparkling* (187 mL) $9 or 1070 miles
Specialty wines
Premium red (375 mL) $18 or 2130 miles
Premium white (375 mL) $18 or 2130 miles
*Only available on mainline United flights between the continental United States and Hawaii
Free on flights between the continental United States and Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, India, Israel, New Zealand, South America and Tahiti.
Gluten Free
Then, save your form of payment; here’s how:
There are a few easy ways to save a form of payment before your flight so you can buy snacks and drinks while in the air.
At check-in on united.com
- When reviewing your reservation details, select “Add credit card”
- Fill out information and select “Save”
At check-in on united.com
- When reviewing your reservation details, select “Add credit card”
- Fill out information and select “Save”
Download a version of the United app:
Frequently asked questions
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No. You’ll only be able to buy something on board with a saved form of payment. We don’t accept physical credit cards or cash on board.
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Even if you plan to check in at the airport, you can save your card for your flight on united.com or the United app. If you’ve already checked in, download the latest version of the United app to your phone or other smart device. Under the “My Trips” section, you can find a trip using your confirmation number and last name. Save that trip and you should see a prompt on the home screen allowing you to save your credit card information.
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If you save your form of payment on your MileagePlus profile, you can use it on all future trips when this type of payment is available.
If you save your form of payment at check-in, we’ll only apply it for the specific trip you’re checking in for. If your travel plans are spread across multiple reservations, you’ll need to add your card separately for each trip. We’ll remove your saved form of payment within 12 hours of arriving at your final destination.
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Nope – you can keep your credit card in your wallet or purse. If you choose to buy something, the flight attendant may ask for you to confirm the name on the card you have on file. Once you confirm, you’ll be charged for what you receive. As always, you can retrieve any receipts through the email you have on file or by visiting our website.
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Yes. Eligible Premier members will once again receive a complimentary Choice Menu item and/or alcoholic beverage when traveling on an eligible flight segment.
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Yes, MileagePlus members can redeem award miles to pay for inflight purchases as long as they have enough miles available in their account. To use your miles on board, just ask your flight attendant when you make your food or drink selection.