United to offer free booze, 3-course meals on international flights

Hoping the best way to win a passenger’s loyalty is through their stomachs, United will expand its coach meal service and begin offering free beer and wine on international flights.

Beginning June 1, the airline will offer a “hearty three-course service” meal that begins with cheese and crackers, according to a news release. Customers will then get a main course such as turkey meatloaf in spicy barbecue sauce or ravioli with roasted red pepper sauce. The final course includes a dessert of gelato, sorbet, ice cream or mousse.

Economy class passengers also will be offered complimentary beer and wine.

The changes will begin on United flights from the United States to Europe and most trans-Pacific flights. The drinks and food upgrades also will take effect on routes between the United States and Argentina, Brazil and Chile.