United Airlines is ramping up its kosher menu on its long-haul routes to Tel Aviv from several of its hubs including Newark, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles. The enhanced cuisine will be introduced from February and will be part of the Chicago-based carrier's bid to further elevate the customer experience.

Tasty treats

According to a United press release, the firm is partnering with a New Jersey-based fresh food provider Fresko to entirely revamp its menu on flights between Newark and the Israeli economic hub.

Starting next month, United passengers will be able to choose from options including chicken marsala, a cheese omelet, blintzes, fresh bagels, as well as a kale quinoa burger. Additionally, there will be traditional bakery items such as black and white cookies and rugelach.

United Kosher Meal
An example of one of United's kosher meals. Photo: United Airlines

From March, United will also be testing a kosher children's meal in all cabins for its flights to Tel Aviv. However, this trial is only limited to flights out of Newark and San Francisco. If the trial is successful, this offering will expand to its other Tel Aviv routes.

Meanwhile, those flying in Polaris and United Premium Plus can already enjoy new kosher snack choices. Popular sweet treats such as Drizzilicious Cinnamon Swirl crisps and M&M'S are available. There are also savoury options such as Deep River Potato Chips, Madi K's Almonds and Cheez-It crackers.

United Kosher Snacks
Some of the kosher snacks onboard for United's premium customers. Photo: United Airlines

There will also be kosher coffee available from Newark to Tel Aviv from February. However, passengers on other routes to the city will have to wait until the summer to taste the new blend.

Enhanced experience

Charlean Gmunder, United's vice president of Catering Operations, spoke of his delight to offer new kosher options. He shared that the initiative is part of United's goal to provide better customer dining experiences.

"We are thrilled to expand our already high-quality Kosher culinary choices to include new options we know our customers will love," Gmunder said, as per the press release.

"We know our customers and listen to their feedback and all of these new menu items – from savory new snacks to wonderful wines – are the result of our on-going efforts to exceed customer expectations.

United Kosher Wine
The Herzog family has been crafting wines for 150 years. Photo: United Airlines

Meeting demand

The United States has strong foreign relations with Israel. According to US Trade Numbers, the total trade value between the countries reached $33.88 billion in 2019.

With the pair continuing to build on their relationship and with a large Jewish diaspora residing across the US, the move to introduce an enhanced offering on flights to Tel Aviv will go a long way.

Altogether, menus based on dietary requirements are often not as exquisite as the main offering. Usually, only a small portion of fliers on a service will request a special meal.

However, a higher number of those traveling on services to Tel Aviv would presumably require kosher meals. Therefore, United is able to appeal to core segments on these routes by introducing a well-planned kosher menu.

United Kosher Breakfast
Passengers will be able to take a sip of some kosher Illy coffee as part of their breakfast. Photo: United Airlines

United's kosher cuisine isn't only being revised on flights. There will be a hot kosher à la carte meal option at the Newark Polaris Lounge. Furthermore, there will be new kosher packaged snacks available upon request at the Polaris lounge and at United Clubs in Newark and LaGuardia.

With the New York area holding a sizeable Jewish community, United is showing its intent on providing an enhanced experience for its customers. Ultimately, these introductions will be appreciated by those required to stick to a kosher diet.

Altogether, what are your thoughts on the new kosher offering by United on its flights to Israel? Let us know what you think in the comment section.