United Airlines to Launch New Polaris Winter Menu
Chef Tomos Parry will introduce three new winter-themed dishes for premium travelers on November 1.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Business Travel
Live Poll
Would you choose an airline specifically for the quality of its inflight dining menu?
United Airlines is set to debut a new winter menu for its Polaris business class passengers starting November 1, 2026. The dishes were developed by Chef Tomos Parry as part of the airline's ongoing partnership with the Netflix series Chef's Table.
Why it matters
The airline is investing heavily in its premium dining to enhance the inflight experience and better replicate high-quality restaurant meals at altitude. By incorporating specific ingredients and preparation methods, the program aims to overcome the natural dampening of taste sensations that occurs during flight.
United Airlines annually invests $150 million in food and $35 million in its beverage program. Passengers must pre-order their selections between 24 hours and five days before their scheduled departure.
The players
Tomos Parry
He is an acclaimed chef known for his London-based restaurants Brat and Mountain.
United Airlines
It is a major American carrier that manages an extensive international flight network and premium cabin service.
The details
To ensure quality during reheating, the new menu utilizes high-gelatine turbot and replaces traditional croutons with toasted buckwheat for texture. The dishes were prepared using a specialized grill system installed by Newrest to maintain the chef's culinary standards.
Timeline
Chef Tomos Parry opened his restaurant Brat in 2018.
Chef Tomos Parry opened the restaurant Mountain in 2023.
The summer menu debuted on United Airlines on 1 August 2026.
The new winter menu launches for United Airlines on 1 November 2026.
Travel Outlook
The partnership with the Netflix series Chef's Table provides a brand-aligned framework for United Airlines to recruit top culinary talent and market its business class dining. This initiative marks a significant departure from traditional airline catering by prioritizing celebrity chef-driven culinary identity over standardized service models.
Travelers should remember to select their meals through the airline's pre-order system between 24 hours and five days prior to their flight. Failure to reserve a meal in this window may limit your options to standard onboard offerings instead of the new winter menu.
The takeaway
Airlines are increasingly using high-gelatine proteins and alternative starches to maintain food quality at high altitudes. Travelers can expect more restaurant-quality meals as carriers prioritize specialized reheating techniques to satisfy sophisticated palates.
Further reading
For more information on premium travel services, explore our Business Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Traveller.
Live Poll
Would you choose an airline specifically for the quality of its inflight dining menu?
