Starting March 1, preorders will be the only way to purchase fresh entrees for customers traveling in the Economy cabin.

This change is designed to allow the airline’s catering operation run more efficiently and supporting efforts to reduce food waste. It will also benefit passengers by ensuring they are more likely to receive their preferred menu.

The policy affects flights over 1,190 miles within the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. United Economy will still offer its signature snack boxes, packaged snacks and beverages for purchase onboard.

READ: United and Assoc. of Flight Attendants reach agreement

“We’re continuing to invest in meaningful improvements to our onboard food and beverage program, with a focus on quality, consistency and customer choice,” said Aaron McMillan, Managing Director of Hospitality Programs at United. “Preordering is a win for everyone – customers board the plane knowing they’ll get the meal they want*, our catering partners know exactly how much food to prepare for each flight and it helps our operation run even more smoothly and reduce food waste.”

Customers can preorder both fresh Bistro on Board and retail items in advance through the mobile app or on united.com, beginning five days and up to 24 hours before departure. Customers can browse the available options within the online Trips section, and United app users will receive a notification when preordering opens for their flight.