Is United Airlines Bringing Back McDonald’s Onboard?
A teaser post on Instagram has me wondering if United Airlines might be bringing back McDonald’s onboard? Let’s take a look at the history of their past partnership and whether it could return.
Is McDonald’s Making A Comeback On United Airlines Flights?
Back in the 1990s, United Airlines partnered with McDonald’s to offer “Friendly Skies Meals” for kids. These inflight meals were essentially Happy Meals at 35,000 feet—featuring items like cheeseburgers or hamburgers served with applesauce, cookies, milk, and even a toy.
The promotion started as a fun perk on flights to Orlando and later expanded systemwide. The McDonald’s-branded packaging made the offering especially memorable (even for me as a kid flying the 777 for the first time in 1996). United even collaborated on toy designs, making it a highly coordinated brand effort.
Despite the appeal, the offering quietly disappeared: the reasons weren’t entirely clear, but changing onboard service standards (the elimination of meals onbaord domesitc lights) and rising costs doubtlessly played a role.
Why It’s Back In The Spotlight
This week, United posted a teaser on Instagram showing Grimace, a classic McDonald’s character (Ronald McDonald’s best friend), festooned to its premium economy seat. Both are purple. McDonald’s was also tagged, seeing aviation geeks and nostalgic flyers into a frenzy. Could the partnership really return?
What trip is that? A trip down memory lane?
So far, United hasn’t confirmed any details. It’s possible the teaser is just a nod to nostalgia, or maybe a short-term promo at a hub like Chicago O’Hare, where both companies are headquartered. Or maybe nothing at all? We shall see…
Could McDonald’s Meals Return to United Flights?
I think it would be very smart to bring back Happy Meals onboard United flight:
- Nostalgia Sells: The throwback appeal is undeniable and could generate buzz, especially with families
- Brand Synergy: United and McDonald’s both have deep Chicago roots, making collaboration natural
- Marketing Opportunity: Even if limited to airport lounges or buy-on-board menus, the branding potential is high
If Delta can do it with Shake Shack, United can do it with McDonald’s!
CONCLUSION
The idea of bringing McDonald’s back to United Airlines flights taps into fond memories for many frequent flyers. I’m no sure what this teaser is about, but for those who remember Happy Meals in the sky, the nostalgia is real! I’m amazed at how vividly I recall those McDonald’s meals on my LAX-ORD 777-200 flight…what a clever marketing ploy.