Our answer
On many airlines, yes, and it’s worth doing so you get your first choice.
How it works: a few days before your flight, many airlines send an email or show a notice in their app inviting business class passengers to pre-select their main course. Delta, United and American all offer this in long-haul business class, and so do a number of international airlines. You pick from the same menu that will be served on board.
The deadline is usually around 24 hours before departure, but it varies by airline and route, and sometimes the window opens only a few days before. After the deadline, you just choose on board from whatever is left.
Special meals are different. If you need vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, gluten-free, diabetic or another special meal, request it when you book or at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. We can add it to your booking for you.
Tip: if you’re seated near the back of the business class cabin, pre-selecting is the best way to avoid your first choice running out before the trolley reaches you.
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Answered by the Global Business Flights team, booking business and first class since 2017. Last reviewed November 2026.
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