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United Airlines is issuing an apology to passengers traveling through San Francisco International Airport following a wave of flight delays and disrupted meal service tied to a major catering provider transition. The airline recently began shifting its catering operations from its long-time partner to a new contractor, a change that has led to logistical issues affecting dozens of flights.

The root of the disruption traces back to March, when more than 800 employees with the airline’s former catering service were notified of job losses in what became one of California’s largest layoffs this year. Fortunately, nearly all of the affected workers were promptly rehired by the new catering provider. Despite the smooth re-employment, the operational shift has not gone as seamlessly as hoped.

United's transition to the new caterer officially began on May 15. Almost immediately, the airline experienced setbacks. Flights departing San Francisco have reportedly gone without full meal and beverage service, leaving passengers — even on long transcontinental routes — with only basic refreshments, such as water. Other flights experienced delays due to catering-related shortages and confusion during the transition.

Travelers took to social media to share their frustrations, reporting unexpected delays and meal omissions. United Airlines has acknowledged the situation and confirmed that it is actively working to stabilize operations. The company stated that some flights had been delayed to ensure proper provisioning, and others flew with reduced catering. Customers affected are being contacted by the airline, which is committed to resolving the issue and returning to standard service levels.

The new catering contractor also commented on the challenges, stating that transitions of this size are complex and can take time to fully normalize. The company affirmed that it is cooperating closely with United to resume full meal service and meet the expectations of travelers departing from the San Francisco hub.

Meanwhile, flight attendants have been advised that support personnel are being deployed to the airport to help during the adjustment period. Internal communications suggest the transition may continue to affect operations for several weeks as teams adapt to new workflows, systems, and service protocols.

The disruption underscores the critical role of catering and ground services in airline operations. While food service may appear secondary to core flight logistics, its absence can significantly impact passenger satisfaction and operational timelines. United’s leadership has emphasized its commitment to correcting the issues and maintaining communication with travelers impacted by the change.

For now, travelers flying out of San Francisco with United Airlines may continue to encounter service variations, including limited in-flight dining options and minor delays. The airline and its new catering partner are working behind the scenes to ensure a full return to normal operations as soon as possible.

The situation is a reminder of how deeply interconnected airline operations are with their vendors and the ripple effects even a well-planned transition can have. While the disruption is expected to be temporary, both companies involved are under pressure to restore full services quickly and ensure consistent quality for travelers moving forward.