United Airlines switches from bottled to canned wines

United Airlines has unveiled its new collection of high-quality wines as it transits from mini plastic bottles to canned wines. The airline said the switch is starting from October 1, 2024, and passengers on domestic economy flights can enjoy cocktail-styled canned wines from women-owned brands.

Four New Wines

The new wines, which are all from California Central Coast, are: Just Enough Wines Rosé with notes of watermelon and guava; Maker Brut Bubbles which has bright citrus, white flowers and stone fruit notes; Just Enough Wines Cabernet Sauvignon with hints of of bright cherries, vanilla, and sandalwood; and Just Enough Wines Chardonnay with notes of melon, honeysuckle, and toasted brioche.

The Chicago-based airline said that each wine would be available at the cost of $12 and served in 250 milliliter cans, and the cans will be served with a cup for those who do not like to drink directly from the can.

Aaron McMillan, United’s Managing Director of Hospitality Programs said:

After the overwhelmingly positive response to the addition of rosé in United Polaris® business class, and ongoing fanfare for sparkling options, we’re thrilled to now offer rosé and a higher quality brut bubbles option for our economy passengers, delivering a more premium experience onboard.

The decision to expand wine offerings on domestic economy flights comes after the airline observed it sold more than 20 million glasses of wine in 2024, which is 1.5 times above what it sold in beer and spirits.

Transition to Canned Wines

United Airlines is making a switch from mini plastic bottles as consumers are demanding for canned drinks. The airline said the the transition to aluminum canned wine will reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles by an estimated 4.7 million bottles per year,