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While flying today between Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), I got to try one of United’s newer First Class offerings. The Smoked Beef Brisket is a delicious sandwich that’s only available when pre-ordered.

The Smoked Beef Brisket is described as a “Smoked beef brisket with fontina and white cheddar cheese sandwich.”

I started the meal with warm mixed nuts and a ginger ale. I’m not a huge fan of the new seasoning on these and would prefer just roasted cashews.

The tray came with a green salad and a brown bread roll (because more carbs were needed) along with the latest from Magnolia Bakery (more on that below). The sandwich was perfectly cooked. The bread was the right level of crispy and buttery. The cheese was melted and the meat was flavorful. This is a sandwich that holds up in flight.

Unfortunately, the meal also came with Magnolia Bakery’s latest creation called “Jetstream Dream.” It’s more like a nightmare. Way too sweet, artificial, and just gross. The regular banana pudding is so much better, but I think we’re stuck with this one for 2026 since it celebrates United’s 100th birthday.
Anthony’s Take: I will gladly order this sandwich again and will tell the flight attendants to clear off the dessert. United gets props for this tasty sandwich, but needs to find another sweet way to end the meal.
(Pre-Order Menu Image: United Airlines.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.