Let's Eat! - 2008 First Class (Domestic and International) Edition
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Programs: Bar Alliance Gold
Posts: 16,271
Let's Eat! - 2008 First Class (Domestic and International) Edition
A New Year and time for a New Thread on UA's First Class meal service.
With a nod to warreng24, the following reference for UA First Class meal service:
Generally speaking, domestic flights with food service in First Class can be broken down into these types:
1) p.s. flights
2) Mainline & Business1 flights over 2.5 hours
3) Business1 flights under 2.5 hours
1) P.S. flights: Passengers in First Class can expect a meal to be served for all non-redeye flights. Redeye flights can expect a fruit & cheese plate.
2) Domestic mainline & Business1 flights over 2.5 hours: Passengers in First Class can expect meals according to the following scheduled flight departure times:
3) Business1 flights under 2.5 hours: Passengers in First Class can expect meals according to the following scheduled flight departure times:
Note, no meal is served on the following Business1 flights:
ORD-MSP
MSP-ORD
These flights will be served the "gold bag" of pre-packaged mixed nuts.
First Class passengers on United Airlines domestic flights other then p.s. and Business1 with durations under 2.5 hours in length will receive the "gold bag" of pre-packaged mixed nuts.
United Express First Class passengers on flights over two hours length you should get a prepackaged "light" snack. This is usually a United Express SnackBox which varies based on the flight's operator.
The one for Domestic and International Business Class meals can be found at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8979774
With a nod to warreng24, the following reference for UA First Class meal service:
Generally speaking, domestic flights with food service in First Class can be broken down into these types:
1) p.s. flights
2) Mainline & Business1 flights over 2.5 hours
3) Business1 flights under 2.5 hours
1) P.S. flights: Passengers in First Class can expect a meal to be served for all non-redeye flights. Redeye flights can expect a fruit & cheese plate.
2) Domestic mainline & Business1 flights over 2.5 hours: Passengers in First Class can expect meals according to the following scheduled flight departure times:
- 0500 - 1000 Breakfast
- 1001 - 1059 No Meal Service
- 1100 - 1300 Lunch
- 1301 - 1559 No Meal Service
- 1600 - 1900 Dinner
- 1901 - 0459 No Meal Service
3) Business1 flights under 2.5 hours: Passengers in First Class can expect meals according to the following scheduled flight departure times:
- 0500 - 1000 Continential style "semi-hot" breakfast (i.e. ham & cheese muffin)
- 1001 - 1059 No Meal Service
- 1100 - 1300 Snack Plate lunch (i.e. hot wrap or salad).
- 1301 - 1559 No Meal Service
- 1600 - 1900 Snack Plate dinner (i.e. hot wrap or salad).
- 1901 - 0459 No Meal Service
Note, no meal is served on the following Business1 flights:
ORD-MSP
MSP-ORD
These flights will be served the "gold bag" of pre-packaged mixed nuts.
First Class passengers on United Airlines domestic flights other then p.s. and Business1 with durations under 2.5 hours in length will receive the "gold bag" of pre-packaged mixed nuts.
United Express First Class passengers on flights over two hours length you should get a prepackaged "light" snack. This is usually a United Express SnackBox which varies based on the flight's operator.
The one for Domestic and International Business Class meals can be found at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8979774
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Jun 4, 2008 at 11:45 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: TUS and any place close to a lav
Programs: UA 1.6MM
Posts: 5,423
Here's to another good year with UA and more "enhancements!"
Thanks to SEA_Tigger for this year's "Let's Eat!" Thread.
[Added 08 January 2008]
rch4u has posted some GREAT tips on how to find out what meal is served in F by using ITA. Unfortunately this only works if the flight is also sold as a codeshare.
Thanks to SEA_Tigger for this year's "Let's Eat!" Thread.
[Added 08 January 2008]
rch4u has posted some GREAT tips on how to find out what meal is served in F by using ITA. Unfortunately this only works if the flight is also sold as a codeshare.
The best trick I have found is to do an ITA search for F and find the US codeshare on UA metal. Somehow, that displays meal information correctly.
For example, F ORD-LGA (UA 678)*:
united.com
Fare basis code:
QUAUP
Booking class: A
First
733 Award miles
No Meal Service
UA ITA
United Airlines Flight UA678 on an Airbus A320 (jet) in first class
Departs Chicago, IL (ORD) Fri, Aug 3 11:05a 2 hrs 13 min
Arrives New York, NY (LGA) 2:18p
US UA Codeshare ITA
US Airways Flight US6756 on an Airbus A320 (jet) in first class
(operated by United Airlines as Flight UA678)
(lunch)
Departs Chicago, IL (ORD) Fri, Aug 3 11:05a 2 hrs 13 min
Arrives New York, NY (LGA) 2:18p
* The "trick" does not work for ORD-DCA because there is no UA/US codeshare on the route.
For example, F ORD-LGA (UA 678)*:
united.com
Fare basis code:
QUAUP
Booking class: A
First
733 Award miles
No Meal Service
UA ITA
United Airlines Flight UA678 on an Airbus A320 (jet) in first class
Departs Chicago, IL (ORD) Fri, Aug 3 11:05a 2 hrs 13 min
Arrives New York, NY (LGA) 2:18p
US UA Codeshare ITA
US Airways Flight US6756 on an Airbus A320 (jet) in first class
(operated by United Airlines as Flight UA678)
(lunch)
Departs Chicago, IL (ORD) Fri, Aug 3 11:05a 2 hrs 13 min
Arrives New York, NY (LGA) 2:18p
* The "trick" does not work for ORD-DCA because there is no UA/US codeshare on the route.
Last edited by warreng24; Jan 7, 2008 at 10:34 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 545
Has there been any firm word yet on the rumored revamp of Int'l F catering in 2008 (decoupling it from C, going a la carte)?
I've been searching for the post here that mentioned it but can't seem to dig it up.
I've been searching for the post here that mentioned it but can't seem to dig it up.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,932
On SYD-LAX yesterday (12/31) they ran out of beef option half-way through F. I ended up with chicken and my wife with salmon - both were less than spectacular.
I more or less expect smth like that in C but is it also common in international first?
I more or less expect smth like that in C but is it also common in international first?
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 23,999
I might be wrong but I believe that UA loads some extra F meals since the crews eat the leftovers. In the case of a full cabin I guess it's possible. Basically everyone ahead of you must have wanted the beef.
#7
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Frankfurt, Germany/Washington DC
Programs: HH Silver, Eurostar CarteBlanche
Posts: 244
azepine, It is very rare to not be able to grant a FC passenger their first meal choice but it does happen. The usual reason this happens is because the load increases due to pax upgrades at the last minute. Catering brings on meals (generally the ones that come with sides already selected, not the choose a starch and choose a veg type). If you were left with the entrees that came with sides already that could be the reason.
Lucky, the crew meals are included in the count for FC so to better offer the passengers a choice, our entrees are indeed the leftovers ( think root vegetable pie....) Domestic crew can order spmls like passengers but international crews cannot. The dining a la carte is actually beginning in January, but the upgrades of food and soft product will start in August.
Lucky, the crew meals are included in the count for FC so to better offer the passengers a choice, our entrees are indeed the leftovers ( think root vegetable pie....) Domestic crew can order spmls like passengers but international crews cannot. The dining a la carte is actually beginning in January, but the upgrades of food and soft product will start in August.
#8
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: CGK SIN PER ORD
Programs: UA 1K MM, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 2,814
1/1/2008
UA 870 SFO-ORD
Dep 2.00pm
Arr 8.01pm
3 Class 777
Warm nuts
Choice of Shrimp Cobb Salad with Asian Dressing or;
Chicken Fajita Wrap
Breads were offered (seconds too)
Chocolate Chip and Milk for dessert
No difference from C class meal as far as I can see. F was full with 1 FA seated in 3A, probably deadheading for business
UA 870 SFO-ORD
Dep 2.00pm
Arr 8.01pm
3 Class 777
Warm nuts
Choice of Shrimp Cobb Salad with Asian Dressing or;
Chicken Fajita Wrap
Breads were offered (seconds too)
Chocolate Chip and Milk for dessert
No difference from C class meal as far as I can see. F was full with 1 FA seated in 3A, probably deadheading for business
#9
Join Date: May 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 146
ORD - SAN in F on 320 departing at 12:00 p.m. (01/01/08)
Predeparture beverage service, offered water or juice, asked for and received beer.
Lunch choices:
Tomato/Red Pepper Bisque with one of
1. Warm Lemon Chicken on a piece of lettuce with a side of melon; or
2. Cold Turkey and cheese sandwich with a side of grapes and some red pepper mayo sauce
Desert was a warm chocolate chip cookie.
I opted for the sandwhich, which was OK. The soup was actually quite good, if a bit messy.
Plenty of refills and service throughout the flight. I overheard one of the attendants mention they were JFK-based.
Predeparture beverage service, offered water or juice, asked for and received beer.
Lunch choices:
Tomato/Red Pepper Bisque with one of
1. Warm Lemon Chicken on a piece of lettuce with a side of melon; or
2. Cold Turkey and cheese sandwich with a side of grapes and some red pepper mayo sauce
Desert was a warm chocolate chip cookie.
I opted for the sandwhich, which was OK. The soup was actually quite good, if a bit messy.
Plenty of refills and service throughout the flight. I overheard one of the attendants mention they were JFK-based.
#10
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: CGK SIN PER ORD
Programs: UA 1K MM, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 2,814
ORD - SAN in F on 320 departing at 12:00 p.m. (01/01/08)
Predeparture beverage service, offered water or juice, asked for and received beer.
Lunch choices:
Tomato/Red Pepper Bisque with one of
1. Warm Lemon Chicken on a piece of lettuce with a side of melon; or
2. Cold Turkey and cheese sandwich with a side of grapes and some red pepper mayo sauce
Desert was a warm chocolate chip cookie.
Predeparture beverage service, offered water or juice, asked for and received beer.
Lunch choices:
Tomato/Red Pepper Bisque with one of
1. Warm Lemon Chicken on a piece of lettuce with a side of melon; or
2. Cold Turkey and cheese sandwich with a side of grapes and some red pepper mayo sauce
Desert was a warm chocolate chip cookie.
#11
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs: BA Gold, Delta Gold, UA Gold
Posts: 386
UA 75 (January 3): SFO-HNL: Lunch in First
United 75 (January 3, 2008): San Francisco to Honolulu: Lunch in First
to begin
Fresh seasonal greens
Trader Vics Javanese or creamy Italian dressing
main course
Trader Vics Sweet and sour braised short rib
Diced potato shallot hash, and glazed baby peas and carrots
Trader Vics Grilled mahi mahi with Trader Vics ginger fruit chutney glaze
Saffron rice and green beans nui
dessert
Your flight attendant will inform you of the selection
[Vanilla ice cream with praline sauce and whipped cream]
We invite you to begin your meal with a Trader Vics signature Mai Tai
Wines
A California Chardonnay and a Washington Merlot
to begin
Fresh seasonal greens
Trader Vics Javanese or creamy Italian dressing
main course
Trader Vics Sweet and sour braised short rib
Diced potato shallot hash, and glazed baby peas and carrots
Trader Vics Grilled mahi mahi with Trader Vics ginger fruit chutney glaze
Saffron rice and green beans nui
dessert
Your flight attendant will inform you of the selection
[Vanilla ice cream with praline sauce and whipped cream]
We invite you to begin your meal with a Trader Vics signature Mai Tai
Wines
A California Chardonnay and a Washington Merlot
#12
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 197
Ua 916 Sea-iad
UA 916
Depart SEA - 745AM
Arrive IAD - 330PM
Breakfast
Quiche Florentine, Potatoes, Ham/Sausage, Fruit, Bagel/Croissant
or
Cereal, Fruit plate, Bagel/Croissant
I had the quiche and it is better than the frittata mess they served last year. Bagels were stale, so some things remain the same.
Depart SEA - 745AM
Arrive IAD - 330PM
Breakfast
Quiche Florentine, Potatoes, Ham/Sausage, Fruit, Bagel/Croissant
or
Cereal, Fruit plate, Bagel/Croissant
I had the quiche and it is better than the frittata mess they served last year. Bagels were stale, so some things remain the same.
#13
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: TUS and any place close to a lav
Programs: UA 1.6MM
Posts: 5,423
Date traveled: 06 JAN 2008
Flight Number: 1220 (SEA-DEN)
Aircraft Type: B737-300 (non-shuttle)
Class of Service: F (Domestic)
Mealtime: Breakfast
Pre-departure beverage offered verbally. Choice of orange juice or ice water. Served in a plastic cup.
After take-off, Biscoff served along with beverage of choice in a glass.
Two Choices:
1) "Eggs"
2) Nothing
Meals came with:
1) Butter
2) Salt and Pepper Packet
3) Metal fork and metal knife, wrapped in cloth napkin.
Eggs-
These were "western-style" scrambled eggs with Jalapeños, red bell peppers, and cheddar cheese. Served with three silver-dollar hash browns, a slice of ham, and one sausage. Included was some sort of white sauce. Croissants were offered. Also included was a small vine of green seedless grapes, a slice of honeydew, and a slice of cantaloupe.
When trays cleared, another beverage of choice offered.
Additional Details-
Seat: 02C
Tail Number: ?
Block Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Scheduled Departure: 07:19
Channel 9: On
Flight Number: 1220 (SEA-DEN)
Aircraft Type: B737-300 (non-shuttle)
Class of Service: F (Domestic)
Mealtime: Breakfast
Pre-departure beverage offered verbally. Choice of orange juice or ice water. Served in a plastic cup.
After take-off, Biscoff served along with beverage of choice in a glass.
Two Choices:
1) "Eggs"
2) Nothing
Meals came with:
1) Butter
2) Salt and Pepper Packet
3) Metal fork and metal knife, wrapped in cloth napkin.
Eggs-
These were "western-style" scrambled eggs with Jalapeños, red bell peppers, and cheddar cheese. Served with three silver-dollar hash browns, a slice of ham, and one sausage. Included was some sort of white sauce. Croissants were offered. Also included was a small vine of green seedless grapes, a slice of honeydew, and a slice of cantaloupe.
When trays cleared, another beverage of choice offered.
Additional Details-
Seat: 02C
Tail Number: ?
Block Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Scheduled Departure: 07:19
Channel 9: On
Last edited by warreng24; Jan 7, 2008 at 10:49 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: TUS and any place close to a lav
Programs: UA 1.6MM
Posts: 5,423
Date traveled: 06 JAN 2008
Flight Number: 316 (DEN-IAD)
Aircraft Type: B757-200
Class of Service: F (Domestic)
Mealtime: Lunch
Pre-departure beverage offered on tray. Choice of orange juice or ice water. Served in a plastic cup.
After take-off, warm nuts in a ramekin served along with beverage of choice in a glass.
Meal and another beverage of choice.
Choice of:
1) Cold Turkey Sandwich
2) Cold Chicken Plate
Both meals came with:
1) Salt and Pepper packet
2) Tomato and Basil Soup
3) Metal fork and metal knife, wrapped in cloth napkin
4) Metal spoon
Turkey Sandwich-
Deli sliced turkey sub roll with baby spinach, sun-dried tomato, and cucumber. Served with a slice of pineapple, slice of honeydew, and a slice of cantaloupe. A small ramekin with some tomato mayonnaise spread provided. Sandwich was delicious. ^ No roll was provided (which would have been good to have with the soup).
Chicken Plate-
Looked like just a chicken breast (grilled) served over some mixed greens with some slices of yellow bell peppers. Carrot and celery sticks included as well. Some sort of dressing (ranch or Caesar?). White roll included. Did not look very filling.
Both meals came with a delicious tomato and basil soup.
When trays cleared, another beverage of choice offered.
Prior to landing a warm chocolate chip cookie was served, wrapped in a napkin (no plate and no milk offered). FA's had gathered in the galley for a chat (after trays cleared), so the cookies were served immediately after the "double ding" to indicate that we had descended below 20,000 feet. The Captain announced "Flight Attendants please prepare for landing" right after Row 6 got their cookies.
No hot towel service was provided at all.
Additional Details-
Seat: 02C
Tail Number: ?
Block Time: 3 hours 14 minutes
Scheduled Departure: 12:46
Channel 9: On
Flight Number: 316 (DEN-IAD)
Aircraft Type: B757-200
Class of Service: F (Domestic)
Mealtime: Lunch
Pre-departure beverage offered on tray. Choice of orange juice or ice water. Served in a plastic cup.
After take-off, warm nuts in a ramekin served along with beverage of choice in a glass.
Meal and another beverage of choice.
Choice of:
1) Cold Turkey Sandwich
2) Cold Chicken Plate
Both meals came with:
1) Salt and Pepper packet
2) Tomato and Basil Soup
3) Metal fork and metal knife, wrapped in cloth napkin
4) Metal spoon
Turkey Sandwich-
Deli sliced turkey sub roll with baby spinach, sun-dried tomato, and cucumber. Served with a slice of pineapple, slice of honeydew, and a slice of cantaloupe. A small ramekin with some tomato mayonnaise spread provided. Sandwich was delicious. ^ No roll was provided (which would have been good to have with the soup).
Chicken Plate-
Looked like just a chicken breast (grilled) served over some mixed greens with some slices of yellow bell peppers. Carrot and celery sticks included as well. Some sort of dressing (ranch or Caesar?). White roll included. Did not look very filling.
Both meals came with a delicious tomato and basil soup.
When trays cleared, another beverage of choice offered.
Prior to landing a warm chocolate chip cookie was served, wrapped in a napkin (no plate and no milk offered). FA's had gathered in the galley for a chat (after trays cleared), so the cookies were served immediately after the "double ding" to indicate that we had descended below 20,000 feet. The Captain announced "Flight Attendants please prepare for landing" right after Row 6 got their cookies.
No hot towel service was provided at all.
Additional Details-
Seat: 02C
Tail Number: ?
Block Time: 3 hours 14 minutes
Scheduled Departure: 12:46
Channel 9: On
#15
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs: BA Gold, Delta Gold, UA Gold
Posts: 386
United #2 (January 7, 2008): Honolulu to Chicago: Dinner in First
to begin
Fresh season greens
Trader Vic's Javanese or ranch dressing
main course
Trader Vic's Pan-seared beef tenderloin with mango chili sauce
Three mushroom rice cake, red onion, bell peppers and bok choy
Trader Vic's Pan-seared mahi mahi with orange beurre blanc
Wasabi mashed potatoes, sauteed spinach and hearts of palm
dessert
[Vanilla ice cream with hot fudge and whipped cream]
We invite you to begin your meal with a Trader Vic's signature Mai Tai
Prior to takeoff, water, orange juice or California sparkling wine were offered in plastic cups. There were several refills offered.
Fresh season greens
Trader Vic's Javanese or ranch dressing
main course
Trader Vic's Pan-seared beef tenderloin with mango chili sauce
Three mushroom rice cake, red onion, bell peppers and bok choy
Trader Vic's Pan-seared mahi mahi with orange beurre blanc
Wasabi mashed potatoes, sauteed spinach and hearts of palm
dessert
[Vanilla ice cream with hot fudge and whipped cream]
We invite you to begin your meal with a Trader Vic's signature Mai Tai
Prior to takeoff, water, orange juice or California sparkling wine were offered in plastic cups. There were several refills offered.