Just returned from a TATL RT in and out of Dulles. I haven't flown United Business in awhile. So, I was interested to see how the "integrated" business class offering has panned out. Bottom line is that the product still isn't fully aligned, and you're going to have a better overall flight if the FAs have the Gold trim on their uniforms meaning that they are legacy Continental.

Outbound from Dulles to AMS was classic Continental. Full Beverage Offerings for the PDBO. Complete cart coming down for the new "chilled appetizer" offering. Separate salad service. Cheese cart with compete selections, and constant topping off of wine throughout the meal service.

Even though the entire crew had commuted from EWR, they were joking around throughout the flight with smiles on their faces and genuinely acted like they loved their work.

Today, I flew LHR-IAD on the 777 and it was a completely different experience. That cheap prosecco, orange juice, and water were the PDBO. The appetizer (only one choice) and salad come on a single tray. The cheese is preplated and portions are less generous, and the wine is only offered when a cart is coming down the aisle. In general, the service is less friendly and feels like you are being psuhed through an assembly line. For example, the purser came on the overhead and informed all Business Class passengers to be prepared to offer a first choice and second choice for entree since she didn't have a good handle on what they had boarded. It felt like a cattle car approach to Business Class.

So, here's my bottom line suggestion for Jeff. Truly align your airlines. Spend the money on a standard uniform for your crews. I think it would help morale. Make the product offerings truly the same in terms of what to expect for all international flights, and get your team excited about a new United.

Until you do, I'm going to go out of my way to make sure that any international flights I take are carried out by those wearing "Gold-Trimmed Uniforms".