Originally Posted by
worldtrav
So in actuality a money issue, I can think of plenty of airlines that eat the duty in order to show their customers they are valued.
I actually forgive United for this one for a few of reasons:
1) The PDB 'sparkling wine' has been pretty decent in my experience. Some times better than others, but I always drank it and it was never so bad that it was undrinkable.
2) There's some REALLY good sparkling wine out there. Some Proseccos and some South African ones come to mind. Just because it ain't Champagne (from the Champagne region) doesn't automatically mean it's bad swill.
3) The 'sparkling wine' is/was usually brought pre-poured in a plastic cup. If the modus operandi is to have the PDB being paraded up and down the isle, I prefer it not be done with a good Champagne in a plastic cup.
4) Some of the Champagnes United served during the flight have been OUTSTANDING! Top notch stuff.
Summary:
I'd rather United offer decent sparkling wine as a PDB and quality Champagne during the flight, than mediocre Champagne for both.