United 7 | IAH-NRT

We were initially delayed out of Houston because of weather, then ATC due to weather, and, finally, clearing the "ramp jam" that had been created post said thuderstorm. We initially boarded on-time, then had to wait 1 hour beyond departure time for the ramp to open and loading to occur, followed by 2 and 1/2 hours of taxiing. In fact, our flight attendants were 10 minutes from timing out.

Overall, I feel fortunate to have made it out of Houston given all of the cancellations, and the bonus was a good crew with arrival into Narita post peak meaning super quick customs (15 minutes from gate to N'EX platform). Throughout, the captain communicated well, the flight attendants allowed passengers to use the restrooms, and they kept us hydrated. Great job!

Regarding the meal, it was pretty good. The stars were the garlic bread, the short rib, and the new strawberry shortcake sundae.

Given our delay, the flight attendants announced and purposefully chose to serve the appetizer and main course together. I was fine with this because, I'm sure, many of us were really hungry!

Pre-orders and regular orders were taken on the ground by the very friendly purser who addressed each of us by name. After the cabin crew was released, around the Austin area, they came through with a drink service with nuts followed by the first meal. The appetizer selection was asked just before delivery of the full tray. The breadbasket (with 4 types of bread) was then offered a couple of times. Next, the lunch tray was cleared and we were offered one of four dessert options or all/some combination.

I selected the strawberry shortcake sundae and it was really good! Coffee and tee were also offered.

From there, snacks were available including the grilled cheese and tomato soup combination. Finally, "breakfast" was offered about 90 minutes outside of Narita. I chose the Japanese option and it was fine. The fish and rice were good, but the side dishes were a bit "meh".

Overall, great flight, albeit delayed, and very nice service recovery and communication by a friendly seasoned crew!

Here's the menu:

Polaris Menu | Pre-Selected Beef Short Rib 5 Days Before Flight


Drinks & Nuts to begin


Main Meal Served w/ Appetizer to speed up service given the 3.5-hour delay | communicated by crew and fully justified


Garlic Bread | Selection of 4 Types of Bread


Strawberry Shortcake Sundae w/ Tillamook Ice Cream | Really Good!


Mid-Flight Snack of Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup


Pre-Landing Meal Service | Japanese Option of Grilled Fish w/ Rice, Japanese Pickles, and Miso Soup

Overall, great service with very good food. I appreciate the subtle improvements and am thankful that we made it out to Tokyo given all of the conditions.

Best,
no1racer