Originally Posted by
MrAndy1369
EWR-LAX (UA2403)
787-10
12/18/2024
6A
This was my first time experiencing Premium Transcontinental Service on UA. Pictures first, followed by observations/notes.
Observations/notes:- The whole crew were incredibly friendly and approachable—full of smiles. Impeccable, really. Service was a bit slow, though, not sure why. It took about 1.5-2 hours for the whole service to finish. However, the crew were gracious and helpful, and made sure my needs were satisfied. I was fortunate to get a friendly crew, not the type to just mail it in.
- No table linen. No printed menus, either. Not sure if that's a catering/crew error or if printed menus aren't provisioned on premium transcontinental flights?
- Steak was pretty good. A bit hard to cut through, chewy, and no pink center, but was decent. Sauce was too spicy for my taste.
- UA should serve the sauce in a ramekin a la DL/AA. They already have a smaller ramekin on the tray for butter; why not use that same size ramekin for sauces? Looks much classier, IMHO.
- Burrata appetizer wasn't bad, maybe a bit too "rich/heavy". Didn't finish it.
- Unlike most who weren't impressed by the roll, I was impressed. The roll was delicious. Would have been even better if it came warmed. I asked for another one, but the crew was so busy that by the time they stopped to pick up my tray, I had finished my meal and had my fill.
- Warmed nuts were pretty good, but IMHO AA has the edge. AA's warm nuts are also more sizable in portion.
- The sundae was so good. Only feedback is to add berry sauce and heat the fudge, like AA does. Otherwise, perfectly decadent!
- Maryland crab cakes were really good. Had a weird smell to it, but was perfectly decent. Watermelon and regular melon slices were fresh and tasty.
- No snack basket observed, is this a feature or bug? Just wondering—had more than enough food.
I also plan to write a full trip report, including my first-time visit to the C123 UC, so will link to it here as soon as I finish.
Overall: impressed. The meal and fixings had an edge over my
AA F meal last year on JFK-LAX, but AA had better warmed nuts and sundaes. Overall, a wash, but I was really impressed with the UC and service was definitely better and warmer on this flight, so probably giving this flight a small edge over my AA experience last year.
The difference in staffing model is causing the delay in premium transcon service. For AA F, it's managed by the purser by themselves for 12 customers, with additional FA from J and Y helping as they complete their service. For UA J, it's 2-4 FAs assigned for up to 50 customers - they are simply understaffed, especially on the 787.
They should have boarded table linen - since the service is new, the FA probably did not realize they had them. Premium transcon flights do not have menus as of now, and no snack baskets.
Originally Posted by
Repooc17
Printed menus went away in 2019 (iirc) for UA.
Experience notwithstanding, AA F on the ground gives you more: special check-in area, priority security, flagship lounge, a la carte dining.
Yes for JFK, none of those amenities for SFO (General priority doesn't count). LAX has partial credit for special check-in and Flagship Lounge, but not a la carte dining (as of now).