Enhancements coming - Pre-Departure Beverages...September 2011
Aug 29, 2011, 3:44 pm
#76
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: SoCal-LAX, SAN
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Pres. Circle
Posts: 14
I've been seeing a little more frequency of pre-flight bev's of choice being offered, but still far too often it's the standard water/OJ crap. I've never understood the appeal of OJ on an evening flight after a long day at the office. I think it largely depends on the crew as to how it's administered.
Aug 29, 2011, 4:19 pm
#77
Company Representative, United Airlines
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago, Houston, or somewhere in between
Posts: 2,176
On my last 2 flights in F, both last week, the flight attendant went to each GS member, thanked them loudly for being GS, and asked them what they would like to drink. She brought them their custom drinks, then proceeded front to back offering everyone else water or orange juice. So I am guessing this enhancement only applies to GS.
Shannon Kelly
Director, Customer Insights and Metrics
United Airlines
Aug 29, 2011, 5:05 pm
#78
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: United Premier 1K 1MM; AA Plat Pro; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Platinum; Avis President's Club
Posts: 2,529
Definitely a positive change. Haven't been on a UA domestic flight in some time so I'll look out for it in September and beyond. I like how that will change for UA International flights as well. Sometimes having a scotch before takeoff is just what the doctor ordered.
Aug 29, 2011, 7:01 pm
#79
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Former 1k, Lifetime UA Gold, Starwood Gold; Avis Preferred; Hertz Gold
Posts: 1,732
Also, thanks to UAInsider for the update. Your presence and input here is very much appreciated.
Aug 29, 2011, 7:44 pm
#80
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SJC
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,628
I was on two short haul UA flights this weekend - SFO-LAX and v.v. On the first flight, we were offered any pre-flight beverage, and I think some people got what they asked for. On today's flight, it was OJ and water, and while one passenger asked for something different, I don't think they got it. So, possibly an early roll-out, but it's not consistent yet.
Incidentally, there are new plastic cups, with the globe logo.... and a Coca Cola logo. I guess they'll sell advertising space to anyone, anywhere.
Incidentally, there are new plastic cups, with the globe logo.... and a Coca Cola logo. I guess they'll sell advertising space to anyone, anywhere.
Aug 29, 2011, 8:40 pm
#81
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 4,772
Just ever so slightly OT, what champagne is served on CO BF international flights?
Aug 29, 2011, 8:54 pm
#82
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Always on the move
Programs: Something lifetime here and there
Posts: 1,867
What about bringing back the sparkling wine on all UA domestic flights? Miss it as a PDB and used to order the fruit plate on breakfast flights to "dunk" my fruit in it...
Aug 31, 2011, 12:12 am
#83
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 137
Definitely a change for the better - the water/juice tray always felt like a waste. I wonder what it would take/cost for them to get some decent coffee...you know, like four barrel or blue bottle (those who live in SF will know what i'm talking about)
Aug 31, 2011, 2:21 pm
#84
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: United Premier 1K 1MM; AA Plat Pro; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Platinum; Avis President's Club
Posts: 2,529
Aug 31, 2011, 3:21 pm
#85
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 82
Hi kluau88, you have good sources. As you mention, beginning September 1st, we’ll be aligning our beverage options between carriers. In addition to the expanded offering for pre-departure drinks in the front cabin, we’ll also start serving the same beverages overall. For example, you’ll now find Trader Vic’s Mai Tai on most flights to/from Hawaii and Salvador’s Margaritas on most other flights.
Hi travelinmanS, I’m not in a position to make any promises, but, you should be offered more than water or OJ. Let us know!
Hi emanon256, interesting, definitely applies to all customers. We will be sure that this message is communicated.
Shannon Kelly
Director, Customer Insights and Metrics
United Airlines
Hi travelinmanS, I’m not in a position to make any promises, but, you should be offered more than water or OJ. Let us know!
Hi emanon256, interesting, definitely applies to all customers. We will be sure that this message is communicated.
Shannon Kelly
Director, Customer Insights and Metrics
United Airlines
Aug 31, 2011, 6:29 pm
#86
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN/YYZ/YKF
Programs: COdbaUA 1K MM, AA EXP, Bonbon Gold, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, NEXUS and GE
Posts: 5,840
I've been seeing a little more frequency of pre-flight bev's of choice being offered, but still far too often it's the standard water/OJ crap. I've never understood the appeal of OJ on an evening flight after a long day at the office. I think it largely depends on the crew as to how it's administered.
Hi kluau88, you have good sources. As you mention, beginning September 1st, we’ll be aligning our beverage options between carriers. In addition to the expanded offering for pre-departure drinks in the front cabin, we’ll also start serving the same beverages overall. For example, you’ll now find Trader Vic’s Mai Tai on most flights to/from Hawaii and Salvador’s Margaritas on most other flights.
Aug 31, 2011, 9:00 pm
#87
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 721
Regarding domestic PDB, only water and OJ on 3 trips between ORD and DEN in the last week.
Aug 31, 2011, 9:17 pm
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
Growing on me
Had the lovely Sunrise Sunset as a PDB on UA(!) today...knocked me right out and slept through takeoff 
Might just be a change I like (think the only one so far unfortunately...)
Might just be a change I like (think the only one so far unfortunately...)
Aug 31, 2011, 11:04 pm
#89
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: TX
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 102
8-30 DEN-CMH on UA 454: choice was given for anything for PDD
Sep 1, 2011, 7:56 am
#90
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: HSV
Programs: DL SkyMiles PM/1.2MM, UA Premier gold/1MM, Choice diamond, Marriott gold
Posts: 1,374
It's kind of amazing that getting your choice of pre-departure drink is considered an enhancement and something new. I was a platinum on CO for many years (still am until the end of Feb 2012) and until I left CO for DL about 2 years ago I always received whatever PDB I asked for in F. DL always was and still is that way in F.