Changes to special meals (no more special meals on domestic flights after 10/1)
Nov 12, 2011, 2:21 pm
#121
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Raleigh
Programs: United GS 2MM,, Marriott/Starwood Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 754
I got a call yesterday (from the ICC) to specifically inform me that the special meals (children's meals) I had requested for a flight next April would not be provided. The phone agent didn't offer any alternatives (cancelling, ??) but there's little I could have done anyway.
Seems that they might have a lot of phone calls to make...
Seems that they might have a lot of phone calls to make...
Nov 25, 2011, 4:52 pm
#122
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA Plat 2MM. DL Plat, AS MVP
Posts: 12,752
F domestic meal choice: Ham or Chicken. What about those who don't eat meat?
.... Especially now that there are no longer special meals offered?
Today (11/25), I flew ORD-LAX. As I don't eat meat, I asked for the economy cheese plate. The FA told me that I should have ordered a special meal. I explained the new situation. She rolled her eyes (not at me, but at the situation). She then told me that management is no longer allowing them to give the Y meals to F pax (but she made an exception for me).
I suppose I'll be packing my own meals now?
Today (11/25), I flew ORD-LAX. As I don't eat meat, I asked for the economy cheese plate. The FA told me that I should have ordered a special meal. I explained the new situation. She rolled her eyes (not at me, but at the situation). She then told me that management is no longer allowing them to give the Y meals to F pax (but she made an exception for me).
I suppose I'll be packing my own meals now?
Nov 25, 2011, 5:01 pm
#123
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 67,145
Write in and fill out those post-flight surveys; that's unfortunately about the only thing to be done.
At least UA has in the past been receptive to changing issues for which they get feedback.
At least UA has in the past been receptive to changing issues for which they get feedback.
Nov 25, 2011, 5:30 pm
#124
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Greater DC
Programs: UA plus
Posts: 12,943
.... Especially now that there are no longer special meals offered?
Today (11/25), I flew ORD-LAX. As I don't eat meat, I asked for the economy cheese plate. The FA told me that I should have ordered a special meal. I explained the new situation. She rolled her eyes (not at me, but at the situation). She then told me that management is no longer allowing them to give the Y meals to F pax (but she made an exception for me).
I suppose I'll be packing my own meals now?
Today (11/25), I flew ORD-LAX. As I don't eat meat, I asked for the economy cheese plate. The FA told me that I should have ordered a special meal. I explained the new situation. She rolled her eyes (not at me, but at the situation). She then told me that management is no longer allowing them to give the Y meals to F pax (but she made an exception for me).
I suppose I'll be packing my own meals now?
Nov 25, 2011, 9:50 pm
#126
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: The World.
Programs: UA MP/UC - "RIP Tulip Plat"
Posts: 1,225
.... Especially now that there are no longer special meals offered?
Today (11/25), I flew ORD-LAX. As I don't eat meat, I asked for the economy cheese plate. The FA told me that I should have ordered a special meal. I explained the new situation. She rolled her eyes (not at me, but at the situation). She then told me that management is no longer allowing them to give the Y meals to F pax (but she made an exception for me).
I suppose I'll be packing my own meals now?
Today (11/25), I flew ORD-LAX. As I don't eat meat, I asked for the economy cheese plate. The FA told me that I should have ordered a special meal. I explained the new situation. She rolled her eyes (not at me, but at the situation). She then told me that management is no longer allowing them to give the Y meals to F pax (but she made an exception for me).
I suppose I'll be packing my own meals now?
May 22, 2012, 10:17 pm
#127
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: SAN
Programs: STARWOOD AMEX, DELTA
Posts: 138
hindu meal?
I understand you can request a hindu meal - has anyone done that, what is it typically? Thinking its the closest thing to vegetarian you could get.
I'm flying United First (I) on a USair award (since 25k award travel doesn't seem to exist anymore, I went for First as its the same 50k mileage requirement as an economy!).
I'm flying United First (I) on a USair award (since 25k award travel doesn't seem to exist anymore, I went for First as its the same 50k mileage requirement as an economy!).
May 22, 2012, 11:22 pm
#128
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Posts: 14,891
I understand you can request a hindu meal - has anyone done that, what is it typically? Thinking its the closest thing to vegetarian you could get.
I'm flying United First (I) on a USair award (since 25k award travel doesn't seem to exist anymore, I went for First as its the same 50k mileage requirement as an economy!).
I'm flying United First (I) on a USair award (since 25k award travel doesn't seem to exist anymore, I went for First as its the same 50k mileage requirement as an economy!).
May 22, 2012, 11:46 pm
#130
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Left Coast
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Posts: 1,354
May 23, 2012, 12:41 am
#132
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
If a meal flight
Economy: Buy on board
First: Choice of beef, chicken or vegetarian pasta
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ess-class.html
Special meals
Special meals in North America are available in premium cabins on flights between:
Newark (EWR) and San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX)
New York (JFK) and San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX)
The continental U.S. and Hawaii
Newark (EWR) and San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX)
New York (JFK) and San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX)
The continental U.S. and Hawaii
Jun 6, 2012, 6:54 am
#133
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: 3rd Rock from the Sun
Programs: UA MP, DL SkyMiles
Posts: 288
No special meal in TATL Business class?
I booked a business class itinerarty for my parents where one segment is UA operated BRU-IAD. The itin. on UA shows "No special meals" - is that really true for TATL business class? If true - that is just abysmal....so I am hoping it is not true...can anybody confirm?
Jun 6, 2012, 7:09 am
#134
Suspended
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Location: ORD / DUB / LHR
Programs: UA 1K MM; BA Silver; Marriott Plat
Posts: 8,243
Jun 10, 2012, 10:51 am
#135
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ohio
Programs: HHonors Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Gold, United 1K
Posts: 190
Vegetarian meal options
Now that the merger has come and gone and the food options are starting to settle, I thought it might be useful to have a thread here regarding vegetarian meal options on flights.
As a lacto-ovo vegetarian (non-vegan), I've gotten used to limited options. But I can usually find something to eat regardless of where I'm traveling since I'm not that picky. And there's always eggs and cheese in every culture! I'm fairly strict, however. No broth or fish sauce for me. And I have great sympathy for vegans...
United has apparently eliminated special meals altogether for most USA domestic flights, though p.s. still has them. The snack boxes have a few vegetarian choices, thankfully, but they're limited for vegans. Alas, the new United won't substitute a snack box for a first class meal anymore, so I've often had to pay for a box in F.
The domestic breakfast offerings always include cereal and yogurt. But the hot option (either omelet or sandwich) always has meat and cheese cooked into it. Thankfully, the cereal is less popular so I've always been able to get it even in the back row of first.
Lunch and dinner is another story altogether. The salad has chicken or shrimp. Although it's on the side, they always bring it on the tray even when I specifically ask for them not to. And the dressing is often (80%+) Caesar, complete with anchovies, with no substitute. Once, a helpful FA fetched me a nice balsamic from coach. But it's usually dry leaves or nothing. The too-common pepper soup is apparently made with chicken. So buy before you board, even in F.
Internationally, I've had great luck with the Hindu/Indian vegetarian meal. It's always available and united has always loaded it for me, even when I didn't all to confirm. But I still recommend calling ahead! One nice thing about a special meal is it's served early. This is very nice on international overnight flights since I can eat and get to sleep sooner.
I wish I knew how to make suggestions to United about meals. Stocking a non-fish vegan dressing like balsamic would be a great start. Separating the meat from the salads (and keeping it separate) would be even better.
And, vegetarian or not, a bit more variety in first would be nice. I fly weekly, and it's amazing to see the exact same meal on every flight!
As a lacto-ovo vegetarian (non-vegan), I've gotten used to limited options. But I can usually find something to eat regardless of where I'm traveling since I'm not that picky. And there's always eggs and cheese in every culture! I'm fairly strict, however. No broth or fish sauce for me. And I have great sympathy for vegans...
United has apparently eliminated special meals altogether for most USA domestic flights, though p.s. still has them. The snack boxes have a few vegetarian choices, thankfully, but they're limited for vegans. Alas, the new United won't substitute a snack box for a first class meal anymore, so I've often had to pay for a box in F.
The domestic breakfast offerings always include cereal and yogurt. But the hot option (either omelet or sandwich) always has meat and cheese cooked into it. Thankfully, the cereal is less popular so I've always been able to get it even in the back row of first.
Lunch and dinner is another story altogether. The salad has chicken or shrimp. Although it's on the side, they always bring it on the tray even when I specifically ask for them not to. And the dressing is often (80%+) Caesar, complete with anchovies, with no substitute. Once, a helpful FA fetched me a nice balsamic from coach. But it's usually dry leaves or nothing. The too-common pepper soup is apparently made with chicken. So buy before you board, even in F.
Internationally, I've had great luck with the Hindu/Indian vegetarian meal. It's always available and united has always loaded it for me, even when I didn't all to confirm. But I still recommend calling ahead! One nice thing about a special meal is it's served early. This is very nice on international overnight flights since I can eat and get to sleep sooner.
I wish I knew how to make suggestions to United about meals. Stocking a non-fish vegan dressing like balsamic would be a great start. Separating the meat from the salads (and keeping it separate) would be even better.
And, vegetarian or not, a bit more variety in first would be nice. I fly weekly, and it's amazing to see the exact same meal on every flight!