United's Onboard Coffee (Fresh Brew Kova) - Reviews, Questions, Etc.
Dec 9, 2012, 6:16 pm
#151
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: United 1K
Posts: 360
Is the Coffee Getting Better, or am I going nuts?
With the merger, UA was using what some refer to as Fresh Poo (Fresh Brew). At first the coffee pods were not the correct size. But once they fixed this, it was still horrible coffee in the clubs and in the air. (Barf Face)
In an IAH club the other week, I had some coffee and it wasn't bad! Then a week later, I was in the LAX club, and the coffee was horrible. Then on another flight on Friday the coffee was drinkable. But on the return flight, it was undrinkable again.
Are they starting to switch Fresh Poo with something better or am I going nuts?
(I guess I should be writing to 1K Voice)
In an IAH club the other week, I had some coffee and it wasn't bad! Then a week later, I was in the LAX club, and the coffee was horrible. Then on another flight on Friday the coffee was drinkable. But on the return flight, it was undrinkable again.
Are they starting to switch Fresh Poo with something better or am I going nuts?
(I guess I should be writing to 1K Voice)
Last edited by mkrecek; Dec 9, 2012 at 6:22 pm Reason: The coffee was drinkable...not "Great"
Dec 9, 2012, 6:27 pm
#153
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Programs: AA EXP(4mm), DL Gold, UA Gold (1mm), HH Diamond, Bonvoy Amb(l/t Titanium). Former EA/PA elite
Posts: 994
Same crap coffee per usual based on five UA flights and 4 cities in 4 days. Same crap CSA's at gate and lounge dragons at SEA UC this morning. Honestly, if those folks could spew fire on their customers, I think they would. I was flying paid F. I wonder how the Y passengers are treated in SEA.
Didn't we hear the coffee was changing?
Didn't we hear the coffee was changing?
Dec 9, 2012, 6:44 pm
#154
Join Date: Jan 2000
Programs: UA 1k, AA EXPLT, NZ GE, VA PLT Hyatt Diam, Marr Plat, HH Diam
Posts: 3,445
Slightly better than the post-merger nastiness served, but still gas station coffee. The decaf is undrinkable so have to bring my own. UA: this stuff just shouldn't be so difficult for you!!!
Dec 9, 2012, 7:24 pm
#155
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: UA Gold 1.6 MM
Posts: 240
I had a good of coffee the other day on EWR-LAS
I agree wholeheartedly with the general observation that the coffee UA had been serving since the end of onboard Starbucks is not worth drinking. I usual don't order it, but the other day I was desperate and got a cup -- it was actually pretty good. So there is another data point that there may be drinkable cup or two out there if you're lucky. I'm hoping that it may become the norm someday.
Dec 9, 2012, 9:59 pm
#157
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
LOL, I am not United!! I keep going online to try to buy this coffee, but I can't find it anywhere. You have to try the instant decaf, it really does taste like licorice! I am drinking a cup now from my stash from the flight attendant. My next UA flight is not until December 6 so I have to make it last! I hope the flight attendants are in a good mood that day so I can beg more packets!
I can't tell you the number of people I have seen send back the decaf as undrinkable. I guess it will make someone at HQ a genius. "See. Nobody drinks decaf, so I was right to stop brewing it."
After dinner drink for me is now a double Baileys on ice. Way to save some money Jeff.
Dec 9, 2012, 10:25 pm
#158
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,068
Maybe if customers don't expect it to taste like coffee, it may not be so bad.
Dec 10, 2012, 1:48 am
#159
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: iad/dca
Programs: UA Million Mile Gold, Club, AA, Delta, Marriott, Hertz G, A/Club
Posts: 1,106
Nope
still undrinkable iad-nrt-bkk 5 dec. been drinking airline coffee for at least 45 years and I know it can be better. real test is if it gets cold then this stuff is really bad. think this is a robusta blend of the cheapest. no brewing temp. will fix this coffee. get some decent colombian on board and it will do the trick.
Dec 10, 2012, 2:51 am
#160
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DFW
Programs: UA peon (+decades 1K), AA Exec Plt
Posts: 1,117
Even when United served Starbucks (not the best coffee but a good coffee and a much better coffee then what is being served now) they still served it in styrofoam cups and they would serve too old coffee and/or the warmer plates on the brewers might be set too high.
The incremental cost per cup from the crapy stuff they sell and a good coffee is only about 6 cents per cup.
A better brew, no styrofoam cups; stainless steel vacuum pots instead of warmer plates would be a very cost effective improvement that a significant number of flyers would appreciate.
The incremental cost per cup from the crapy stuff they sell and a good coffee is only about 6 cents per cup.
A better brew, no styrofoam cups; stainless steel vacuum pots instead of warmer plates would be a very cost effective improvement that a significant number of flyers would appreciate.
Dec 10, 2012, 7:36 pm
#161
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Montgomery, Alabama, USA
Programs: UA Gold 1mm, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 662
IAH/SMF and return same day, same plane, same crew on 12/8, the coffee was actually good. I always drink mine black. I learned years ago that cream and sugar make bad coffee taste worse.
Dec 11, 2012, 8:52 pm
#163
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: ORD-LAS
Programs: UA MM 1K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 4,419
Anyone have any luck getting an esspreso on 787 flights? I was told no on my 1 787 flight. Also, I'm on a CO 757 international config flying domestic, do those have the espresso makers?
Dec 12, 2012, 11:17 am
#165
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
