2014 Let's Eat - Domestic/Canada/Latin America First, BusinessFirst, & Business Class
Feb 6, 2014, 6:31 pm
#151
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Charlottesville
Programs: UA Gold, VX Gold, AA PLT, DL Gold, MR Gold, HH Diamond, Hertz 5* Gold
Posts: 469
I see where you're coming from, but again, don't think this will do anything. I actually feel bad for them as I'm sure they have to to make a VERY miniscule budget go as far as possible.
Ultimately, this is some bean counter's idea as a way to cut costs. Starts with simple things like 'we can shave $0.10 from every F meal going from yogurt in a ramekin to packaged yogurt.' Multiply that by how many meals are catered daily, and voila, you have cost savings. Same thing about how much they saved shifting from whole cashews to cashew halves. It's getting pretty sad at this point. And for the life of me, I can't understand how they justify this, when they are in no way being competitive with other airlines.
Ultimately, this is some bean counter's idea as a way to cut costs. Starts with simple things like 'we can shave $0.10 from every F meal going from yogurt in a ramekin to packaged yogurt.' Multiply that by how many meals are catered daily, and voila, you have cost savings. Same thing about how much they saved shifting from whole cashews to cashew halves. It's getting pretty sad at this point. And for the life of me, I can't understand how they justify this, when they are in no way being competitive with other airlines.
Last edited by iluv2fly; Feb 6, 2014 at 7:36 pm Reason: merge
Feb 6, 2014, 9:31 pm
#152
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Our nation's capital
Programs: UA 1K & 0.6 MM
Posts: 781
IAD-SFO, 17:35 flight. Aircraft was a 767-400.
Choice of pre-departure drinks.
Warm nuts. Dinner choices were chicken cacciatore or pasta.
I have no status at this point, upgraded with miles and got my first choice, the chicken. It came with green beans and carrots. Veggies were decent to good, not mushy/overcooked. Chicken was moist but lukewarm. Gnocchi were vile, totally inedible. A mixed greens salad with one olive and one tomato slice and that one salad dressing that they have.
Dessert was the sundae cart.
The FA was clearly uninterested in her job. Had to come back and reask me about what I ordered twice, and didn't bother to bring me water written I asked for it.
I slept through any snack, but saw my seatmate had a toblerone wrapper and a gkass of water.
Choice of pre-departure drinks.
Warm nuts. Dinner choices were chicken cacciatore or pasta.
I have no status at this point, upgraded with miles and got my first choice, the chicken. It came with green beans and carrots. Veggies were decent to good, not mushy/overcooked. Chicken was moist but lukewarm. Gnocchi were vile, totally inedible. A mixed greens salad with one olive and one tomato slice and that one salad dressing that they have.
Dessert was the sundae cart.
The FA was clearly uninterested in her job. Had to come back and reask me about what I ordered twice, and didn't bother to bring me water written I asked for it.
I slept through any snack, but saw my seatmate had a toblerone wrapper and a gkass of water.
Feb 6, 2014, 10:18 pm
#153
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: West Coast
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 264
Did United corner the market on Honey Dijon dressing?
Feb 6, 2014, 11:32 pm
#154
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Los Angeles / Basel
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 26,928
Feb 6, 2014, 11:44 pm
#155
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Our nation's capital
Programs: UA 1K & 0.6 MM
Posts: 781
Feb 7, 2014, 8:30 am
#156
Join Date: May 2013
Location: DC
Posts: 255
IAD-SFO, 17:35 flight. Aircraft was a 767-400.
Choice of pre-departure drinks.
Warm nuts. Dinner choices were chicken cacciatore or pasta.
I have no status at this point, upgraded with miles and got my first choice, the chicken. It came with green beans and carrots. Veggies were decent to good, not mushy/overcooked. Chicken was moist but lukewarm. Gnocchi were vile, totally inedible. A mixed greens salad with one olive and one tomato slice and that one salad dressing that they have.
Dessert was the sundae cart.
The FA was clearly uninterested in her job. Had to come back and reask me about what I ordered twice, and didn't bother to bring me water written I asked for it.
I slept through any snack, but saw my seatmate had a toblerone wrapper and a gkass of water.
Choice of pre-departure drinks.
Warm nuts. Dinner choices were chicken cacciatore or pasta.
I have no status at this point, upgraded with miles and got my first choice, the chicken. It came with green beans and carrots. Veggies were decent to good, not mushy/overcooked. Chicken was moist but lukewarm. Gnocchi were vile, totally inedible. A mixed greens salad with one olive and one tomato slice and that one salad dressing that they have.
Dessert was the sundae cart.
The FA was clearly uninterested in her job. Had to come back and reask me about what I ordered twice, and didn't bother to bring me water written I asked for it.
I slept through any snack, but saw my seatmate had a toblerone wrapper and a gkass of water.
Feb 7, 2014, 3:11 pm
#157
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA 1K 25 years/2MM, Honors LT Diamond, AVIS & Hertz Prez Club
Posts: 4,753
Has anyone seen the yogurt switch to the "cup" from the ramekin?
I haven't seen a posting about it and someone who works in catering has indicated they have no knowledge of the change.
I haven't seen a posting about it and someone who works in catering has indicated they have no knowledge of the change.
Feb 7, 2014, 4:40 pm
#158
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
IAH-SEA 1732 (Lunch)
FA took orders front to back, got the choice of a cheese burger with french onion soup (she made a point of saying the soup didn't have cheese) and the option of chicken salad.
She told everyone that she'll try her best to give us our first choice. I was in 4F
I heard her talking to the people behind me. the passenger said "I guess we're last"
FA took orders front to back, got the choice of a cheese burger with french onion soup (she made a point of saying the soup didn't have cheese) and the option of chicken salad.
She told everyone that she'll try her best to give us our first choice. I was in 4F
I heard her talking to the people behind me. the passenger said "I guess we're last"
Last edited by eng3; Feb 11, 2014 at 7:10 pm
Feb 7, 2014, 6:58 pm
#159
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: XNA
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 57
UA219 1/1/14 ORD - HNL
Lunch
B772
1015-1526
Pretty uneventful flight. PDBs/hot towels/warm nuts were offered and meal service started shortly after takeoff. I don't recall a choice being offered, but the food was good. FAs were nice and I was only bummed that I was top of the list for a CPU from J to F, but one seat was blocked off for the pilot which made the F cabin full.
Empty warm nuts container with some of the saddest shrimp I have ever seen
Beef, potatoes, and broccoli. Good, but nothing special.
I always have room for a sundae!
Lunch
B772
1015-1526
Pretty uneventful flight. PDBs/hot towels/warm nuts were offered and meal service started shortly after takeoff. I don't recall a choice being offered, but the food was good. FAs were nice and I was only bummed that I was top of the list for a CPU from J to F, but one seat was blocked off for the pilot which made the F cabin full.
Empty warm nuts container with some of the saddest shrimp I have ever seen
Beef, potatoes, and broccoli. Good, but nothing special.
I always have room for a sundae!
Feb 8, 2014, 9:38 am
#160
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Charlottesville
Programs: UA Gold, VX Gold, AA PLT, DL Gold, MR Gold, HH Diamond, Hertz 5* Gold
Posts: 469
IAD-SFO, 17:35 flight. Aircraft was a 767-400.
Choice of pre-departure drinks.
Warm nuts. Dinner choices were chicken cacciatore or pasta.
I have no status at this point, upgraded with miles and got my first choice, the chicken. It came with green beans and carrots. Veggies were decent to good, not mushy/overcooked. Chicken was moist but lukewarm. Gnocchi were vile, totally inedible. A mixed greens salad with one olive and one tomato slice and that one salad dressing that they have.
Dessert was the sundae cart.
The FA was clearly uninterested in her job. Had to come back and reask me about what I ordered twice, and didn't bother to bring me water written I asked for it.
I slept through any snack, but saw my seatmate had a toblerone wrapper and a gkass of water.
Choice of pre-departure drinks.
Warm nuts. Dinner choices were chicken cacciatore or pasta.
I have no status at this point, upgraded with miles and got my first choice, the chicken. It came with green beans and carrots. Veggies were decent to good, not mushy/overcooked. Chicken was moist but lukewarm. Gnocchi were vile, totally inedible. A mixed greens salad with one olive and one tomato slice and that one salad dressing that they have.
Dessert was the sundae cart.
The FA was clearly uninterested in her job. Had to come back and reask me about what I ordered twice, and didn't bother to bring me water written I asked for it.
I slept through any snack, but saw my seatmate had a toblerone wrapper and a gkass of water.
Similar dinner options. I picked the spinach pasta. A little undercooked but tasty otherwise.
Very attentive and friendly flight crew.
The only disappointment was the lack of a shrimp or salmon appetizer! Looks like part of UA's $2 billion in cuts.
Feb 11, 2014, 8:43 am
#161
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: EWR
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 35
CUN-EWR business on a 737-8, last minute CPU after someone turned it down to sit with his family.
- Choice of pre-departure drinks
- Warm nuts
- Lunch choices were pasta with spinach or roast beef.
- Salad w/ a nice little bottle of balsamic vinagrette
- Some kinda tiny shrimp appetizer... Ceviche?
- Roll with butter
- brownie
I got the roast beef and it was served with some kinda... mashed something, broccoli, and carrots. I wasn't hungry at the airport, so I skipped lunch then, glad I was upgraded b/c I ended up finishing it all.
Feb 11, 2014, 10:20 am
#162
Join Date: May 2006
Location: STL
Programs: UA Platinum, AA Platinum Pro, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,429
CUN-EWR business on a 737-8, last minute CPU after someone turned it down to sit with his family.
- Choice of pre-departure drinks
- Warm nuts
- Lunch choices were pasta with spinach or roast beef.
- Salad w/ a nice little bottle of balsamic vinagrette
- Some kinda tiny shrimp appetizer... Ceviche?
- Roll with butter
- brownie
I got the roast beef and it was served with some kinda... mashed something, broccoli, and carrots. I wasn't hungry at the airport, so I skipped lunch then, glad I was upgraded b/c I ended up finishing it all.
Still serving the same thing going on 2 years! What I find most interesting is, despite all the FT complaints about the only tangible improvements seem to be in Y, now I've noticed FA's submitting these questions to management as to when an upgrade or new options will be coming without any real answers.
Maybe if enough noise is heard someone will finally wake up and do something about trying to improve the product.
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Feb 11, 2014 at 6:52 pm Reason: image removal
Feb 11, 2014, 6:48 pm
#163
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,970
^^^
OMG - had the tomato soup on a flight yesterday. It was the best tomato soup I have ever had! It had just the right amount of creamy taste, lots of stuff in it and not very salty. I have had it before but it has never been this good.
FA said it is known to be good and they make it from scratch. He also said he had toured their DEN kitchen and it was impressive.
OMG - had the tomato soup on a flight yesterday. It was the best tomato soup I have ever had! It had just the right amount of creamy taste, lots of stuff in it and not very salty. I have had it before but it has never been this good.
FA said it is known to be good and they make it from scratch. He also said he had toured their DEN kitchen and it was impressive.
Feb 11, 2014, 7:12 pm
#164
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
UA1075 SEA-SFO 9:24am Refreshments
No Warm Scone, just the refreshment basket
UA552 SFO-PHL A319 Dinner
I think orders were taken by status, but hard to tell with only 8 seats. Seemed like back to front, but I know he specifically took my order before my neighbor, then eventually got back to her and only offered the pasta or something from the economy menu
Started with a hot towel then nuts in a Warm Ramekin (nuts were cold). Was even offered a second helping of cold nuts.
Was offered Chicken or Pasta. Pasta looked really bad. Chicken was ok. Beans tasted dry.
For some reason, everything was served from a tray where I had to take it off the tray and put it on my table. (drinks, nuts, sundae, sundae fixings). It was a little weird trying to get one of every sundae fixing onto my sundae without making a mess.
No Warm Scone, just the refreshment basket
UA552 SFO-PHL A319 Dinner
I think orders were taken by status, but hard to tell with only 8 seats. Seemed like back to front, but I know he specifically took my order before my neighbor, then eventually got back to her and only offered the pasta or something from the economy menu
Started with a hot towel then nuts in a Warm Ramekin (nuts were cold). Was even offered a second helping of cold nuts.
Was offered Chicken or Pasta. Pasta looked really bad. Chicken was ok. Beans tasted dry.
For some reason, everything was served from a tray where I had to take it off the tray and put it on my table. (drinks, nuts, sundae, sundae fixings). It was a little weird trying to get one of every sundae fixing onto my sundae without making a mess.
Feb 14, 2014, 6:30 am
#165
Join Date: Oct 2003
Programs: BA GGL, AA EXP and former CK, DL Plat, UA Gold MM
Posts: 493
EWR-LAX vs PS JFK-LAX BusinessFirst dinner meal.
What expectations should I have for Newark transcons to LAX? I just scanned this forum and got depressed at how unappetizing and sad the UA meals look. I moved our business to AA after the merger and have not experienced UA in ages. I think I am spoiled on AA in comparison.
What expectations should I have for Newark transcons to LAX? I just scanned this forum and got depressed at how unappetizing and sad the UA meals look. I moved our business to AA after the merger and have not experienced UA in ages. I think I am spoiled on AA in comparison.