Limes
Apr 6, 2014, 7:55 pm
#77
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: LAS HNL
Programs: DL DM, 5.7 MM, UA 3.1 MM, MARRIOTT PLATINUM, AVIS FIRST, Amex Black Card
Posts: 4,479
Just read that a case of limes is now at $125 this week, and climbing.
It was around $30 a case just a few months ago. I guess UA is out of luck, having a FA "swing by" the 99 cent store to pick up a few bags prior to the flight. I guess the drug cartel is branching out. What next, buying Burger King franchises? Now that would be a Whopper!
Perhaps UA could still stock limes, but charge $1 a wedge. 3 for $2. Flew 2 DL flt's, both had limes. UA is rock solid on getting that $2B is savings. What next Ice?
In Europe and Asia, Ice is not as popular as in the USA. Just like a G&T is served with a lemon. Perhaps the "new UA" wants to be "suave" and only serve the finest things in life. A lemon wedge with one Ice Cube.
It was around $30 a case just a few months ago. I guess UA is out of luck, having a FA "swing by" the 99 cent store to pick up a few bags prior to the flight. I guess the drug cartel is branching out. What next, buying Burger King franchises? Now that would be a Whopper!
Perhaps UA could still stock limes, but charge $1 a wedge. 3 for $2. Flew 2 DL flt's, both had limes. UA is rock solid on getting that $2B is savings. What next Ice?
In Europe and Asia, Ice is not as popular as in the USA. Just like a G&T is served with a lemon. Perhaps the "new UA" wants to be "suave" and only serve the finest things in life. A lemon wedge with one Ice Cube.
Apr 6, 2014, 8:44 pm
#78
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, BAEC Gold
Posts: 98
Presumably, this boils down to some US import ban on lime justified by some spurious USDA excuse - I've certainly seen no signs of any lime shortage on any other continents. In fact, in Brazil, lemons are only found in higher-end stores, and sold at a very considerable premium.
I love a good conspiracy theory as much as the next guy, but the fact is that disease and bad weather have virtually obliterated the current lime crop in the Mexican states Oaxaca and Guerrero, plus the drug cartels are currently prohibiting transport of (non-narcotic) agricultural crops in Michoacan.
Apr 6, 2014, 11:25 pm
#81
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
Programs: UA*G, AA Emerald, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 10,280
Isn't a while ago UA had decided to cut lemon in Y replace with lime, and only F and C get both lemon and lime ?
If it is because of the lime shortage and they bring back lemon in Y, it would be a thumbs up at least for me, as I always prefer lemon than lime with my Coke.
If it is because of the lime shortage and they bring back lemon in Y, it would be a thumbs up at least for me, as I always prefer lemon than lime with my Coke.
Apr 7, 2014, 3:42 am
#84
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: LAS HNL
Programs: DL DM, 5.7 MM, UA 3.1 MM, MARRIOTT PLATINUM, AVIS FIRST, Amex Black Card
Posts: 4,479
Welcome to real airlines. Yes, some serve limes in FC, C, and Y. Some also provide amenity kits, as well as free booze in Y, as well as wi-fi, etc. on International flts.
UA = NO. Welcome to "the friendly skies"
Shame this airline took the Lorenzo path of business. A once great carrier took a left when a right turn was proper.
If I pay $2000+ for a seat in FC, I can not get a slice of lime in a G&T?
"Texas Think" again. (Sorry - If out of line - I lived in the Lone Star State for a 4+ years). Texas International, People Express style of business.
I know limes have tripled in price the past few weeks. So a person paying full F gets to suck a lemon to save 30 cents a wedge. It's a win-win. Another brilliant move by UA. (that 30 cent lime wedge might cut into UA's profits).
Suck it up and cut a lime. If I want a lemon I'd fly WN.
On a side note, anyone fly WN lately? Do they still offer limes? I bet they do.
UA = NO. Welcome to "the friendly skies"
Shame this airline took the Lorenzo path of business. A once great carrier took a left when a right turn was proper.
If I pay $2000+ for a seat in FC, I can not get a slice of lime in a G&T?
"Texas Think" again. (Sorry - If out of line - I lived in the Lone Star State for a 4+ years). Texas International, People Express style of business.
I know limes have tripled in price the past few weeks. So a person paying full F gets to suck a lemon to save 30 cents a wedge. It's a win-win. Another brilliant move by UA. (that 30 cent lime wedge might cut into UA's profits).
Suck it up and cut a lime. If I want a lemon I'd fly WN.
On a side note, anyone fly WN lately? Do they still offer limes? I bet they do.
Apr 7, 2014, 4:21 am
#85
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,693
They take your lemon or lime order, then retreat to the galley to priorities in order
Ny based elites
Paid GF
Paid BF
GS
1K
Other elites ( nothing left for them at this point)
If you don't get your choice you are offered a lime coloured blanket.
Just did a SEA SFO.
Asked for a line, got "who do you think we are? DL?"
Ny based elites
Paid GF
Paid BF
GS
1K
Other elites ( nothing left for them at this point)
If you don't get your choice you are offered a lime coloured blanket.
On a side note, anyone fly WN lately? Do they still offer limes? I bet they do.
Asked for a line, got "who do you think we are? DL?"
Apr 7, 2014, 4:57 am
#86
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA 1K 25 years/2MM, Honors LT Diamond, AVIS & Hertz Prez Club
Posts: 4,753
Two lime slices served with my Bloody Mary on Sunday April 6th on WN. $5 minis and streaming pre-recorded programming that didn't require an app. (To be fair, to watch LiveTV you have to download the app either before boarding or pay for the WiFi to download it - but that's going OT)
Apr 7, 2014, 11:42 am
#88
Company Representative, United Airlines
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago, Houston, or somewhere in between
Posts: 2,176
Lime shortage temporary - back in May
Hi everyone,
Yes, the lime shortage is real—and it’s affecting availability among many of our caterers, as well. As a result, we’ve temporarily replaced limes with lemons (in equal proportions) on board our flights. We expect to start re-provisioning limes in May.
In the meantime, perhaps it’s appropriate to follow the British/Swedish adage—“when life gives you lemons, order a gin & tonic”.
-UA Insider
Yes, the lime shortage is real—and it’s affecting availability among many of our caterers, as well. As a result, we’ve temporarily replaced limes with lemons (in equal proportions) on board our flights. We expect to start re-provisioning limes in May.
In the meantime, perhaps it’s appropriate to follow the British/Swedish adage—“when life gives you lemons, order a gin & tonic”.
Apr 7, 2014, 12:10 pm
#89
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: DEN/FRA/BRE/KBP
Programs: UA Plat and MM
Posts: 40
Apr 7, 2014, 12:24 pm
#90
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: DEN/FRA/BRE/KBP
Programs: UA Plat and MM
Posts: 40
Hi everyone,
Yes, the lime shortage is real—and it’s affecting availability among many of our caterers, as well. As a result, we’ve temporarily replaced limes with lemons (in equal proportions) on board our flights. We expect to start re-provisioning limes in May.
In the meantime, perhaps it’s appropriate to follow the British/Swedish adage—“when life gives you lemons, order a gin & tonic”.
-UA Insider
Yes, the lime shortage is real—and it’s affecting availability among many of our caterers, as well. As a result, we’ve temporarily replaced limes with lemons (in equal proportions) on board our flights. We expect to start re-provisioning limes in May.
In the meantime, perhaps it’s appropriate to follow the British/Swedish adage—“when life gives you lemons, order a gin & tonic”.
-UA Insider
While understandable that there is a shortage, it appears that other carriers have been able to source them. Is this just going the way of the olives for Martinis? Many of us in Business Schools used the American case study to explore cost savings gone wrong.
I can confirm that on Friday and Sunday, the FAs were embarrassed to admit that there were no limes for G&Ts (the preferred US recipe). This is a very small thing, but definitely a major damage hit to the already shaky brand perception. It was obviously enough to warrant a multi-page thread on here.