Limes
Apr 7, 2014, 1:21 pm
#93
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: United 1K, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 590
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
Apr 7, 2014, 2:56 pm
#94
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
NEW YORK (AP) -- Airline passengers might notice something missing these days from their vodka tonics or Diet Cokes: the lime.
A recent spike in the price of limes has caused some airlines — for now — to stop offering the fruit in their beverage service.
"We temporarily pulled limes about two weeks ago, due to skyrocketing lime prices," says Alaska Airlines spokeswoman Halley Knigge. She says the airline normally goes through about 900 limes a day.
Lime growers in the Mexican state of Michoacan have reduced their supply because of unrest caused by drug cartels and flooding from heavy rains. That, combined with drought in California and an overall growing demand for limes for margaritas, tacos and other dishes, has driven up prices to a three-year high.
The average advertised price of a lime in U.S. supermarkets was 56 cents last week, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That's up from 37 cents the week ending March 28 and 31 cents a year ago.
United Airlines has had to make do with lemons on some flights, saying the California drought has limited its lime supply.
A recent spike in the price of limes has caused some airlines — for now — to stop offering the fruit in their beverage service.
"We temporarily pulled limes about two weeks ago, due to skyrocketing lime prices," says Alaska Airlines spokeswoman Halley Knigge. She says the airline normally goes through about 900 limes a day.
Lime growers in the Mexican state of Michoacan have reduced their supply because of unrest caused by drug cartels and flooding from heavy rains. That, combined with drought in California and an overall growing demand for limes for margaritas, tacos and other dishes, has driven up prices to a three-year high.
The average advertised price of a lime in U.S. supermarkets was 56 cents last week, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That's up from 37 cents the week ending March 28 and 31 cents a year ago.
United Airlines has had to make do with lemons on some flights, saying the California drought has limited its lime supply.
Delta Air Lines and American Airlines both say they haven't made any changes at this point.
So of the three largest airlines only one UA as of today are to cheap to provide limes.
Apr 7, 2014, 5:56 pm
#97
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern Calif./Eastern Ida.
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 20,648
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.
Just did a SEA SFO.
Asked for a line, got "who do you think we are? DL?"
Happy to report that AA also had limes on Saturday, JFK-LAX in F as well as LAX-SMF on AAX.
Apr 7, 2014, 8:59 pm
#99
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
Apr 7, 2014, 11:53 pm
#101
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hold it down for The Bay, reppin' Oakland
Programs: Lowly UA silver, Marriott Ambassador/Tit4Lyf, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,763
Received an unsolicited lime slice in a cup of water on Delta 1888 today. I don't think I've ever seen this before. Don't know if it's normal for Delta, as I rarely fly them.
Apr 8, 2014, 12:25 am
#103
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 929
Slightly OT: It was not until this week, upon seeing Coming to America, again, that I recalled Randolph and Mortimer Duke of Trading Places were looking forward to using the Prince's gift to relaunch their empire after their losses on orange futures.
Apr 8, 2014, 2:36 am
#104
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SYD
Programs: UA 1MM GS
Posts: 255
Limes
I happen to agree in a sense that they should use local fresh produce when available, and perhaps in this case it isn't available. Plus I've never been impressed with their shriveled dry limes anyway.
Or just BYO Limes :-) My mother's lime tree makes the best limes I've ever tasted (in a margarita).. And they're ready!
I support the creation of the Nutty thread. Why are there no almonds on my sundae out of the USA?
Or just BYO Limes :-) My mother's lime tree makes the best limes I've ever tasted (in a margarita).. And they're ready!
I support the creation of the Nutty thread. Why are there no almonds on my sundae out of the USA?
Apr 8, 2014, 3:13 am
#105
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: UA AU (ex 10+ year 1k) 1.5MM, AS Newbie, HH ex Dia
Posts: 337
No problem bringing a back yard lime through security yesterday, ordered a G&T from FA, who promptly apologized for not having lime, and then was happy to accept and serve it in the GF cabin.