But of course. I'm almost reticent to even respond in this forum anymore, because while arguments and counterpoints can be fun, they grow wearisome.

Facts: This started what, almost 6 months ago? The long term delay was known about 4 months ago, I think?

If one (LSG, in this case) wanted the business (they might?), and UA was willing to pay for it, wouldn't 4 months seem like something that might be able to be achieved? They (LSG) certainly have the kitchen space in that facility to produce it.

Or, they could just throw ETCs at the problem, subject their airport/fa staff to a nightmare, or not offer ETCs (as this thread proves), and generally make a mountain out of a molehill.

Take your pick, I really don't have a horse in this race.

If I know I won't have time to pick-up food due to meetings, I know better than to fly out of DIA during mealtimes on UA. It's really that simple.

I haven't even flown through DEN since this debacle started, but I think what has folks here most upset is that United isn't clearly communicating anything. If they even came out with a statement that said pretty much exactly what you did ("We sincerely regret that, due to factors beyond our control such as permitting and inspection delays, we are not yet able to offer the quality of food in our first-class cabins that our customers expect and deserve. Unfortunately we still have no estimate as to when this situation will be rectified, but in the meantime we are offering a variety of alternate meal options to our valuable first-class passengers.")

If they wanted to be a world-class airline (like they used to be), they would even proactively offer compensation (something like 5,000 extra award miles on every F segment out of DEN) that wouldn't really cost them that much but that would show they understand the situation is really unacceptable.

This thread has become groundhog day. For like six months now.

A FC meal probably costs $8-$10, so I'm not sure what good that would do to give me a $10 ETC in the airport - and if you don't have time to pick up food anyway, what good would an ETC do anyway?

ETC means "Electronic Travel Certificate." For purchasing UA tickets. They were giving these out in the $125 range for complaints about DEN F catering.

You're right, of course! I've received $100, $200, and even one for $350 when writing in about this over the last 5 months or so, but also nothing for the 2nd offense between the $100 and $200 etc. Yup, that's right, it took me 4 times to not book a lunch or dinner return from DIA.

Regardless, what good would an ETC do if I'm not booking a UA flight when I need it?

I would think most people would agree that is simply gaming the system - to get a $125 future travel certificate for a missing $10 meal replaced with a near $10 meal is a bit crazy to me. This is where it gets out of hand in my opinion, these are mid-con meals, not exactly some culinary delight.

What I would agree with, with the cheeseburger, which is far superior to what they used to serve anyway (I can't think of a single mid-con FC meal the past 5 years better than the cheeseburger), is give out a card explaining the situation on the tray, that is all they really need to do.

This is where you're wrong, I'm afraid. My $350 ETC was for DEN-HNL, paid F. I got a fruit cup and the burger with no lettuce, tomato, nor pickle, because DIA. Nothing else.

I don't care what their actual cost is, and since it's not disclosed, it's irrelevant to me. They can do better, and they should've.

End of story.

They should do better than a $350 travel credit? Alrighty, that seems way over the top to me - I honestly don't know how anyone would not be happy with that.

Oh lord, are we still continuing with this? It was a last minute client meeting, it was FULL FARE F and it was insanely expensive, at least they took the receipt into account when considering compensation. My connecting flight to DIA was also delayed, I had no opportunity to get food, and continued to do so all the way to Honolulu.

Thanks UA!

There are times in life when a meal is priceless. UA's very guilty in DEN, so they're hoping they can settle with ETCs to keep this quiet. Legacy indeed.

D;)n't forget that the catering facility is also airside so there are also security requirements to contend with on top of everything else.

Agreed 1000x. Especially when one is a vegetarian.

Should I have known better, of course.

Was I able to rely upon meal services with my ticketed carrier? Of course not.

Had I not been delayed, I would've picked up real food. This one's not my fault and to infer I've been "gaming the system" is downright offensive. I didn't choose any of these scenarios for myself.

I fail to see how complaining to UA about its ongoing failure to meet its own published meal standards on DEN originating flights is "gaming the system." UA has elected to respond to such complaints by (sometimes) giving an ETC. That is entirely UA's decision.

But you do get points this time for at least using the term "travel certificate" correctly ;)