Aussienarelle

So this does beg the question, if these are a benefit of Polaris why do UA not place them (slippers and gel pillows and PJs for the appropriate flights) at every seat just like the blanket, ear phones, non-gel pillows and padding? At the end of the flight they could then come through and collect the gel pillows if they are concerned people will take them. Many OALs come through at the end to take back the earphones so not unheard of for airlines to collect an item in J.

I would rather UA provided the gel pillow than the regular pillow for my flights (although do use the regular pillow to provide lumbar support on some seats).

I just received an ETC as there were no slippers for my most recent flight but think it would have been cheaper for UA if they ensured these were provisioned and provided to each passenger at the seat rather than asking the FAs during the boarding process. I do ask during the boarding process (PDB service) as in the past they have run out of the gel pillows.

jashsu

Probably same answer as many other questions for why airlines do what they do: cost.

jashsu

I'm half tempted to buy these Ted playing cards. Hilarious.

https://unitedshop.summitmg.com/unit...&dept_id=12000

sabbasolo

I wait until a quiet moment towards the end of boarding, and then go up to a crew member and say I would like to change into pyjamas, and request the whole caboodle. Linking the request to changing now implies I need it immediately, and works well for me. If the weather outside is such that I wouldn't want to be in pyjamas in an emergency, then I wait until end of boarding and say "change after takeoff"...

schley

I always call ahead and have them put a note in my PNR to lay them on my seat. That way they will never run out before I ask and if I decide I don’t want them, I can always give them back.

Aussienarelle

Does that work for the slippers and gel pillow? Or just for the slippers?

Dublin_rfk

I travel with the small Saks pillow (from a FFG event) and after several questions about having it I had my UA account number embroidered on the cover.

eng3

Any time is appropriate. Unless you happen to sit at a seat where can see the pillows and monitor the inventory, I'd ask as early as possible, if you actually want to receive the pillow. PDB or Putting in your meal order. If you ask during the meal, it can be a little hectic (but I suppose the same could be said about during boarding). The earliest "quiet time" for the FA is after the meal, but by then you risk all the pillows being given out. As for the PJs and mattress pad, I don't think there is any urgency though I just ask for everything at once generally.

I never thought of that. Wouldnt the GA have to actually have some reason to open up your PNR to even notice the note?

chavala

This really works? Because it's hard to believe ; )

sgfood

When to ask for a gel pillow, Never again. The last two times I requested one there was a nasty odor to it. The last time the worst, combination of days old sweat that must have spawned mildew. Absolutely horrible. Take a deep smell of it next time.

PaulInTheSky

When an FA approached for greeting, asking for PDB, giving out menus/newspaper.

That's their job. We just have to ask nicely.

CO DCA

I typically ask nicely during either the PDB or the menu selection, whichever comes first. I've also gone to the galley and asked. The key seems to be the tone of the request, rather than the time. What I've found tends to happen is that once someone requests them, then the land rush starts. I suspect that's what infuriates the f/as since there aren't enough provisioned.

milepig

StuckinITH

When is the last time you flew UA? You do know that UA does not give newspapers?

fumje

Sure they do, just not on the airplane.