UA to streamline Polaris Business service & cut FA staffing on some Intl routes
Nov 5, 2018, 5:43 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: Hyatt Globalist | Jumpseat Platinum
Posts: 546
UA to streamline Polaris Business service & cut FA staffing on some Intl routes
As I mentioned in the previous thread about "enhancements"... Per a memo from John Slater (VP, Inflight Services), beginning February 1st, 2019, UA will further "streamline" the Polaris Business meal service. Entrees will come preplated from catering (as is currently done for some domestic entrees), meaning the elimination of 1 FA galley position on some widebodies (basically anything with a mid galley). Also, 1 FA is being removed on TATL 757 flights in Y.
Changes are being made to bring UA staffing inline with that of AA/DL, at the request of some "key investors"
Frankly, I'm surprised it took them this long to set a date.
Changes are being made to bring UA staffing inline with that of AA/DL, at the request of some "key investors"
Frankly, I'm surprised it took them this long to set a date.
Nov 5, 2018, 6:33 pm
#5
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
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To save time I figure Franzia boxed wine is next. They could just wheel the boxes down the aisle.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Nov 8, 2018 at 10:39 am
Nov 5, 2018, 6:42 pm
#7
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Join Date: Feb 2016
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Posts: 546
Frankly, (and I may draw the ire of AFA/other FAs) I don't think it's a huge deal, so long as the catering/packing is done right.
Having said all of that, there's something to be said about the level of service now compared to that of the "glamour days" -- or even in comparison to non-US airlines. But that's a topic for another day, I guess.
I hadn't considered things like the spicy chicken. That's a shame, it's certainly one of my favorites.
Nov 5, 2018, 6:45 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2004
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My take away is to eat at a Polaris lounge for dinner, hit up a restaurant for my onboard meal, and then maybe have the onboard entree right before landing lieu of the second meal.
Nov 5, 2018, 6:46 pm
#10
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Frankly, (and I may draw the ire of AFA/other FAs) I don't think it's a huge deal, so long as the catering/packing is done right.
Having said all of that, there's something to be said about the level of service now compared to that of the "glamour days" -- or even in comparison to non-US airlines. But that's a topic for another day, I guess.
I hadn't considered things like the spicy chicken. That's a shame, it's certainly one of my favorites.
IMHO when they plate the entrees are plated in the galley they come out looking "cleaner" vs. a dish that's had 3+ hours to let everything run together. Of course in the scheme of things there are bigger issues to worry about but still disappointing to see current UA management being seduced by slowly whittling away their premium product.
My take away is to eat at a Polaris lounge for dinner, hit up a restaurant for my onboard meal, and then maybe have the onboard entree right before landing lieu of the second meal.
My take away is to eat at a Polaris lounge for dinner, hit up a restaurant for my onboard meal, and then maybe have the onboard entree right before landing lieu of the second meal.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Nov 5, 2018 at 7:46 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Nov 5, 2018, 6:58 pm
#11
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
That spicy chicken dish is very good and this coming from someone who never eats chicken at home. I'm more into red meat but I know how to cook beef better than UA's caterer. OK, I never had to cook beef on a plane......
My concern about the reduction in one galley position is that we might end up with grumpier FAs.
My concern about the reduction in one galley position is that we might end up with grumpier FAs.
Nov 5, 2018, 6:59 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: United Mileage Plus Premier
Posts: 782
No big deal in my book. We have done a few international flights each year for the past 4 years and by and large the food has been disappointing at best. Mostly tasteless, often tough. Now if they start messing with the ice cream again I will not be a happy camper.
Nov 5, 2018, 8:00 pm
#15
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: Delta
Posts: 3
Preplating - no thanks
A money grab that the customers suffer from and the FAs (who are losing work) have to implement and be the face of. Not to mention the compromised safety of one less flight attendant.
Record profits are leading to enhanced greed.
Record profits are leading to enhanced greed.