Why aren't UA execs ashamed when Ethiopian Airlines have better meals in coach?
#76
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: united
Posts: 1,636
This paragraph makes no sense whatsoever.
When a company operates a route with no competitors and one flight a day, there is ZERO incentive for them to offer low fares, good food, good service etc because there is only one choice - you either take it or you don't. Yet Ethiopian still chooses to put forward a good product.
Compare that to NYC-LAX or SFO to Asia where there are MULTIPLE air carriers serving the same routes. United SHOULD be putting forward their "best product" to lure others towards them, they choose not to.
This goes back to the larger argument of how brand loyalty/customer loyalty is dead here in the US. This is just another example.
When a company operates a route with no competitors and one flight a day, there is ZERO incentive for them to offer low fares, good food, good service etc because there is only one choice - you either take it or you don't. Yet Ethiopian still chooses to put forward a good product.
Compare that to NYC-LAX or SFO to Asia where there are MULTIPLE air carriers serving the same routes. United SHOULD be putting forward their "best product" to lure others towards them, they choose not to.
This goes back to the larger argument of how brand loyalty/customer loyalty is dead here in the US. This is just another example.
#77
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bellingham/Gainesville
Programs: UA-G MM, Priority Club Platinum, Avis First, Hertz 5*, Red Lion
Posts: 2,808
#79
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
I also must question the premise of this post. What benefit (if any) would there be if UA really pulled up their socks and improved meal service, on board amenities, crew friendliness, milage accrual, etc? Suppose also in this magical world that these improvements did not most the cost of the ticket by one penny. There's no doubt there would be a cost associated to all of those things but the benefit is unclear. At the end of the day most people will fly the airline that's the cheapest at the time, offers the best connections/routing options and/or is part of their company's contract. That being said, there are small things UA could do which would cost them nothing and would earn them kudos, namely providing more friendly on-board service and keeping their cabins clean!
-James
-James
#80
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: United 1K, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 590
#81
Join Date: May 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA Frmr AA Plat AW Plat Frmr UA 1K Frmr HGP Plat now just UA 1MM/1P
Posts: 320
I don't disagree with what OP says about United food - although I personally am OK with it.
However, I would point out that all of the US airlines I have used - primarily AA and UA - are in the same category while almost all foreign airlines have immensely better food, service and so forth. And that's even comparing domestic foreign flights on foreign carriers vs. international flights out of the US by UA/AA.
That's capitalism for you...
However, I would point out that all of the US airlines I have used - primarily AA and UA - are in the same category while almost all foreign airlines have immensely better food, service and so forth. And that's even comparing domestic foreign flights on foreign carriers vs. international flights out of the US by UA/AA.
That's capitalism for you...
#82
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: MEM
Programs: ::US,UA,CO+ currently non-rev Plat
Posts: 132
I wouldn't go that far. At least not for their Y product. I've flown ET on multiple occasions over the years including quite recently and it was not a quality product. The IFE is very limited and the food was bad. I even turned down a meal on my last flight.
Luckily service isn't that important to me.
Luckily service isn't that important to me.
#83
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Mexico City, Houston
Programs: Aadvantage, MileagePlus, Premier
Posts: 2
Simple!! They could not care less!!
I have not flown ua since almost 2 years ago---i tired of their "culinary" slop; and then they stole my mileage....
I have no use for ua anymore....
I have not flown ua since almost 2 years ago---i tired of their "culinary" slop; and then they stole my mileage....
I have no use for ua anymore....
#84
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: South Coast NSW, Australia
Programs: UA and SQ; Hilton, Fairmont, Marriott, Rydges Priority
Posts: 289
Goodness, imagine going without food for 14 hours!
The horror...civilisation is surely ending!
If things are so bad I guess it’s either that, eat before you board or take your own.
The horror...civilisation is surely ending!
If things are so bad I guess it’s either that, eat before you board or take your own.
#85
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: SYD
Programs: UA, QF, VA
Posts: 85
I wouldn't go that far. At least not for their Y product. I've flown ET on multiple occasions over the years including quite recently and it was not a quality product. The IFE is very limited and the food was bad. I even turned down a meal on my last flight.
Luckily service isn't that important to me.
Luckily service isn't that important to me.
My experiences with ET have been very good. I've had good meals and found the service great. YMMV, of course!
#86
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: UA
Posts: 104
A lot of foreign flag carriers get government subsidies that translate to excellent catering and service onboard. This works in that nation's favor because tourists will have a positive impression of their airline and therefore the country itself. For example, I like to fly ANA because their service is wonderful.
On the other hand, the reregulation of the US air industry that happened in the 1970s has created a race to the bottom of chasing ever cheaper, unbundled fares. US carriers aren't thinking of national prestige, all they care about are their bottom lines.
On the other hand, the reregulation of the US air industry that happened in the 1970s has created a race to the bottom of chasing ever cheaper, unbundled fares. US carriers aren't thinking of national prestige, all they care about are their bottom lines.
#87
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
-James
#89
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,277
1/29/2019 Ethiopian JNB to ADD 5 1/2 hour flight Light Lunch Meal 2/2
Food was outstanding for this 5 1/2 hour intercontinental flight. Service was good and FA friendly.
I have photos from the 10+hour ADD to PEK flight later in the week.
I have photos from the 10+hour ADD to PEK flight later in the week.
Last edited by UA_Flyer; Jan 29, 2019 at 7:54 pm
#90
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: AAdvantage EXPLAT, Hilton Diamond, SPG/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Citi Exec MC, Amex Plat
Posts: 1,443
As someone who flies UA from time to time, the main reason why Ill be on UA is due to Price or Schedule.
I hold top tier status with AA, but if UA will be thousands of dollars cheaper, I will fly UA or its a route where UA is the only nonstop in town and Im really time sensitive, then UA it is.
i could care less about onboard service, I care about getting where I need to get to.
I hold top tier status with AA, but if UA will be thousands of dollars cheaper, I will fly UA or its a route where UA is the only nonstop in town and Im really time sensitive, then UA it is.
i could care less about onboard service, I care about getting where I need to get to.