2020 Let's Eat - Polaris Business
Dec 27, 2020, 1:15 pm
#586
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,453
1) The PDB 'sparkling wine' has been pretty decent in my experience. Some times better than others, but I always drank it and it was never so bad that it was undrinkable.
2) There's some REALLY good sparkling wine out there. Some Proseccos and some South African ones come to mind. Just because it ain't Champagne (from the Champagne region) doesn't automatically mean it's bad swill.
3) The 'sparkling wine' is/was usually brought pre-poured in a plastic cup. If the modus operandi is to have the PDB being paraded up and down the isle, I prefer it not be done with a good Champagne in a plastic cup.
4) Some of the Champagnes United served during the flight have been OUTSTANDING! Top notch stuff.
Summary:
I'd rather United offer decent sparkling wine as a PDB and quality Champagne during the flight, than mediocre Champagne for both.
Dec 27, 2020, 7:56 pm
#587
Join Date: May 2001
Location: RNO, NV, USA.
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 5,079
I actually forgive United for this one for a few of reasons:
1) The PDB 'sparkling wine' has been pretty decent in my experience. Some times better than others, but I always drank it and it was never so bad that it was undrinkable.
2) There's some REALLY good sparkling wine out there. Some Proseccos and some South African ones come to mind. Just because it ain't Champagne (from the Champagne region) doesn't automatically mean it's bad swill.
3) The 'sparkling wine' is/was usually brought pre-poured in a plastic cup. If the modus operandi is to have the PDB being paraded up and down the isle, I prefer it not be done with a good Champagne in a plastic cup.
4) Some of the Champagnes United served during the flight have been OUTSTANDING! Top notch stuff.
Summary:
I'd rather United offer decent sparkling wine as a PDB and quality Champagne during the flight, than mediocre Champagne for both.
1) The PDB 'sparkling wine' has been pretty decent in my experience. Some times better than others, but I always drank it and it was never so bad that it was undrinkable.
2) There's some REALLY good sparkling wine out there. Some Proseccos and some South African ones come to mind. Just because it ain't Champagne (from the Champagne region) doesn't automatically mean it's bad swill.
3) The 'sparkling wine' is/was usually brought pre-poured in a plastic cup. If the modus operandi is to have the PDB being paraded up and down the isle, I prefer it not be done with a good Champagne in a plastic cup.
4) Some of the Champagnes United served during the flight have been OUTSTANDING! Top notch stuff.
Summary:
I'd rather United offer decent sparkling wine as a PDB and quality Champagne during the flight, than mediocre Champagne for both.
Dec 27, 2020, 8:26 pm
#588
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,537
I actually forgive United for this one for a few of reasons:
1) The PDB 'sparkling wine' has been pretty decent in my experience. Some times better than others, but I always drank it and it was never so bad that it was undrinkable.
2) There's some REALLY good sparkling wine out there. Some Proseccos and some South African ones come to mind. Just because it ain't Champagne (from the Champagne region) doesn't automatically mean it's bad swill.
3) The 'sparkling wine' is/was usually brought pre-poured in a plastic cup. If the modus operandi is to have the PDB being paraded up and down the isle, I prefer it not be done with a good Champagne in a plastic cup.
4) Some of the Champagnes United served during the flight have been OUTSTANDING! Top notch stuff.
Summary:
I'd rather United offer decent sparkling wine as a PDB and quality Champagne during the flight, than mediocre Champagne for both.
1) The PDB 'sparkling wine' has been pretty decent in my experience. Some times better than others, but I always drank it and it was never so bad that it was undrinkable.
2) There's some REALLY good sparkling wine out there. Some Proseccos and some South African ones come to mind. Just because it ain't Champagne (from the Champagne region) doesn't automatically mean it's bad swill.
3) The 'sparkling wine' is/was usually brought pre-poured in a plastic cup. If the modus operandi is to have the PDB being paraded up and down the isle, I prefer it not be done with a good Champagne in a plastic cup.
4) Some of the Champagnes United served during the flight have been OUTSTANDING! Top notch stuff.
Summary:
I'd rather United offer decent sparkling wine as a PDB and quality Champagne during the flight, than mediocre Champagne for both.
although, there was a time when I was generally so pleased to clear the upgrade that I'd have taken vinegar for a PDB.
Dec 27, 2020, 9:19 pm
#589
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 67,105
Dec 28, 2020, 11:21 am
#590
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 4,784
I actually forgive United for this one for a few of reasons:
3) The 'sparkling wine' is/was usually brought pre-poured in a plastic cup. If the modus operandi is to have the PDB being paraded up and down the isle, I prefer it not be done with a good Champagne in a plastic cup.
Summary:
I'd rather United offer decent sparkling wine as a PDB and quality Champagne during the flight, than mediocre Champagne for both.
3) The 'sparkling wine' is/was usually brought pre-poured in a plastic cup. If the modus operandi is to have the PDB being paraded up and down the isle, I prefer it not be done with a good Champagne in a plastic cup.
Summary:
I'd rather United offer decent sparkling wine as a PDB and quality Champagne during the flight, than mediocre Champagne for both.
I don't understand the acceptance of mediocrity.
Dec 28, 2020, 11:33 am
#591
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,453
Dec 28, 2020, 12:33 pm
#592
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 4,784
Indeed, I believe if the domestic "Full Service" airlines didn't have their frequent flyer programs to ensure a captive audience the standards would have to be raised so that we didn't have to go around accepting mediocrity. My epiphany (and subsequent freedom) a few years really changed my buying pattern for air travel after freeing myself from the chains of frequent flyer programs.
Dec 28, 2020, 1:08 pm
#593
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
Indeed, I believe if the domestic "Full Service" airlines didn't have their frequent flyer programs to ensure a captive audience the standards would have to be raised so that we didn't have to go around accepting mediocrity. My epiphany (and subsequent freedom) a few years really changed my buying pattern for air travel after freeing myself from the chains of frequent flyer programs.
Even if I freed myself of the UA frequent flier program many of us do not have good alternatives. UA offers the best frequency for me out HNL with many flights offering lie flat seats - my only realistic alternative to SFO is Hawaiian with what I found to be an inferior lie flat often at twice the price (you can read my thoughts on the Hawaiian thread) or AS, with no lie flat seat.
If I travel for business someday again - again, I don't have much of a choice as my company corporate rate is highly discounted with UA. We can't fly an alternative carrier with a higher price even if I pay the extra out of pocket. We get the same rate with LH - but quite frankly I don't like LH food nor the seat.
It isn't all about the frequent flier program.
Dec 28, 2020, 1:55 pm
#594
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: Does Non Rev count?
Posts: 589
How nice that you have to "forgive" a service provider that gives you an inferior product. Your point 3 in support of United's product is laughable, there are many airlines out there that offer real glasses for the PDB on the ground and they pour the same stuff on the ground that they serve in the air. As for your summary.... is there something wrong with serving a quality product on the ground and in the air?
I don't understand the acceptance of mediocrity.
I don't understand the acceptance of mediocrity.
But truly, I do understand the food and beverage service standards may be a disappointment to some. As a UA employee, I wish it was different.
Dec 28, 2020, 5:46 pm
#595
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 4,784
There are two things I have absolutely zero concerns about when it comes to United, the quality of the pilots and the standards of maintenance. Thank you for your professionalism.
Dec 29, 2020, 5:58 am
#597
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: PVG
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Hilton Silver, Marriott Gold
Posts: 319
December 2, 2020
UA857 SFO-ICN-PVG
Boeing 777-300ER
I've been debating whether or not to post in this forum, as I'm afraid recently a lot of posts have been quite critical about the service and even critical about passengers for choosing to fly United with the current service levels. If anyone is familiar with the situation of flying from US to mainland China, I'm sure you'd understand that I felt lucky just to be able to get a ticket at all to fly, and that I was able to board the flight with the entry requirements and testing requirements. Tickets to China are just very hard to come by nowadays, and one doesn't have the luxury of choosing among many airlines and connection cities. Also, I understand Chinese airlines flying between US and China put a bag of snacks and water at your seat upon boarding, and that's it for the whole flight.
Anyway, this post is for posterity!
The choices were described as beef short rib, salmon, or pasta. I asked for a bit more detail on the salmon, and the flight attendant said it was had a red curry sauce. I wasn't asked for a second choice. I wonder if Premium Economy was served the same meal, and they got whatever was left from Polaris? Nuts were in a dixie cup, and the salad had shaved fennel and yellow bell pepper, along with the little bottle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
The foil wrapper on the salmon said the thing on the right was risotto. Anyway, this dish was delicious! The salmon was moist and tender, the red curry had a pretty decent kick to it, and the risotto (I saw some quinoa grains in there too) was very flavorful as well. I'd definitely order this again. It was the highlight of the meal service.
The economy class ice cream for dessert. I actually quite like this, and I wonder if the manufacturer is the same as what shows up in the bowls during regular Polaris dessert service.
Midflight, the flight attendant came around with sandwiches to hand out. Yes, it's the same kind you get in Economy. Then later the flight attendant came around with a snack basket, and I chose Cheese-Its and stroopwafel. I think there were also almonds and potato chips?
Breakfast was rather disappointing. Just a heated sandwich. It was a bun-shaped croissant, with a thin layer of Canadian bacon and a thin egg - so quite bready overall. I ordered a tomato juice to be a bit more filling, but I still did have to supplement with a Kind bar I bought from home.
We made a stop in ICN to change the crew. ICN-PVG they handed out individual water bottles and landing cards.
I'm pleased to see the news that the pre-arrival meal should be improved soon.
UA857 SFO-ICN-PVG
Boeing 777-300ER
I've been debating whether or not to post in this forum, as I'm afraid recently a lot of posts have been quite critical about the service and even critical about passengers for choosing to fly United with the current service levels. If anyone is familiar with the situation of flying from US to mainland China, I'm sure you'd understand that I felt lucky just to be able to get a ticket at all to fly, and that I was able to board the flight with the entry requirements and testing requirements. Tickets to China are just very hard to come by nowadays, and one doesn't have the luxury of choosing among many airlines and connection cities. Also, I understand Chinese airlines flying between US and China put a bag of snacks and water at your seat upon boarding, and that's it for the whole flight.
Anyway, this post is for posterity!
The choices were described as beef short rib, salmon, or pasta. I asked for a bit more detail on the salmon, and the flight attendant said it was had a red curry sauce. I wasn't asked for a second choice. I wonder if Premium Economy was served the same meal, and they got whatever was left from Polaris? Nuts were in a dixie cup, and the salad had shaved fennel and yellow bell pepper, along with the little bottle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
The foil wrapper on the salmon said the thing on the right was risotto. Anyway, this dish was delicious! The salmon was moist and tender, the red curry had a pretty decent kick to it, and the risotto (I saw some quinoa grains in there too) was very flavorful as well. I'd definitely order this again. It was the highlight of the meal service.
The economy class ice cream for dessert. I actually quite like this, and I wonder if the manufacturer is the same as what shows up in the bowls during regular Polaris dessert service.
Midflight, the flight attendant came around with sandwiches to hand out. Yes, it's the same kind you get in Economy. Then later the flight attendant came around with a snack basket, and I chose Cheese-Its and stroopwafel. I think there were also almonds and potato chips?
Breakfast was rather disappointing. Just a heated sandwich. It was a bun-shaped croissant, with a thin layer of Canadian bacon and a thin egg - so quite bready overall. I ordered a tomato juice to be a bit more filling, but I still did have to supplement with a Kind bar I bought from home.
We made a stop in ICN to change the crew. ICN-PVG they handed out individual water bottles and landing cards.
I'm pleased to see the news that the pre-arrival meal should be improved soon.
Dec 29, 2020, 9:26 am
#598
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,537
December 2, 2020
UA857 SFO-ICN-PVG
Boeing 777-300ER
I've been debating whether or not to post in this forum, as I'm afraid recently a lot of posts have been quite critical about the service and even critical about passengers for choosing to fly United with the current service levels. If anyone is familiar with the situation of flying from US to mainland China, I'm sure you'd understand that I felt lucky just to be able to get a ticket at all to fly, and that I was able to board the flight with the entry requirements and testing requirements. Tickets to China are just very hard to come by nowadays, and one doesn't have the luxury of choosing among many airlines and connection cities. Also, I understand Chinese airlines flying between US and China put a bag of snacks and water at your seat upon boarding, and that's it for the whole flight.
Anyway, this post is for posterity!
The choices were described as beef short rib, salmon, or pasta. I asked for a bit more detail on the salmon, and the flight attendant said it was had a red curry sauce. I wasn't asked for a second choice. I wonder if Premium Economy was served the same meal, and they got whatever was left from Polaris? Nuts were in a dixie cup, and the salad had shaved fennel and yellow bell pepper, along with the little bottle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
img
The foil wrapper on the salmon said the thing on the right was risotto. Anyway, this dish was delicious! The salmon was moist and tender, the red curry had a pretty decent kick to it, and the risotto (I saw some quinoa grains in there too) was very flavorful as well. I'd definitely order this again. It was the highlight of the meal service.
img
The economy class ice cream for dessert. I actually quite like this, and I wonder if the manufacturer is the same as what shows up in the bowls during regular Polaris dessert service.
img
Midflight, the flight attendant came around with sandwiches to hand out. Yes, it's the same kind you get in Economy. Then later the flight attendant came around with a snack basket, and I chose Cheese-Its and stroopwafel. I think there were also almonds and potato chips?
img
Breakfast was rather disappointing. Just a heated sandwich. It was a bun-shaped croissant, with a thin layer of Canadian bacon and a thin egg - so quite bready overall. I ordered a tomato juice to be a bit more filling, but I still did have to supplement with a Kind bar I bought from home.
img
We made a stop in ICN to change the crew. ICN-PVG they handed out individual water bottles and landing cards.
I'm pleased to see the news that the pre-arrival meal should be improved soon.
UA857 SFO-ICN-PVG
Boeing 777-300ER
I've been debating whether or not to post in this forum, as I'm afraid recently a lot of posts have been quite critical about the service and even critical about passengers for choosing to fly United with the current service levels. If anyone is familiar with the situation of flying from US to mainland China, I'm sure you'd understand that I felt lucky just to be able to get a ticket at all to fly, and that I was able to board the flight with the entry requirements and testing requirements. Tickets to China are just very hard to come by nowadays, and one doesn't have the luxury of choosing among many airlines and connection cities. Also, I understand Chinese airlines flying between US and China put a bag of snacks and water at your seat upon boarding, and that's it for the whole flight.
Anyway, this post is for posterity!
The choices were described as beef short rib, salmon, or pasta. I asked for a bit more detail on the salmon, and the flight attendant said it was had a red curry sauce. I wasn't asked for a second choice. I wonder if Premium Economy was served the same meal, and they got whatever was left from Polaris? Nuts were in a dixie cup, and the salad had shaved fennel and yellow bell pepper, along with the little bottle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
img
The foil wrapper on the salmon said the thing on the right was risotto. Anyway, this dish was delicious! The salmon was moist and tender, the red curry had a pretty decent kick to it, and the risotto (I saw some quinoa grains in there too) was very flavorful as well. I'd definitely order this again. It was the highlight of the meal service.
img
The economy class ice cream for dessert. I actually quite like this, and I wonder if the manufacturer is the same as what shows up in the bowls during regular Polaris dessert service.
img
Midflight, the flight attendant came around with sandwiches to hand out. Yes, it's the same kind you get in Economy. Then later the flight attendant came around with a snack basket, and I chose Cheese-Its and stroopwafel. I think there were also almonds and potato chips?
img
Breakfast was rather disappointing. Just a heated sandwich. It was a bun-shaped croissant, with a thin layer of Canadian bacon and a thin egg - so quite bready overall. I ordered a tomato juice to be a bit more filling, but I still did have to supplement with a Kind bar I bought from home.
img
We made a stop in ICN to change the crew. ICN-PVG they handed out individual water bottles and landing cards.
I'm pleased to see the news that the pre-arrival meal should be improved soon.
Was the breakfast sandwich served prior to ICN changeover or during ICN-PEK? It looks like the same as what they sometimes served in domestic F.
If you happen to be flying back and want two helpings of whatever the arrival meal is, I'd bet the crew would oblige.
Dec 29, 2020, 4:22 pm
#599
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO/SJC/OAK
Programs: OZ Diamond (*G), KQ Asante Gold (ST+), Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,511
Anyone know when exactly a real pre-arrival meal will be added? Flying GRU-IAH in a few weeks time and wondering whether to sleep through it.
Dec 30, 2020, 3:15 am
#600
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 38
December 2, 2020
UA857 SFO-ICN-PVG
Boeing 777-300ER
I've been debating whether or not to post in this forum, as I'm afraid recently a lot of posts have been quite critical about the service and even critical about passengers for choosing to fly United with the current service levels. If anyone is familiar with the situation of flying from US to mainland China, I'm sure you'd understand that I felt lucky just to be able to get a ticket at all to fly, and that I was able to board the flight with the entry requirements and testing requirements. Tickets to China are just very hard to come by nowadays, and one doesn't have the luxury of choosing among many airlines and connection cities. Also, I understand Chinese airlines flying between US and China put a bag of snacks and water at your seat upon boarding, and that's it for the whole flight.
Anyway, this post is for posterity!
The choices were described as beef short rib, salmon, or pasta. I asked for a bit more detail on the salmon, and the flight attendant said it was had a red curry sauce. I wasn't asked for a second choice. I wonder if Premium Economy was served the same meal, and they got whatever was left from Polaris? Nuts were in a dixie cup, and the salad had shaved fennel and yellow bell pepper, along with the little bottle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
The foil wrapper on the salmon said the thing on the right was risotto. Anyway, this dish was delicious! The salmon was moist and tender, the red curry had a pretty decent kick to it, and the risotto (I saw some quinoa grains in there too) was very flavorful as well. I'd definitely order this again. It was the highlight of the meal service.
The economy class ice cream for dessert. I actually quite like this, and I wonder if the manufacturer is the same as what shows up in the bowls during regular Polaris dessert service.
Midflight, the flight attendant came around with sandwiches to hand out. Yes, it's the same kind you get in Economy. Then later the flight attendant came around with a snack basket, and I chose Cheese-Its and stroopwafel. I think there were also almonds and potato chips?
Breakfast was rather disappointing. Just a heated sandwich. It was a bun-shaped croissant, with a thin layer of Canadian bacon and a thin egg - so quite bready overall. I ordered a tomato juice to be a bit more filling, but I still did have to supplement with a Kind bar I bought from home.
We made a stop in ICN to change the crew. ICN-PVG they handed out individual water bottles and landing cards.
I'm pleased to see the news that the pre-arrival meal should be improved soon.
UA857 SFO-ICN-PVG
Boeing 777-300ER
I've been debating whether or not to post in this forum, as I'm afraid recently a lot of posts have been quite critical about the service and even critical about passengers for choosing to fly United with the current service levels. If anyone is familiar with the situation of flying from US to mainland China, I'm sure you'd understand that I felt lucky just to be able to get a ticket at all to fly, and that I was able to board the flight with the entry requirements and testing requirements. Tickets to China are just very hard to come by nowadays, and one doesn't have the luxury of choosing among many airlines and connection cities. Also, I understand Chinese airlines flying between US and China put a bag of snacks and water at your seat upon boarding, and that's it for the whole flight.
Anyway, this post is for posterity!
The choices were described as beef short rib, salmon, or pasta. I asked for a bit more detail on the salmon, and the flight attendant said it was had a red curry sauce. I wasn't asked for a second choice. I wonder if Premium Economy was served the same meal, and they got whatever was left from Polaris? Nuts were in a dixie cup, and the salad had shaved fennel and yellow bell pepper, along with the little bottle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
The foil wrapper on the salmon said the thing on the right was risotto. Anyway, this dish was delicious! The salmon was moist and tender, the red curry had a pretty decent kick to it, and the risotto (I saw some quinoa grains in there too) was very flavorful as well. I'd definitely order this again. It was the highlight of the meal service.
The economy class ice cream for dessert. I actually quite like this, and I wonder if the manufacturer is the same as what shows up in the bowls during regular Polaris dessert service.
Midflight, the flight attendant came around with sandwiches to hand out. Yes, it's the same kind you get in Economy. Then later the flight attendant came around with a snack basket, and I chose Cheese-Its and stroopwafel. I think there were also almonds and potato chips?
Breakfast was rather disappointing. Just a heated sandwich. It was a bun-shaped croissant, with a thin layer of Canadian bacon and a thin egg - so quite bready overall. I ordered a tomato juice to be a bit more filling, but I still did have to supplement with a Kind bar I bought from home.
We made a stop in ICN to change the crew. ICN-PVG they handed out individual water bottles and landing cards.
I'm pleased to see the news that the pre-arrival meal should be improved soon.