Apr 18, 2020, 1:31 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...ll-cabins.html
Updated posting July 2020 - Ice, tea and coffee returns and some small food enhancements.
orignal posting
crew meals, covered by contract, appear minimally changed
Updated posting July 2020 - Ice, tea and coffee returns and some small food enhancements.
Safety updates to inflight dining
Your safety and the safety of our employees is our highest priority. To try and further limit potential exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) on board, we’re temporarily adjusting our inflight service as of March 29 and will be moving to primarily pre-packaged foods and sealed beverages. Preorder meals and food for purchase will not be available. We’re also unable to offer special meals except for Kosher meals on flights to and from Tel Aviv.
Beverage changes for all flights
We will be offering sealed beverages on all flights. If you’re on a flight under 1 hour, you’ll receive beverages on request. We’ll also offer coffee and tea on domestic flights departing before 9:45 a.m. and on all international and premium transcontinental flights. Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary, and alcoholic beverages are complimentary in premium cabins. Wine and beer are also complimentary in United Economy® on long-haul international flights.
Food changes for domestic flights
We won't have snacks available in United Economy for flights under 2 hours and 20 minutes or in United First® for flights under 1 hour. As always, you're welcome to bring snacks on board. For flights between 1 hour and 2 hours and 20 minutes in United First, you'll receive an "all-in-one" snack bag with a wrapped sanitizer wipe, 8.5-ounce bottled water and two snacks.
For flights 2 hours and 20 minutes or longer, you'll receive an "all-in-one" snack bag with a wrapped sanitizer wipe, 8.5-ounce bottled water and two snacks in United Economy. In the premium cabin, you'll be offered a snack box.
Food changes for premium transcontinental flights
If you're flying in United Economy or Economy Plus®, you'll receive an "all-in-one" snack bag with a wrapped sanitizer wipe, 8.5-ounce bottled water and two snacks. Customers in the premium cabin will receive their meal with their entrée choice covered and will be offered a packaged snack for pre-arrival.
Food changes for international flights
In United Economy®, you’ll receive an entrée, a snack and packaged dessert, as well as pre-packed mid-flight and pre-arrival items on select flights. Everything is served packaged or covered for you to unwrap.
In United Premium Plus® and United Polaris® business class, your entrée, dessert and bread will be served together. Everything is served packaged or covered for you to unwrap. You’ll receive a pre-packaged snack for midflight and a fresh packaged meal for pre-arrival on select flights.
Your safety and the safety of our employees is our highest priority. To try and further limit potential exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) on board, we’re temporarily adjusting our inflight service as of March 29 and will be moving to primarily pre-packaged foods and sealed beverages. Preorder meals and food for purchase will not be available. We’re also unable to offer special meals except for Kosher meals on flights to and from Tel Aviv.
Beverage changes for all flights
We will be offering sealed beverages on all flights. If you’re on a flight under 1 hour, you’ll receive beverages on request. We’ll also offer coffee and tea on domestic flights departing before 9:45 a.m. and on all international and premium transcontinental flights. Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary, and alcoholic beverages are complimentary in premium cabins. Wine and beer are also complimentary in United Economy® on long-haul international flights.
Food changes for domestic flights
We won't have snacks available in United Economy for flights under 2 hours and 20 minutes or in United First® for flights under 1 hour. As always, you're welcome to bring snacks on board. For flights between 1 hour and 2 hours and 20 minutes in United First, you'll receive an "all-in-one" snack bag with a wrapped sanitizer wipe, 8.5-ounce bottled water and two snacks.
For flights 2 hours and 20 minutes or longer, you'll receive an "all-in-one" snack bag with a wrapped sanitizer wipe, 8.5-ounce bottled water and two snacks in United Economy. In the premium cabin, you'll be offered a snack box.
Food changes for premium transcontinental flights
If you're flying in United Economy or Economy Plus®, you'll receive an "all-in-one" snack bag with a wrapped sanitizer wipe, 8.5-ounce bottled water and two snacks. Customers in the premium cabin will receive their meal with their entrée choice covered and will be offered a packaged snack for pre-arrival.
Food changes for international flights
In United Economy®, you’ll receive an entrée, a snack and packaged dessert, as well as pre-packed mid-flight and pre-arrival items on select flights. Everything is served packaged or covered for you to unwrap.
In United Premium Plus® and United Polaris® business class, your entrée, dessert and bread will be served together. Everything is served packaged or covered for you to unwrap. You’ll receive a pre-packaged snack for midflight and a fresh packaged meal for pre-arrival on select flights.
Safety updates to inflight dining
Your safety and the safety of our employees is our highest priority. To try and further limit potential exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) on board, we’re temporarily adjusting our inflight service as of March 29 and will be moving to primarily pre-packaged foods and sealed beverages. Preorder meals and food for purchase will not be available. We’re also unable to offer special meals except for Kosher meals on flights to and from Tel Aviv.
Beverage changes for all flights
We will only offer sealed beverages and we will no longer offer ice, coffee and tea service, and poured alcohol. Instead of pouring you water from a large bottle, we’ll provide sealed individual water bottles. In premium cabins, we will offer beer and individual wines. Flights under 2 hours and 20 minutes will only have beverages on request.
Food changes for domestic flights
For flights under 2 hours and 20 minutes, we will not offer a snack service in any cabin. As always, you’re welcome to bring snacks on board.
For flights over 2 hours and 20 minutes, you will receive your choice of pretzels, a stroopwafel or cookies in United Economy®. In the premium cabin, you’ll be offered a snackbox.
Food changes for premium transcontinental flights
If you’re flying in United Economy or Economy Plus®, you’ll be offered a snack choice. Customers in the premium cabin will receive their packaged meal with their entrée choice covered and will be offered a packaged snack for pre-arrival.
Food changes for international flights
In United Economy®, you’ll receive an entrée, a snack and packaged dessert, as well as pre-packed mid-flight and pre-arrival items on select flights. Everything is served packaged or covered for you to unwrap.
In United Premium Plus® and United Polaris® business class, your entrée, dessert and bread will be served together. Everything is served packaged or covered for you to unwrap. You’ll receive a pre-packaged snack for midflight and a fresh packaged meal for pre-arrival.
Your safety and the safety of our employees is our highest priority. To try and further limit potential exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) on board, we’re temporarily adjusting our inflight service as of March 29 and will be moving to primarily pre-packaged foods and sealed beverages. Preorder meals and food for purchase will not be available. We’re also unable to offer special meals except for Kosher meals on flights to and from Tel Aviv.
Beverage changes for all flights
We will only offer sealed beverages and we will no longer offer ice, coffee and tea service, and poured alcohol. Instead of pouring you water from a large bottle, we’ll provide sealed individual water bottles. In premium cabins, we will offer beer and individual wines. Flights under 2 hours and 20 minutes will only have beverages on request.
Food changes for domestic flights
For flights under 2 hours and 20 minutes, we will not offer a snack service in any cabin. As always, you’re welcome to bring snacks on board.
For flights over 2 hours and 20 minutes, you will receive your choice of pretzels, a stroopwafel or cookies in United Economy®. In the premium cabin, you’ll be offered a snackbox.
Food changes for premium transcontinental flights
If you’re flying in United Economy or Economy Plus®, you’ll be offered a snack choice. Customers in the premium cabin will receive their packaged meal with their entrée choice covered and will be offered a packaged snack for pre-arrival.
Food changes for international flights
In United Economy®, you’ll receive an entrée, a snack and packaged dessert, as well as pre-packed mid-flight and pre-arrival items on select flights. Everything is served packaged or covered for you to unwrap.
In United Premium Plus® and United Polaris® business class, your entrée, dessert and bread will be served together. Everything is served packaged or covered for you to unwrap. You’ll receive a pre-packaged snack for midflight and a fresh packaged meal for pre-arrival.
crew meals, covered by contract, appear minimally changed
COVID Era UA inflight service changes {Archive}
Aug 13, 2020, 10:42 pm
#721
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: CLE
Programs: NEXUS, MileagePlus Silver, Frontier Diamond, IHG Spire, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 264
Aug 14, 2020, 2:34 pm
#723
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Rockin' the Bakken
Programs: Several
Posts: 978
Actually received snacks in Y on yesterday’s mainline flight (not on express though, but they did serve coffee on the CRJ-200 for the morning flight). I’ve never seen these mini-tortilla chips before, but they expired on 8/20 so one week after my flight. Also received a pack of Biscoffs. Wasn’t offered a choice, just “would you like snacks?” and was handed both.
I’m thinking they were just trying to get rid of inventory before they expire. I didn’t see the expiration of the Biscoffs though.
I’m thinking they were just trying to get rid of inventory before they expire. I didn’t see the expiration of the Biscoffs though.
Aug 15, 2020, 12:21 am
#724
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,199
Actually received snacks in Y on yesterday’s mainline flight (not on express though, but they did serve coffee on the CRJ-200 for the morning flight). I’ve never seen these mini-tortilla chips before, but they expired on 8/20 so one week after my flight. Also received a pack of Biscoffs. Wasn’t offered a choice, just “would you like snacks?” and was handed both.
I’m thinking they were just trying to get rid of inventory before they expire. I didn’t see the expiration of the Biscoffs though.
I’m thinking they were just trying to get rid of inventory before they expire. I didn’t see the expiration of the Biscoffs though.
Aug 15, 2020, 1:35 am
#725
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Rockin' the Bakken
Programs: Several
Posts: 978
I really feel for the regional cabin crews like Skywest that operate under different mainline carriers though because I can only imagine how difficult it is to keep track of which mainline carrier has which policy. Mainline cabin crew seem to struggle, and I don’t blame them. Now throw two or three competing strategies for cabin service in the mix for regionals.
Aug 17, 2020, 9:56 am
#726
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,005
Read on MatthewLAX's blog that they are going to discontinue offering craft beers onboard. Big 
from me...I would rather drink no-name wine than no-name beer on board.
from me...I would rather drink no-name wine than no-name beer on board.
Aug 17, 2020, 11:37 am
#727
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 5,449
The latest from Matthew/Live and Let's Fly: https://liveandletsfly.com/united-airlines-craft-beer/
About the only thing they succeed at in this department these days is finding new ways to insult the customer.
About the only thing they succeed at in this department these days is finding new ways to insult the customer.
Aug 17, 2020, 12:01 pm
#728
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YYC
Programs: UA 1K, Accor Platinum, Marriott Gold, Delta Silver, Hilton Gold
Posts: 361
The latest from Matthew/Live and Let's Fly: https://liveandletsfly.com/united-airlines-craft-beer/
About the only thing they succeed at in this department these days is finding new ways to insult the customer.
About the only thing they succeed at in this department these days is finding new ways to insult the customer.
Guess UA is really betting everything on a business travel rebound or maybe they spent all their budget with Clorox.
Aug 17, 2020, 12:25 pm
#729
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,842
Aug 17, 2020, 12:36 pm
#730
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YYC
Programs: UA 1K, Accor Platinum, Marriott Gold, Delta Silver, Hilton Gold
Posts: 361
They probably determined that better service won't improve revenue and they're waiting for business travel to return.
Not all airlines have cut service though. From what I hear, some examples are ANA, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways.
Aug 17, 2020, 1:14 pm
#731
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, CO
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Posts: 4,753
None of those fly domestic in the US and United does have food services on routes like ANA and LH operate, though not to the other airline's standards.
Aug 17, 2020, 1:22 pm
#732
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YYC
Programs: UA 1K, Accor Platinum, Marriott Gold, Delta Silver, Hilton Gold
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If travellers are choosing by price and services are pretty much null, are customers switching to cheaper airlines like Spirit and Frontier? Unless UA is lowering domestic prices to their levels.
International fares are more expensive, from what I notice.
Aug 17, 2020, 1:23 pm
#733
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Aug 17, 2020, 1:30 pm
#734
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When American introduced hot meals for flights over 2200 miles during COVID, they have realized that this wasn't an important factor for paid First Class passengers, so they have changed the service to a cheese plate + snack basket service.
In addition, most airlines are currently doing a safety theater to cover up their cost-cutting measures.
By the way, Lufthansa has downgraded meal services on Economy Class on some routes; ANA has also downgraded their meal services even on long-haul ones.
Qatar Airways is an exception that they still provide their full service on all routes and all cabins.
I'm not very familiar with the domestic market.
If travellers are choosing by price and services are pretty much null, are customers switching to cheaper airlines like Spirit and Frontier? Unless UA is lowering domestic prices to their levels.
International fares are more expensive, from what I notice.
If travellers are choosing by price and services are pretty much null, are customers switching to cheaper airlines like Spirit and Frontier? Unless UA is lowering domestic prices to their levels.
International fares are more expensive, from what I notice.
However, I would not pay for Domestic First on DL, AA, UA with the exception of premium transcontinental routes with this price tariff. If I wanted to enjoy extra space, Spirit's Big Front seat is much cheaper than a legacy carriers DF.
Aug 17, 2020, 1:46 pm
#735
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YYC
Programs: UA 1K, Accor Platinum, Marriott Gold, Delta Silver, Hilton Gold
Posts: 361
I saw a recent ANA trip report (economy) and food looked exactly like pre-covid. Their economy service might catch up with Polaris soon if UA keeps with the cuts.
I have a Polaris trip next week so I'll soon see for myself how they compare.