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}
Dec 22, 2020, 4:22 pm
#1186
Join Date: Jan 2020
Programs: united
Posts: 11
I'm pretty sure I know the answer already, but here goes... I'm in first for EWR-HNL next week. I know we get breakfast, but is there a second meal service given that it's blocked at over 11 hours? I'm guessing the snack basket will be out for nibbling, but anything else pre-arrival or mid-flight?
Also on a side note, any way to know this far out what the specific seating configuration will be (2-1-2 or 1-1-1)?
Mahalo nui!
Also on a side note, any way to know this far out what the specific seating configuration will be (2-1-2 or 1-1-1)?
Mahalo nui!
Dec 22, 2020, 5:31 pm
#1187
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
My SFO-HNL had the dreaded sandwich/snack box option today. Fortunately I was prepared with a Klein’s Deli sandwich
Dec 22, 2020, 9:01 pm
#1188
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Mileage Plus Global Services 2MM
Posts: 1,201
I'm pretty sure I know the answer already, but here goes... I'm in first for EWR-HNL next week. I know we get breakfast, but is there a second meal service given that it's blocked at over 11 hours? I'm guessing the snack basket will be out for nibbling, but anything else pre-arrival or mid-flight?
Also on a side note, any way to know this far out what the specific seating configuration will be (2-1-2 or 1-1-1)?
Mahalo nui!
Also on a side note, any way to know this far out what the specific seating configuration will be (2-1-2 or 1-1-1)?
Mahalo nui!
Dec 23, 2020, 12:57 pm
#1189
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
Took my first UA flights since Jan 2020 and was pleasantly surprised to get a snack pack with water, pretzels and a stroopwafel. Perfectly adequate for a 2-hour UAX flight.
FYI for those who (like me) are missing the snacks Mrs. B found stroopwafels for sale at Trader Joes. Personally I like the UA ones better
FYI for those who (like me) are missing the snacks Mrs. B found stroopwafels for sale at Trader Joes. Personally I like the UA ones better
Dec 23, 2020, 1:26 pm
#1190
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
Dec 27, 2020, 9:04 pm
#1191
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: ORD
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 211
I’m booked on a 59 minute flight IAH-AUS on an A320, any chance of a drink service in either cabin?
Dec 27, 2020, 9:08 pm
#1192
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: 66,857
Dec 29, 2020, 4:44 am
#1193
Join Date: May 2004
Location: OAK
Programs: UA Gold MM / AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,504
BR also reduced service
1. The global pandemic has resulted in a drastic reduction in size, quality and variety of the Polaris meal service - it is not really appropriate to serve a mid-con F cabin meal on a 9+ hr Polaris flight, and it certainly is connected to the dollars spent from the customer's perspective as it pertains to the value received for the money paid. All things equal, one would find a better soft product experience, and seat, on any ANA or BR flight operating to Asia at this point
2. The Polaris meals are, from what I can remember, in foil containers for hot dishes and in other containers, or in covered dishes for the cold items - just go down the aisle and hand the stuff out as it was delivered by catering, it's not the end of the world if the plating isn't pretty, but again, this is based on a return to the prior Polaris meal size/quantity, quality and variety that I am alluding to here
3. Again, it's not the amount of covering, it's the amount, quality, quantity and variety of food being served in Polaris today vs 12 months ago. That is what needs to be restored, the plating issue to minimize crew touching/delivering is based on just handing items out prepacked and covered - provided you receive everything now that you would have received 12 months ago
Aside from your list, the main defects with Polaris catering now, center on the smaller meal size, lack of variety, poor quality/quantity of both the main meal features, and the pre-arrival meal where applicable. So, my point is, with relatively minor tweaking to the delivery/serving process, the Polaris meals of 12 months ago could be served today if it wasn't for cheapness.
2. The Polaris meals are, from what I can remember, in foil containers for hot dishes and in other containers, or in covered dishes for the cold items - just go down the aisle and hand the stuff out as it was delivered by catering, it's not the end of the world if the plating isn't pretty, but again, this is based on a return to the prior Polaris meal size/quantity, quality and variety that I am alluding to here
3. Again, it's not the amount of covering, it's the amount, quality, quantity and variety of food being served in Polaris today vs 12 months ago. That is what needs to be restored, the plating issue to minimize crew touching/delivering is based on just handing items out prepacked and covered - provided you receive everything now that you would have received 12 months ago
Aside from your list, the main defects with Polaris catering now, center on the smaller meal size, lack of variety, poor quality/quantity of both the main meal features, and the pre-arrival meal where applicable. So, my point is, with relatively minor tweaking to the delivery/serving process, the Polaris meals of 12 months ago could be served today if it wasn't for cheapness.
Dec 29, 2020, 8:02 pm
#1194
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,347
I really liked my snack box on ORD-IAH today. I'm a big fan of cheese and crackers.
I was also wearing an FT shirt, and as is my goal, it sparked a conversation with someone who noticed it. This time, it was a flight attendant who asked what it was. But we chatted for quite a while, discussing things like our disdain of people who have their mask off for 60 minutes while they eat 3 almonds.
I haven't had a particularly bad crew (on any airline) in quite a while, but this one was better than average before we even had a conversation.
Some employees definitely really care about COVID precautions, but are getting tired of the confrontations over things like wearing masks.
I was also wearing an FT shirt, and as is my goal, it sparked a conversation with someone who noticed it. This time, it was a flight attendant who asked what it was. But we chatted for quite a while, discussing things like our disdain of people who have their mask off for 60 minutes while they eat 3 almonds.
I haven't had a particularly bad crew (on any airline) in quite a while, but this one was better than average before we even had a conversation.
Some employees definitely really care about COVID precautions, but are getting tired of the confrontations over things like wearing masks.
Dec 29, 2020, 8:27 pm
#1195
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,468
I really liked my snack box on ORD-IAH today. I'm a big fan of cheese and crackers.
I was also wearing an FT shirt, and as is my goal, it sparked a conversation with someone who noticed it. This time, it was a flight attendant who asked what it was. But we chatted for quite a while, discussing things like our disdain of people who have their mask off for 60 minutes while they eat 3 almonds.
I haven't had a particularly bad crew (on any airline) in quite a while, but this one was better than average before we even had a conversation.
Some employees definitely really care about COVID precautions, but are getting tired of the confrontations over things like wearing masks.
I was also wearing an FT shirt, and as is my goal, it sparked a conversation with someone who noticed it. This time, it was a flight attendant who asked what it was. But we chatted for quite a while, discussing things like our disdain of people who have their mask off for 60 minutes while they eat 3 almonds.
I haven't had a particularly bad crew (on any airline) in quite a while, but this one was better than average before we even had a conversation.
Some employees definitely really care about COVID precautions, but are getting tired of the confrontations over things like wearing masks.
Will your interlocuter join us here?
UA voices on the inside are great to have.
Dec 31, 2020, 3:49 pm
#1196
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: UA 1K, AA Gold, DL Silver
Posts: 410
I recently flew MIA-LAX in J on AA. Wow, was that a 180 in service from what UA is offering in premium transcon (I have flown UA EWR-LAX several times during pandemic). Excellent food and service throughout on AA.
Ignoring that half of my recent UA flights have had extreme delays due to operational/mechanical issues, the entire UA travel experience is at the bottom of line below AA, DL, and AS—I have flown all of them this year.
UA needs to get it together. They can pack planes but can’t serve real food? I would have more respect for UA if it came out and called itself a budget airline already.
Ignoring that half of my recent UA flights have had extreme delays due to operational/mechanical issues, the entire UA travel experience is at the bottom of line below AA, DL, and AS—I have flown all of them this year.
UA needs to get it together. They can pack planes but can’t serve real food? I would have more respect for UA if it came out and called itself a budget airline already.
Dec 31, 2020, 5:36 pm
#1197
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: 42,214
Jan 1, 2021, 1:30 am
#1198
Join Date: May 2004
Location: OAK
Programs: UA Gold MM / AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,504
I flew on SFO-TPE in mid December for reference
Also, the lounge options in TPE are similarly disappointing with almost everything closed. The only shower option was the publicly available shower with limited hot water and bring your own towel
Jan 1, 2021, 5:12 pm
#1199
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: 42,214
Much smaller portions, reduced menu options, lack of any mid flight snack options, no menus. Drink options limited. Basically was like domestic UA meal service might have been in 2019. Very disappointing.
I flew on SFO-TPE in mid December for reference
Also, the lounge options in TPE are similarly disappointing with almost everything closed. The only shower option was the publicly available shower with limited hot water and bring your own towel
I flew on SFO-TPE in mid December for reference
Also, the lounge options in TPE are similarly disappointing with almost everything closed. The only shower option was the publicly available shower with limited hot water and bring your own towel
Jan 1, 2021, 5:28 pm
#1200
Join Date: May 2004
Location: OAK
Programs: UA Gold MM / AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,504