2021 Let's Eat - United First, United Business, & Premium Transcon Service
#1651
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,588
EWR-LAX Dec 17
- No Alcohol PDB, bottled water only.
- 4-5 Mask announcements. “Having food in front of you is not enough; you have to be actively eating or drinking”
- The meal below was good. I had Thai chicken soup in the lounge, a sesame ginger Asian salad, and then this Thai Chicken. Safe, reliable options. No complaints!!! 👍
- Pretzel roll was warm!
- 1st drink service was super slow. First time I noted the staff shortages (787-9).
![](https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/35e67040_3f0e_4be3_96ba_14cba0a5d167_efa986319fc195f40625d94eb9642a43cd369ca9.jpeg)
Thai chicken
- No Alcohol PDB, bottled water only.
- 4-5 Mask announcements. “Having food in front of you is not enough; you have to be actively eating or drinking”
- The meal below was good. I had Thai chicken soup in the lounge, a sesame ginger Asian salad, and then this Thai Chicken. Safe, reliable options. No complaints!!! 👍
- Pretzel roll was warm!
- 1st drink service was super slow. First time I noted the staff shortages (787-9).
![](https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/35e67040_3f0e_4be3_96ba_14cba0a5d167_efa986319fc195f40625d94eb9642a43cd369ca9.jpeg)
Thai chicken
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#1652
Join Date: Jun 2021
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K, AAdvantage Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 298
Just on the IAD to FRA flight; full passenger load,
as holiday travel has started.
Glassware was back for drinks, but nuts served on the meal tray were cold and served in a lidded plastic cup. Beverage was offered before departure and after takeoff, but no offer was made for drinks at the time meal tray was delivered. I had salmon with rice, which was tasty. What’s with the lack of drink service? Is it another so called covid safety measure to keep people from removing masks?
as holiday travel has started.
Glassware was back for drinks, but nuts served on the meal tray were cold and served in a lidded plastic cup. Beverage was offered before departure and after takeoff, but no offer was made for drinks at the time meal tray was delivered. I had salmon with rice, which was tasty. What’s with the lack of drink service? Is it another so called covid safety measure to keep people from removing masks?
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#1653
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,588
Just on the IAD to FRA flight; full passenger load,
as holiday travel has started.
Glassware was back for drinks, but nuts served on the meal tray were cold and served in a lidded plastic cup. Beverage was offered before departure and after takeoff, but no offer was made for drinks at the time meal tray was delivered. I had salmon with rice, which was tasty. What’s with the lack of drink service? Is it another so called covid safety measure to keep people from removing masks?
as holiday travel has started.
Glassware was back for drinks, but nuts served on the meal tray were cold and served in a lidded plastic cup. Beverage was offered before departure and after takeoff, but no offer was made for drinks at the time meal tray was delivered. I had salmon with rice, which was tasty. What’s with the lack of drink service? Is it another so called covid safety measure to keep people from removing masks?
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#1654
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: DCA, IAD (not BWI if I can help it)
Programs: UA 1MM 1K, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Explorist, status-free on AA, AS, B6, DL, WN, Amtrak, etc.
Posts: 1,485
UA 1991 EWR-SFO, 12/20/2021
787-9
My first flight upfront since the return of glassware! No PDB besides bottled water, though.
![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/750x1000/pxl_20211220_170908251_d5544d09576698db9366d902b61cea170aa8cd3f.jpg)
Lunch choices were chicken with orzo or butternut squash ravioli, and I went with the pasta. Everything on the tray arrived uncovered except for the warmed-up pretzel roll and the cold nuts. The lemongrass flavor in that salad was a pleasant surprise, and the drink service was at pre-pandemic levels--a few minutes after I took this shot, the FA noticed my empty champagne flute sitting to one side and asked if I wanted a refill.
![](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/1000x750/pxl_20211220_173825553_34e53b72b4e8402c007a0976693d55b7410cd9cc.jpg)
Snack choices were hummus with veggies or the charcuterie plate you see below. See the plastic utensils? I have no idea why this course didn't come with metal utensils.
787-9
My first flight upfront since the return of glassware! No PDB besides bottled water, though.
![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/750x1000/pxl_20211220_170908251_d5544d09576698db9366d902b61cea170aa8cd3f.jpg)
Lunch choices were chicken with orzo or butternut squash ravioli, and I went with the pasta. Everything on the tray arrived uncovered except for the warmed-up pretzel roll and the cold nuts. The lemongrass flavor in that salad was a pleasant surprise, and the drink service was at pre-pandemic levels--a few minutes after I took this shot, the FA noticed my empty champagne flute sitting to one side and asked if I wanted a refill.
![](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/1000x750/pxl_20211220_173825553_34e53b72b4e8402c007a0976693d55b7410cd9cc.jpg)
Snack choices were hummus with veggies or the charcuterie plate you see below. See the plastic utensils? I have no idea why this course didn't come with metal utensils.
![](https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/1000x750/pxl_20211220_202950231_44dc5bc00ee3cddfdac4a98ec5fe067601b63008.jpg)
Last edited by DCA writer; Dec 21, 2021 at 3:09 pm
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#1655
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: United 1K, *wood LT Plat
Posts: 828
MCO-ORD “Snack” on a 738.
Great service throughout flight, including full PDB by request.
Snack options were presented as either the tomato/mozzarella sandwich or chicken sandwich; apologized during distribution that apparently catering only loaded chicken and got snack boxes from coach for those of us who wanted them. Had a stray mango White Claw.
Great elite status recognition.
Great service throughout flight, including full PDB by request.
Snack options were presented as either the tomato/mozzarella sandwich or chicken sandwich; apologized during distribution that apparently catering only loaded chicken and got snack boxes from coach for those of us who wanted them. Had a stray mango White Claw.
Great elite status recognition.
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#1656
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,203
This is so sad compared to AA. They have pretty much returned to full pre-COVID levels of service on their trans-cons:
- choice of water, OJ or sparkling wine pre-departure
- order on website before flight
- printed menus
- 3-4 choices (beef, chicken, fish, vegetarian)
- hot towels
- warmed nuts in ramekins
- ice cream, cheese plate, deserts
- snack basket with more than 2 choices
- warmed cookie prior to arrival
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#1657
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Tucson
Programs: UA Gold , Marriott Platinum. Both earned BIS/Nights
Posts: 78
As someone with Celiac and is strict at home and should be Gluten Free, this meal looks like heaven. I’m fortunate I don’t get sick from possible contamination (even though I should avoid it) this meal should be fairly “gluten friendly”. Grilled chicken, steamed veg and polenta, salad , nuts.
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#1658
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Denver, Colorado
Programs: IHG Spire, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Titanium, Mileage Plus Silver
Posts: 1,753
Denver to LAX last Saturday.
Got tired of eating the same chicken dish and too short of a flight to sober up after drinking, so flew economy plus row 21. Better legroom than up front.
10 more snack boxes to use up the last of my 2021 Amex airline credit. FA bagged them in the recycling bag for me.
Got tired of eating the same chicken dish and too short of a flight to sober up after drinking, so flew economy plus row 21. Better legroom than up front.
10 more snack boxes to use up the last of my 2021 Amex airline credit. FA bagged them in the recycling bag for me.
![](https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/71d15cd6_84b4_41e3_8748_88a75c1a4d3c_7f615da6ab908a01f11d4449b978e9d093b6481d.jpeg)
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#1659
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,303
Denver to LAX last Saturday.
Got tired of eating the same chicken dish and too short of a flight to sober up after drinking, so flew economy plus row 21. Better legroom than up front.
10 more snack boxes to use up the last of my 2021 Amex airline credit. FA bagged them in the recycling bag for me.
![](https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/71d15cd6_84b4_41e3_8748_88a75c1a4d3c_7f615da6ab908a01f11d4449b978e9d093b6481d.jpeg)
Got tired of eating the same chicken dish and too short of a flight to sober up after drinking, so flew economy plus row 21. Better legroom than up front.
10 more snack boxes to use up the last of my 2021 Amex airline credit. FA bagged them in the recycling bag for me.
![](https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/71d15cd6_84b4_41e3_8748_88a75c1a4d3c_7f615da6ab908a01f11d4449b978e9d093b6481d.jpeg)
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#1660
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: SEA/NYC/IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 2,079
Denver to LAX last Saturday.
Got tired of eating the same chicken dish and too short of a flight to sober up after drinking, so flew economy plus row 21. Better legroom than up front.
10 more snack boxes to use up the last of my 2021 Amex airline credit. FA bagged them in the recycling bag for me.
Got tired of eating the same chicken dish and too short of a flight to sober up after drinking, so flew economy plus row 21. Better legroom than up front.
10 more snack boxes to use up the last of my 2021 Amex airline credit. FA bagged them in the recycling bag for me.
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#1661
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Denver, Colorado
Programs: IHG Spire, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Titanium, Mileage Plus Silver
Posts: 1,753
As someone who goes to national parks for hiking, they sell the same garbage in the United boxes as bagged lunch. Non perishable and high sodium for hiking for something like 25 dollars a sac lunch. I just grab one of United's boxes with a fruit and some electrolight powder and I have the same thing for a fraction of the price that the National Parks charge for. So I see grabbing the boxes from United as a savings and a much better value.
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#1662
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAH/EWR-LGA/MIA
Programs: UA Global Services 3.2 MM, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite, AA Exec Plat, BA Gold
Posts: 2,615
IAH-EWR 22 Dec 935 am 763 seat 5A
50 minute delay due to late-arriving crew. Rare departure from Terminal D made Centurion Lounge even more of a no-brainer than usual. Delay at the gate spurred an unplanned trip to the nearby KLM Crown Lounge, which is dreadful for breakfast, food-wise (but good on booze if that’s your thing).
Finally boarded. No PDB despite oodles of time to do it. Breakfast orders taken very curtly before departure. Went with the waffle for the first time and oh my what a sugar high (especially with the side of lemon wafers) but it was quite tasty. First time getting Dole fruit cup ex-IAH. (They must have finally run out of grapes.) Adult-proof plastic seal resulted in an explosion of sticky fruit juice all over tray and arm. Literally a worse choice than no fruit at all.
Drink order was taken post-takeoff and before serving breakfast. Crew kept proactively refilling bubbly, so no complaints there.
Watched “The Night House” from the list of new releases. Recommend!
Happy Holidays all!
![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/9dad8588_fe11_4d9a_9bbb_12a589b9016b_97aa248166ae3a9d0e59dbe2ec2f550eefcd2a33.jpeg)
Finally boarded. No PDB despite oodles of time to do it. Breakfast orders taken very curtly before departure. Went with the waffle for the first time and oh my what a sugar high (especially with the side of lemon wafers) but it was quite tasty. First time getting Dole fruit cup ex-IAH. (They must have finally run out of grapes.) Adult-proof plastic seal resulted in an explosion of sticky fruit juice all over tray and arm. Literally a worse choice than no fruit at all.
Drink order was taken post-takeoff and before serving breakfast. Crew kept proactively refilling bubbly, so no complaints there.
Watched “The Night House” from the list of new releases. Recommend!
Happy Holidays all!
![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/9dad8588_fe11_4d9a_9bbb_12a589b9016b_97aa248166ae3a9d0e59dbe2ec2f550eefcd2a33.jpeg)
![](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/f23929e8_e935_4869_b8d8_1e952de32b6c_04137fe88affbfc9835ec49f5bd4d60ebd661278.jpeg)
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#1663
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: SNA (home), LAX, BOM/PNQ, LHR
Programs: UA 1K/*G, Marriott Gold Elite, IHG Platinum, HHonors Silver
Posts: 979
IAH-EWR 22 Dec 935 am 763 seat 5A
Finally boarded. No PDB despite oodles of time to do it. Breakfast orders taken very curtly before departure. Went with the waffle for the first time and oh my what a sugar high (especially with the side of lemon wafers) but it was quite tasty. First time getting Dole fruit cup ex-IAH. (They must have finally run out of grapes.) Adult-proof plastic seal resulted in an explosion of sticky fruit juice all over tray and arm. Literally a worse choice than no fruit at all.
Happy Holidays all!
![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/9dad8588_fe11_4d9a_9bbb_12a589b9016b_97aa248166ae3a9d0e59dbe2ec2f550eefcd2a33.jpeg)
![](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/f23929e8_e935_4869_b8d8_1e952de32b6c_04137fe88affbfc9835ec49f5bd4d60ebd661278.jpeg)
Finally boarded. No PDB despite oodles of time to do it. Breakfast orders taken very curtly before departure. Went with the waffle for the first time and oh my what a sugar high (especially with the side of lemon wafers) but it was quite tasty. First time getting Dole fruit cup ex-IAH. (They must have finally run out of grapes.) Adult-proof plastic seal resulted in an explosion of sticky fruit juice all over tray and arm. Literally a worse choice than no fruit at all.
Happy Holidays all!
![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/9dad8588_fe11_4d9a_9bbb_12a589b9016b_97aa248166ae3a9d0e59dbe2ec2f550eefcd2a33.jpeg)
![](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/f23929e8_e935_4869_b8d8_1e952de32b6c_04137fe88affbfc9835ec49f5bd4d60ebd661278.jpeg)
Last edited by flyingrohit; Dec 23, 2021 at 12:43 pm
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#1664
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: AA PP, UA Platinum/MM, WoH Globalist, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,584
Also another AA enhancement over UA: real milk for coffee and tea on offer versus whatever those things are that UA now offers.
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#1665
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YYC
Programs: UA 1K, Accor Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Delta Silver
Posts: 371
DEN-EWR Breakfast
FA was offering mimosas as PDBs so I got another with my meal.
![](https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.flyertalk.com-vbulletin/1546x970/img_0854_19bec4fa665a34147848c2c0eaedb804add9137e.jpg)
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