May 11, 2022, 1:38 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This us an archive thread, the active thread is General discussion of UA's inflight service (Domestic / International, all cabins)
previous thread: COVID Era UA inflight service changes
Thread is for general discussion of the state of UA in-flight service / catering, comparison to other carriers, past UA offerings and concerns with management decisions.
For a specific post about a recent in-flight food, use the appropriate Let's Eat .... thread.
The current Onboard Service descriptions by UA.com
Long-haul international premium cabin dining
North America, Caribbean and Latin America premium cabin dining
United Economy dining
Since the UA website is extremely vague, I'm looking for a few volunteers to submit data, and I will summarize to complete the wiki. kind regards, phkc070408
Domestic Under 300 Miles
Sample 1
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 2
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 3
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 4
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 5
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Domestic Over 300 Miles Under 800 Miles
Sample 1
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 2
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 3
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 4
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 5
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Domestic Over 800 Miles
Sample 1
Route? Morning or Afternoon or Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket?
Sample 2
Route? Morning or Afternoon or Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket?
Sample 3
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening/. or Late Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket?
Sample 4
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Late Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket?
Sample 5
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Late Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket?
P-Tcon
Sample 1
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket/Pre-Arrival?
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 2
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket/Pre-Arrival?
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 3
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket/Pre-Arrival?
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 4
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket/Pre-Arrival?
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 5
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket/Pre-Arrival?
Any other notes of relevance?
Polaris USA - Europe
Sample 1
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Menu?
Hot Towels?
First Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Appetizer / Desert Info:
Snack Basket/Mid-Flight Snack?
Arrival Meal? Short Description.
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 2
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Menu?
Hot Towels?
First Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Appetizer / Desert Info:
Snack Basket/Mid-Flight Snack?
Arrival Meal? Short Description.
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 3
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Menu?
Hot Towels?
First Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Appetizer / Desert Info:
Snack Basket/Mid-Flight Snack?
Arrival Meal? Short Description.
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 4
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Menu?
Hot Towels?
First Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Appetizer / Desert Info:
Snack Basket/Mid-Flight Snack?
Arrival Meal? Short Description.
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 5
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Menu?
Hot Towels?
First Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Appetizer / Desert Info:
Snack Basket/Mid-Flight Snack?
Arrival Meal? Short Description.
Any other notes of relevance?
Related thread: How bad does onboard catering need to get before UA invests in improving it?
previous thread: COVID Era UA inflight service changes
Thread is for general discussion of the state of UA in-flight service / catering, comparison to other carriers, past UA offerings and concerns with management decisions.
For a specific post about a recent in-flight food, use the appropriate Let's Eat .... thread.
The current Onboard Service descriptions by UA.com
Long-haul international premium cabin dining
North America, Caribbean and Latin America premium cabin dining
United Economy dining
Since the UA website is extremely vague, I'm looking for a few volunteers to submit data, and I will summarize to complete the wiki. kind regards, phkc070408
Domestic Under 300 Miles
Sample 1
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 2
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 3
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 4
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 5
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Domestic Over 300 Miles Under 800 Miles
Sample 1
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 2
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 3
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 4
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Sample 5
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Bagged Snack? Yes/No
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Domestic Over 800 Miles
Sample 1
Route? Morning or Afternoon or Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket?
Sample 2
Route? Morning or Afternoon or Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket?
Sample 3
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening/. or Late Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket?
Sample 4
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Late Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket?
Sample 5
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Late Evening?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Served Snacked? Yes/No. Hot/Cold. What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket?
P-Tcon
Sample 1
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket/Pre-Arrival?
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 2
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket/Pre-Arrival?
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 3
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket/Pre-Arrival?
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 4
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket/Pre-Arrival?
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 5
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Snack Basket/Pre-Arrival?
Any other notes of relevance?
Polaris USA - Europe
Sample 1
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Menu?
Hot Towels?
First Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Appetizer / Desert Info:
Snack Basket/Mid-Flight Snack?
Arrival Meal? Short Description.
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 2
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Menu?
Hot Towels?
First Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Appetizer / Desert Info:
Snack Basket/Mid-Flight Snack?
Arrival Meal? Short Description.
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 3
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Menu?
Hot Towels?
First Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Appetizer / Desert Info:
Snack Basket/Mid-Flight Snack?
Arrival Meal? Short Description.
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 4
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Menu?
Hot Towels?
First Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Appetizer / Desert Info:
Snack Basket/Mid-Flight Snack?
Arrival Meal? Short Description.
Any other notes of relevance?
Sample 5
Route? Morning or Afternoon/Evening or Red-Eye?
PDB - Yes/No? What was offered?
Menu?
Hot Towels?
First Meal Served? Yes/No. Short description.
Appetizer / Desert Info:
Snack Basket/Mid-Flight Snack?
Arrival Meal? Short Description.
Any other notes of relevance?
Related thread: How bad does onboard catering need to get before UA invests in improving it?
General discussion of UA's inflight service (Domestic / Int’l, all cabins) {Archive}
Sep 25, 2022, 2:09 pm
#1561
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,515
It's been like that for years. Some will tell you otherwise, but I maintain the majority of UA FAs only do the bare minimum. On a recent flight, empty glassware sat there the entirety of the remaining flight after dinner service (of the same old zataar chicken).
Sep 25, 2022, 3:08 pm
#1562
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ORD / PHX
Programs: UA LT 1K 3MM (former 12 yr GS), Bonvoy Amb/LT Plat
Posts: 1,341
It is so variable by crew! Years ago, I would’ve commented that it was the pmCO crews that would go hide (because we were on pmCO planes), while pmUA were generally more attentive. Can’t really say that anymore - but I get great and terrible service now, just depends.
Sep 25, 2022, 3:30 pm
#1563
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: Free Agent, Any Status is Accidental
Posts: 1,395
I may be biased by my opinion that people in the bay area are awesome, but I have still found SFO-based crews to be consistently excellent!
Sep 25, 2022, 4:49 pm
#1564
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: AA Exec Plat
Posts: 192
Some positive data points…
flew in last night FRA-SFO-LAX
SFO-LAX was a 10:30 pm red eye (I guess you can’t call it that since it landed at midnight) and they offered both PDB (not to order, but “champagne” or water selection from tray) and again in-flight drink service
flew in last night FRA-SFO-LAX
SFO-LAX was a 10:30 pm red eye (I guess you can’t call it that since it landed at midnight) and they offered both PDB (not to order, but “champagne” or water selection from tray) and again in-flight drink service
Sep 25, 2022, 4:49 pm
#1565
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Honors Diamond, Starwood Platinum Preferred
Posts: 292
I certainly hope not. I miss them even more on international flights. I enjoy them after sleeping on a long haul like SFO to SIN. To me, it makes a big difference in how I feel—especially if I am connecting and do not have time to take a shower in the lounge.
Sep 25, 2022, 6:28 pm
#1566
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,020
* Addressing customers by first name while confirming pre-ordered meal
* Drink orders were taken, and delivered en mass on the large silver tray, and passengers are expected to take drinks off the tray instead of them delivering drinks (probably because he can't balance the tray while delivering drinks)
* No proactive walking of the aisles after meal service to do refills or pre-arrival drinks.
Sep 25, 2022, 8:49 pm
#1567
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: NYC/LA
Programs: DL Plat, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 7,489
Sep 25, 2022, 10:03 pm
#1568
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Los Angeles / Basel
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 26,929
But you can always tell an ex-Con when the purser calls himself the international service manager. And when that happens, you can usually expect a mention of "OnePass."
Sep 25, 2022, 11:07 pm
#1569
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: BOS
Programs: 1MM, UA 1k
Posts: 529
I’m not sure if this belongs here, but I thought it was fascinating…feel free to move if not. It shines an interesting light on how Some other airlines think and spend.
https://www.ft.com/content/018f132b-...f-a5cad8ee4bdb
https://www.ft.com/content/018f132b-...f-a5cad8ee4bdb
Sep 26, 2022, 10:53 am
#1570
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: AA PP, UA 1K/MM, WoH Globalist, HH Gold
Posts: 1,201
I’m not sure if this belongs here, but I thought it was fascinating…feel free to move if not. It shines an interesting light on how Some other airlines think and spend.
https://www.ft.com/content/018f132b-...f-a5cad8ee4bdb
https://www.ft.com/content/018f132b-...f-a5cad8ee4bdb
Sep 26, 2022, 11:31 am
#1571
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
Sep 26, 2022, 11:43 am
#1572
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
Still the same - had a EWR based s-CO purser (who called himself as the Inflight Service Leader as opposed to Purser) on my flight yesterday, and the service was more transactional and going through the motion instead of going above and beyond. As example:
* Addressing customers by first name while confirming pre-ordered meal
* Drink orders were taken, and delivered en mass on the large silver tray, and passengers are expected to take drinks off the tray instead of them delivering drinks (probably because he can't balance the tray while delivering drinks)
* No proactive walking of the aisles after meal service to do refills or pre-arrival drinks.
* Addressing customers by first name while confirming pre-ordered meal
* Drink orders were taken, and delivered en mass on the large silver tray, and passengers are expected to take drinks off the tray instead of them delivering drinks (probably because he can't balance the tray while delivering drinks)
* No proactive walking of the aisles after meal service to do refills or pre-arrival drinks.
Sep 27, 2022, 8:22 am
#1573
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,620
Still the same - had a EWR based s-CO purser (who called himself as the Inflight Service Leader as opposed to Purser) on my flight yesterday, and the service was more transactional and going through the motion instead of going above and beyond. As example:
* Addressing customers by first name while confirming pre-ordered meal
* Drink orders were taken, and delivered en mass on the large silver tray, and passengers are expected to take drinks off the tray instead of them delivering drinks (probably because he can't balance the tray while delivering drinks)
* No proactive walking of the aisles after meal service to do refills or pre-arrival drinks.
* Addressing customers by first name while confirming pre-ordered meal
* Drink orders were taken, and delivered en mass on the large silver tray, and passengers are expected to take drinks off the tray instead of them delivering drinks (probably because he can't balance the tray while delivering drinks)
* No proactive walking of the aisles after meal service to do refills or pre-arrival drinks.
I flew both legacy UA and legacy CO and the catering was better on legacy CO than legacy UA, even if the FA were more professional on UA.
Sep 27, 2022, 8:45 am
#1574
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Bounding Around The Good 'Ole USA In My Chevrolet
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 381
Personally, I do not care how they address me they could say hey you and that would be fine, but improve the quality of the catering that would really improve the product.
I flew both legacy UA and legacy CO and the catering was better on legacy CO than legacy UA, even if the FA were more professional on UA.
I flew both legacy UA and legacy CO and the catering was better on legacy CO than legacy UA, even if the FA were more professional on UA.
Also...can we figure out how to put ovens on the ERJ-175s? I seem to be flying those a lot and I am sick of cold food.
Sep 27, 2022, 9:16 am
#1575
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Global Services 1MM,, AA Exec Plat. Hilton Honors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 606
Catering Email to UA GS
I am so frustrated with United catering. I’ve patiently waited for improvement with zero evidence that things are getting better. AA and DL have both stepped up their game. My email to UA GS today. I suggest you all do the same!
Has anyone heard any update on when we can expect improvement?
-Good Morning,
Having flown number segments in premium cabins on United this year, both domestic and international, the catering offering continues to be incredibly disappointing. I share this feedback as a loyal GS 1MM in hopes that United truly listens and addresses the issue.
As a competitive comparison, I decided to try American Airlines last week from LAX-JFK and their catering was vastly superior to United’s in their comparable Flagship Business Class product.
Regardless of route, United’s catering options lack any sort of premium feel, and they have remained consistently bad throughout the year. I’ve been patient and listened to feedback suggesting that catering would improve as we emerge from the pandemic, but months later is remains in the same state. I have noted some specific examples below:
- On United’s “Premium Service” routes (LAX-EWR) the morning selection is unchanged: Egg Pastry or French Toast. Either option lacks premium appearance, no variety in these options in months and the tray appears more similar to what you would find in an economy class cabin. No resumption of menus as in the past, no tray table linens. Both selections are served in bread, again very little variety. Neither is tasty in any way either.
- Domestic service includes the “Zatar Chicken” on nearly every route I’ve flown. Again lacking any premium appearance, incredibly dry in flavor and texture.
AA and DL have both resumed elevated, premium catering offerings in their premium cabins and I am quite puzzled as to why UA has not done the same.
I would love to see improvement in the following ways:
- More premium options in premium cabins (less packaged goods such as bread rolls and packaged desserts)
- More healthy oriented foods such as chicken salads
- Better presentation of food including improved plating, trays and linens + menus on premium routes
Today on United flight XXXX I received the same disappointing egg pastry or French toast option and decided not to eat.
I trust my feedback will be shared with United management in hopes of seeing real improvement to on board catering in the near future.
Has anyone heard any update on when we can expect improvement?
-Good Morning,
Having flown number segments in premium cabins on United this year, both domestic and international, the catering offering continues to be incredibly disappointing. I share this feedback as a loyal GS 1MM in hopes that United truly listens and addresses the issue.
As a competitive comparison, I decided to try American Airlines last week from LAX-JFK and their catering was vastly superior to United’s in their comparable Flagship Business Class product.
Regardless of route, United’s catering options lack any sort of premium feel, and they have remained consistently bad throughout the year. I’ve been patient and listened to feedback suggesting that catering would improve as we emerge from the pandemic, but months later is remains in the same state. I have noted some specific examples below:
- On United’s “Premium Service” routes (LAX-EWR) the morning selection is unchanged: Egg Pastry or French Toast. Either option lacks premium appearance, no variety in these options in months and the tray appears more similar to what you would find in an economy class cabin. No resumption of menus as in the past, no tray table linens. Both selections are served in bread, again very little variety. Neither is tasty in any way either.
- Domestic service includes the “Zatar Chicken” on nearly every route I’ve flown. Again lacking any premium appearance, incredibly dry in flavor and texture.
AA and DL have both resumed elevated, premium catering offerings in their premium cabins and I am quite puzzled as to why UA has not done the same.
I would love to see improvement in the following ways:
- More premium options in premium cabins (less packaged goods such as bread rolls and packaged desserts)
- More healthy oriented foods such as chicken salads
- Better presentation of food including improved plating, trays and linens + menus on premium routes
Today on United flight XXXX I received the same disappointing egg pastry or French toast option and decided not to eat.
I trust my feedback will be shared with United management in hopes of seeing real improvement to on board catering in the near future.
Last edited by globetraveler; Sep 27, 2022 at 9:24 am