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}
Oct 10, 2022, 5:20 pm
#1621
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: 42,217
It is my opinion UA does not consider any foreign airline a competitor (and I believe neither does American or Delta) - so until American and Delta start serving lobster tails and "real champagne" that won't be on UA's radar screen.
The US is Big 3 isn't trying to figure how to get market share from foreign airlines - but rather are focused on stealing US market share from each other.
The US is Big 3 isn't trying to figure how to get market share from foreign airlines - but rather are focused on stealing US market share from each other.
If this is all too much for United to deliver in a so-called premium business class product, then I can't help them.
Oct 10, 2022, 11:08 pm
#1622
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
I never asked United for lobster tails and champagne, I asked for a return to the pre-virus Polaris service that included a pre-departure welcome with beverage, an appetizer and salad served together with dressing choice poured from the cart, a bread selection with multiple options and additional service on request, a nicely plated, substantial sized entree that looked and tasted remotely appealing (sometimes even delicious), a dessert cart (or selection on request) of one, some or all of a sundae with custom toppings, mini pies and other small desserts, cheese, crackers and fruit, and depending on the length of flight and destination, a choice of a one or more hot entree items including soup and sandwich or noodle soup, etc., and a pre-arrival hot meal which may be a hot breakfast of an omelet with sides, cereal, or pancakes/waffles, etc including fresh warm breads, yogurt, and fruit.
If this is all too much for United to deliver in a so-called premium business class product, then I can't help them.
If this is all too much for United to deliver in a so-called premium business class product, then I can't help them.
How many years will it ultimately take before the realization takes effect?
Last edited by HNLbasedFlyer; Oct 10, 2022 at 11:16 pm
Oct 11, 2022, 1:07 am
#1623
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: AA Exec Plat
Posts: 192
I had no idea Cathay hasn't flown in more than 2 years wow
Oct 11, 2022, 6:18 am
#1624
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
I never asked United for lobster tails and champagne, I asked for a return to the pre-virus Polaris service that included a pre-departure welcome with beverage, an appetizer and salad served together with dressing choice poured from the cart, a bread selection with multiple options and additional service on request, a nicely plated, substantial sized entree that looked and tasted remotely appealing (sometimes even delicious), a dessert cart (or selection on request) of one, some or all of a sundae with custom toppings, mini pies and other small desserts, cheese, crackers and fruit, and depending on the length of flight and destination, a choice of a one or more hot entree items including soup and sandwich or noodle soup, etc., and a pre-arrival hot meal which may be a hot breakfast of an omelet with sides, cereal, or pancakes/waffles, etc including fres
If this is all too much for United to deliver in a so-called premium business class product, then I can't help them.
If this is all too much for United to deliver in a so-called premium business class product, then I can't help them.
Last edited by manstein58; Oct 11, 2022 at 8:09 am Reason: mispelling & misplaced
Oct 11, 2022, 7:59 am
#1625
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,467
I never asked United for lobster tails and champagne, I asked for a return to the pre-virus Polaris service that included a pre-departure welcome with beverage, an appetizer and salad served together with dressing choice poured from the cart, a bread selection with multiple options and additional service on request, a nicely plated, substantial sized entree that looked and tasted remotely appealing (sometimes even delicious), a dessert cart (or selection on request) of one, some or all of a sundae with custom toppings, mini pies and other small desserts, cheese, crackers and fruit, and depending on the length of flight and destination, a choice of a one or more hot entree items including soup and sandwich or noodle soup, etc., and a pre-arrival hot meal which may be a hot breakfast of an omelet with sides, cereal, or pancakes/waffles, etc including fresh warm breads, yogurt, and fruit.
CX has been operating continuously.
Don't believe everything you read on FT ;-)
Oct 11, 2022, 10:05 am
#1626
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,357
Oct 12, 2022, 12:15 pm
#1627
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
There was really one FA I interacted with and she was great - very kind and attentive. I thought the meal was tasty...it was comfort food that was not nicely presented, but at least was a nice alternative to the usual offerings.
For those who didn't see the report, this is from UA1122 from EWR-CPT. I ordered an AVML.
"special" meal was just the oatmeal, one of the two regular choices.
For those who did not order a special meal, this is all they had for a mid-flight snack:
(I did not even see any sandwiches)
For those who didn't see the report, this is from UA1122 from EWR-CPT. I ordered an AVML.
"special" meal was just the oatmeal, one of the two regular choices.
For those who did not order a special meal, this is all they had for a mid-flight snack:
(I did not even see any sandwiches)
Oct 12, 2022, 1:02 pm
#1628
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: UA 1K, DL PM, AA Nobody, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 564
Oct 12, 2022, 5:00 pm
#1629
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: TYO
Programs: United Premier Gold
Posts: 168
HNL - SFO FAs were some of the friendliest and nicest I've had in a LONG time.
Oct 12, 2022, 9:59 pm
#1630
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: 42,217
I’m sitting on JAL right now enroute to Tokyo and just stunned at the gap between inflight catering on JAL and Polaris, and I won’t even get into the difference in service quality.
Just looking at meal choices, quality, and quantity, the gap is enormous and JAL isn’t exactly one of the top airlines in the world.
My mid flight snack and pre landing meals, which I can order from my video controller at leisure and mix and match different dishes, sides and desserts from the ‘anytime menu’, was easily larger and more substantial than any of the main courses I’ve seen posted in this thread from United.
The sad pit that Polaris catering has fallen into is just incredible. Saying “you can eat in the Polaris Lounge” is not an excuse either, because the buffet spread I had last night at the regular Delta Sky Club in JFK or the new DL LAX lounge, can go head to head with any buffet I’ve experienced in a Polaris lounge, so if that’s United’s real strategy, they have work to do in that department too.
Just looking at meal choices, quality, and quantity, the gap is enormous and JAL isn’t exactly one of the top airlines in the world.
My mid flight snack and pre landing meals, which I can order from my video controller at leisure and mix and match different dishes, sides and desserts from the ‘anytime menu’, was easily larger and more substantial than any of the main courses I’ve seen posted in this thread from United.
The sad pit that Polaris catering has fallen into is just incredible. Saying “you can eat in the Polaris Lounge” is not an excuse either, because the buffet spread I had last night at the regular Delta Sky Club in JFK or the new DL LAX lounge, can go head to head with any buffet I’ve experienced in a Polaris lounge, so if that’s United’s real strategy, they have work to do in that department too.
Oct 13, 2022, 7:03 am
#1631
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,018
I flew a 90-minute (600 miles) domestic India flight last week on UK (Air Vistara) in business.
There were 4 main course options - indian style chicken, louisiana style chicken, one vegan and one vegetarian;
Plus french-press poured starbucks coffee, indian style tea or other tea choices, juices, coca cola, water, two choices of dessert, two appetizer choices.
I had the vegan option - it blew my mind!! Amazing taste (not just a bunch of leaves calling it "vegan").
Everyone got their choices.
You could try more than one dessert / appetizer if you wanted.
Surely they would have given me a second meal if I was terribly hungry.
Of course, I understand Vistara is not UA's competition. But the difference is service/quality, etc is ridiculous.
There were 4 main course options - indian style chicken, louisiana style chicken, one vegan and one vegetarian;
Plus french-press poured starbucks coffee, indian style tea or other tea choices, juices, coca cola, water, two choices of dessert, two appetizer choices.
I had the vegan option - it blew my mind!! Amazing taste (not just a bunch of leaves calling it "vegan").
Everyone got their choices.
You could try more than one dessert / appetizer if you wanted.
Surely they would have given me a second meal if I was terribly hungry.
Of course, I understand Vistara is not UA's competition. But the difference is service/quality, etc is ridiculous.
Oct 13, 2022, 11:22 am
#1632
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
I flew a 90-minute (600 miles) domestic India flight last week on UK (Air Vistara) in business.
There were 4 main course options - indian style chicken, louisiana style chicken, one vegan and one vegetarian;
Plus french-press poured starbucks coffee, indian style tea or other tea choices, juices, coca cola, water, two choices of dessert, two appetizer choices.
I had the vegan option - it blew my mind!! Amazing taste (not just a bunch of leaves calling it "vegan").
Everyone got their choices.
You could try more than one dessert / appetizer if you wanted.
Surely they would have given me a second meal if I was terribly hungry.
Of course, I understand Vistara is not UA's competition. But the difference is service/quality, etc is ridiculous.
There were 4 main course options - indian style chicken, louisiana style chicken, one vegan and one vegetarian;
Plus french-press poured starbucks coffee, indian style tea or other tea choices, juices, coca cola, water, two choices of dessert, two appetizer choices.
I had the vegan option - it blew my mind!! Amazing taste (not just a bunch of leaves calling it "vegan").
Everyone got their choices.
You could try more than one dessert / appetizer if you wanted.
Surely they would have given me a second meal if I was terribly hungry.
Of course, I understand Vistara is not UA's competition. But the difference is service/quality, etc is ridiculous.
Oct 13, 2022, 11:25 am
#1633
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
Given years of posts on FT - with pictures - and commentary - how can anyone be "stunned" nowadays?
Oct 13, 2022, 5:49 pm
#1634
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,515
So how would you rationalize other US air carriers having better catering and soft product in general?
Oct 13, 2022, 6:36 pm
#1635
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: UA 1K 1MM (finally!), IHG AMB-Spire, HH Diamond
Posts: 60,174