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Complimentary Food & Beverage for GS & 1K Members when Seated in Economy (Archive}

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Complimentary Food & Beverage for GS & 1K Members when Seated in Economy (Archive}

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Old Dec 22, 2016, 12:01 pm
  #721  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SNA
Programs: UA 1MM, Global Entry, Avis President's Club
Posts: 274
Complimentary Food & Beverage for GS & 1K Members when Seated in Economy (Archive}

Originally Posted by edcho
I would write it in so that the issue gets corrected with the FA assuming you are a 1K/GS (your profile says plat).

I think the surveys even say to write in (either via the feedback form or via e-mail) to address issues with the flight.

While it still isn't perfect, it's gotten much better lately IME.
Yes, I am 1K (haven't updated my profile in years). And while I have consistently gotten a snack and drink on previous flights, I didn't want to get confrontational in the event that: 1) perhaps I misunderstood the official policy and previous FAs were merely being generous, or 2) perhaps the policy had recently changed without my knowledge.

P.S. Still waiting for the email survey...
sakaike is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2016, 12:01 pm
  #722  
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 304
Originally Posted by sakaike
I've been generally pleased with this relatively new perk until yesterday...

Flew UA1075, EWR-SNA in E+. Requested a tapas box and two red wines and provided the FA with one drink chit for the second wine. She proceeded to ask whether I had paid for the box (which was provided to me by the second FA). I said no. She proceeded to charge me for the second wine while also taking the one chit. I told her I was entitled to the box and one drink and she insisted it was one or the other. She went on to say that if she gave me that wine for free, that she would have angry pax across the aisle because she did the same thing to them.

Not wanting to argue (I was tired and it was late), I just gave her a second chit and let it go.

If I get a survey email, I'll make note of it. Execution of this perk is still inconsistent...
I took a screenshot of the mystatus.com blurb that states it's both food and drink for this reason. I say something like, "The only reason I knew to ask is I saw this [shows FA pic] on the website after I qualified for 1K."

If that doesn't work I don't push the issue - I just hope for a survey or another opportunity to address it. It just blows my mind that something so easy to get right is somehow not able to be communicated to all FA personnel.
Will Dearborn is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2016, 12:53 pm
  #723  
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Carmel Valley(was Hawaii)
Programs: United 1K 2.7 MM
Posts: 1,174
Originally Posted by sakaike
I've been generally pleased with this relatively new perk until yesterday...

Flew UA1075, EWR-SNA in E+. Requested a tapas box and two red wines and provided the FA with one drink chit for the second wine. She proceeded to ask whether I had paid for the box (which was provided to me by the second FA). I said no. She proceeded to charge me for the second wine while also taking the one chit. I told her I was entitled to the box and one drink and she insisted it was one or the other. She went on to say that if she gave me that wine for free, that she would have angry pax across the aisle because she did the same thing to them.

Not wanting to argue (I was tired and it was late), I just gave her a second chit and let it go.

If I get a survey email, I'll make note of it. Execution of this perk is still inconsistent...
Our last flights LIH-SFO-LIH we were offered drinks and sandwiches proactively. I asked for and got white AND red wine, my husband mai tai and beer. Great FA, thanked us for being 1K!
mmack is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2016, 1:05 pm
  #724  
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Alameda, CA, USA
Posts: 799
I just flew UA1175, SFO/HNL in economy, and I asked for a wine and a Tappas Snack box. The FA said I would have to pay for the Tappas because, I already was given a complimentary drink. I replied that I am entitled to a drink and a snack box, but she said the policy is one or the other. I politely asked her to check with the onboard purser, which the FA did. When she returned, from asking the purser, she apologized and said I stand corrected! Still, there are FA's who don't know the policy!
sf4dfish is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2016, 1:08 pm
  #725  
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,709
Originally Posted by LimeySD
I never been denied and rarely questioned about status. They have gotten better with knowing who you are. International flights have been inconsistent. It seems to be down to the crew if they want to recognize 1K or not.
To be fair, the only international flights that this policy applies to are ones within North America.
rob_flies_ua is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2016, 1:29 pm
  #726  
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: UA 1K 1.45MM, Marriott+SPG Plat, Clear, Nexus, Global Entry and MEX Viajero Confiable
Posts: 1,777
Originally Posted by rob_flies_ua
To be fair, the only international flights that this policy applies to are ones within North America.
+1 .. this. Policy is Domestic only and there have been sporadic mentions of this happening on Int'l flights, but those should be counted as exceptions and not the rule.
NH_Clark is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2016, 2:42 pm
  #727  
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Texas
Programs: UA 1K, AA Platinum, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 327
I have had great experiences lately. Either they already know and offer me the free stuff or once I say it, they acknowledge it quickly and in a very respectful friendly manner.
also they alway say, "thank you for your business sir".
As for the drinks, I always ask for two and have. Chit ready for the second one but they never ask for payment. 👍🏻
Bruin1K is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2016, 3:35 pm
  #728  
Moderator: United Airlines
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
Originally Posted by NH_Clark
+1 .. this. Policy is Domestic only ....
per T&Cs
Flights within North America" is defined as all travel within the 50 United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
While not exactly the same, similiar to CPU-eligiblity. And PS/Hawaii flights included.
Long haul international seems to be an occasional above and beyond FA/crew.
WineCountryUA is offline  
Old Dec 23, 2016, 7:00 am
  #729  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,331
As 2016 comes to an end, I must say that I'm VERY pleased with this benefit!

Not once have I've been asked to show my 1K card or prove my status, or needed to show the UA page on this benefit on my iPad.

About 75% of the time, the crew already know that I'm a 1K, they proactively offer me my drink and meal with a smile, and thanked me for my business. The other times, they needed to check with another FA but there were no further incident.

This benefit is most handy for me at breakfast when the eggs with sausage and the Bloody Mary make for a nice start to the day! ^
sapguy is offline  
Old Dec 23, 2016, 9:11 am
  #730  
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: DEN
Programs: UA MP Gold, 1MM, Global Entry
Posts: 470
Originally Posted by Will Dearborn
If that doesn't work I don't push the issue - I just hope for a survey or another opportunity to address it. It just blows my mind that something so easy to get right is somehow not able to be communicated to all FA personnel.
No need to wait for survey, just email 1kvoice - let them know of the need for additional training and that you would appreciate a refund of the incorrect charge. They will likely direct you to the refund request page, so you could also start there, but they could also throw some miles at you for the inconvenience.
azzurro is offline  
Old Dec 23, 2016, 9:33 am
  #731  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,026
Originally Posted by sapguy
As 2016 comes to an end, I must say that I'm VERY pleased with this benefit!

Not once have I've been asked to show my 1K card or prove my status, or needed to show the UA page on this benefit on my iPad...
I'm pleased, too - have been getting both items w/o fuss. About half the time proactively receive them and the other half I just have to remind them that I'm 1K. My CPU percentages have plummeted this year with UA's move to mostly 738s between Left Coast and OGG. The "free" sandwiches and meatball w/ pasta are pretty good and the Moscow Mules alleviate some of the disappointment.
IAH-OIL-TRASH is offline  
Old Dec 27, 2016, 7:24 am
  #732  
Marriott 5+ BadgeHyatt Contributor Badge
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
Originally Posted by sakaike
I've been generally pleased with this relatively new perk until yesterday...

Flew UA1075, EWR-SNA in E+. Requested a tapas box and two red wines and provided the FA with one drink chit for the second wine. She proceeded to ask whether I had paid for the box (which was provided to me by the second FA). I said no. She proceeded to charge me for the second wine while also taking the one chit. I told her I was entitled to the box and one drink and she insisted it was one or the other. She went on to say that if she gave me that wine for free, that she would have angry pax across the aisle because she did the same thing to them.

Not wanting to argue (I was tired and it was late), I just gave her a second chit and let it go.

If I get a survey email, I'll make note of it. Execution of this perk is still inconsistent...
I assume you're 1K… your profile says Plat (which gets free nothing). If you are, I'd write to 1KVoice and expect a small token of comp. You shouldn't have to pay or give up chits for this.

Complaining does us all a favor ensuring that UA FAs are kept accountable for following policies.
helvetic is offline  
Old Dec 28, 2016, 4:38 am
  #733  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,074
First flight in Y since the benefit started. Please so far. Got a food item and drink no questions asked. FA even offered it to my wife as well. FA also came back at least twice to ask if I wanted anything else.
cfischer is offline  
Old Dec 29, 2016, 6:37 pm
  #734  
Senior Moderator
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: UA Plat/2MM [23-yr. 1K, now emeritus] clawing way back to WN-A List; MR LT Titanium; HY Whateverist.
Posts: 12,396
As promised earlier, when the thread was temporarily closed, it is now reopened. The consensus of the United forum Moderator team, is to move the recent posts discussing sharing with or giving to non GS/1K passengers the food and beverage benefits provided to GS/1K in economy.

Those posts have now been made into a new thread which can be found here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...non-gs-1k.html

Let's keep this original thread on the central topic of how well or not the benefit is offered to 1K/GS. Thanks, Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator.

Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Dec 29, 2016 at 7:41 pm
Ocn Vw 1K is offline  
Old Dec 30, 2016, 6:02 pm
  #735  
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
If I'm traveling with a companion, and we split our PNR, and I get upgraded but they do not, and I offer them my seat while I stick back in coach, can I show my card to get the benefit? On the manifest it would show up as my non-status companion seated where I am. Anyone with experience?

The policy technically says "traveling in economy" so I would think the crew would oblige especially if it was explained.
villox is offline  


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