Is United Cutting back on domestic first class services?
Apr 21, 2011, 10:34 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: United States
Posts: 184
Is United Cutting back on domestic first class services?
Thanks to my elite status in UA, I get upgraded to first class on my domestic flights in United.
Off late, I couldn't help notice that they have cut back on the food service (Breakfast and Dinners). I am sure they used to provide food on these segments last year but something has changed since than.
Has anybody else seen or heard anything?
Off late, I couldn't help notice that they have cut back on the food service (Breakfast and Dinners). I am sure they used to provide food on these segments last year but something has changed since than.
Has anybody else seen or heard anything?
Apr 21, 2011, 10:56 am
#2
Join Date: May 2005
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K/1.5MM, HHonors Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz PC, National Emerald Executive
Posts: 424
Thanks to my elite status in UA, I get upgraded to first class on my domestic flights in United.
Off late, I couldn't help notice that they have cut back on the food service (Breakfast and Dinners). I am sure they used to provide food on these segments last year but something has changed since than.
Has anybody else seen or heard anything?
Off late, I couldn't help notice that they have cut back on the food service (Breakfast and Dinners). I am sure they used to provide food on these segments last year but something has changed since than.
Has anybody else seen or heard anything?
Apr 21, 2011, 11:02 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: UA1K, AA Platinum, Hyatt Gold
Posts: 34
If anything the food has improved since SMI/J has come onboard. I've flown about 40K miles so far this year and those damn chocolate chip cookies are killing my waistline! 
So far I see the food as the only positive since the merger.
So far I see the food as the only positive since the merger.
Apr 21, 2011, 11:31 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SMF
Programs: UA Gold, 1 MM
Posts: 11,632
Food choices depend upon the time of departure. I've been pleased with the offerings thus far this year - that spicy tortilla soup was pretty good.
Apr 21, 2011, 11:36 am
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: USA
Programs: UA/CO(1K-PLT), AA(PLT), QR, EK, Marriott(PLT), Hilton(DMND)
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My observation is the opposite to that of OP. On many flights, where previously one would occasionally receive a bag of snack mix, one is now offered a deli plate, and at the right time of day a full meal.
Apr 21, 2011, 12:01 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: UA1K, AA Platinum, Hyatt Gold
Posts: 34
Apr 21, 2011, 12:20 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: DFW
Programs: UA 1K 1MM
Posts: 166
I agree that the food offerings have been getting a bit better in domestic first. I enjoyed the caprese sandwich I got as a snack on a late flight.
Apr 21, 2011, 12:25 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BWI
Programs: UA 1P, Marriott Silver, and HH Diamond
Posts: 164
Apr 21, 2011, 3:22 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Southern California, GVA, SIN, LHR, BRU, CDG
Programs: UA LT GS 4.12MM (4.08MM BIS), AA EXP 1.86MM ,DL DM 1.1MM, HH LT Diamond, SPG Platinum
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Not only has the food quality improved (it could not have declined any more!!), the portion size has increased...lunches especially with the soup and large salads. The snack basket is very nice as well...they had the packaged apples the other day and little containers of caramel...much better than the cookies IMHO.
On the other hand, they are cutting back on the amount of beverages on a flight...according to an FA on the SFO-MCO this week, they are only providing two cans of Heineken for the transcon...and this has to last for the return flight to SFO as well!!...no beer for breakfast
As a matter of fact, on my return flight to ORD, catering did not board enough meals from the originating station the previous evening, so there were not enough breakfasts to go around...and no BOB in Y at all...on a 5 hour flight!!
On the other hand, they are cutting back on the amount of beverages on a flight...according to an FA on the SFO-MCO this week, they are only providing two cans of Heineken for the transcon...and this has to last for the return flight to SFO as well!!...no beer for breakfast
As a matter of fact, on my return flight to ORD, catering did not board enough meals from the originating station the previous evening, so there were not enough breakfasts to go around...and no BOB in Y at all...on a 5 hour flight!!
Apr 21, 2011, 4:10 pm
#10
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I've noticed that several of the snack basket items have gotten healthier ^ As far as the meals, I hope the UA does not adapt the CO practices of only offering a bag of peanuts on a two hour flight. FS-Mom flew in BusinessFirst from IAH-DEN. Flight left at 8pm, and on-board, she was only served one bag of peanuts...
Apr 21, 2011, 5:18 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: IAD, and sometimes OMNI/PR. Currently: not far from IAD, but home will always be SAN (not far from the "touch my junk and I'll have you arrested" Memorial TSA Check Point) even if I'm not there so much these days.
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Posts: 5,076
I took the redeye from SAN to IAD last weekend and was impressed by the service and the meal. The FA was terrific. LOVED, loved, loved the mushroom soup, and the hot turkey and cheese sandwich was pretty good too. There was no dessert.
Apr 21, 2011, 5:24 pm
#12
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Location: SEA or BGR, Lower Earth Orbit
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still only snackbox love on UX.
Apr 21, 2011, 5:49 pm
#13
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There are flights used to be only have packet of snack mix, now it has snack basket.
Apr 21, 2011, 6:06 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Central Virginia
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,231
Agreed, the food has improved but I have also felt the FA service has also improved. Less negative comments.
Apr 21, 2011, 6:43 pm
#15
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