Glad to see the holes back, if indeed they are.

A couple years ago I began to travel with a very small paper clip (the kind that you flip the wire handles back to squeeze open to hold about 30 sheets of paper) in order to attach the napkin to my shirt. I keep the paper clip attached to the wires of my Bose headset, so it's always where I need it. I'll probably continue to keep the clip handy because many times I'm traveling in garments without buttons.

This thread could be entered into the all-time FlyerTalk trivia contest. But in fact, it's not unimportant in a turbulent, unstable environment to have something absorbent positioned strategically, particular with red wine, coffee and chocolate syrup sloshing around.

Had them on IAD-ZRH the day before yesterday.
My seat neighbour was rejoicing!

Also very glad to hear they're back. I wonder who ever decided it was a good idea to take them away in the first place! I can just imagine the conversation:

UA to supplier - we need some new F/C napkins.
Supplier to UA - that'll be $x.xx for plain or 2 cents more with buttonhole
UA to supplier - we'll go with plain.

But the funny thing is I can't remember a period where there was a mix. They were there one day and gone the next. Don't they replace napkins gradually as they wear out?

This is great....let's hope the rollout of the new napkins also sets a new standard for fast and consistent rollout of new service enhancements.

I think you'll find that a plastic bib will easily fit into a number of carry-on bag configurations.

Luckily, I found my way to adulthood having picked up enough experience along the way to successfully tuck a napkin into my shirt when circumstances dictate.

The tongue-in-cheek nature of this thread has not escaped me, but button-holed napkins? I'd rather UA focused time and investment on consequential improvements.

I didn't realize they had left! :D

Anyone else remember that UA actually had print advertising showing off their buttonholes in the 1990s? It tried to suggest that UA was uniquely attuned to flyers' needs. That is why buttonholes are such lore on this board.

Fantastic!!!!!!!!
 

Buttonholes are a godsend. Have had three issues since they were kidnapped from UAL flights. I am glad to hear that they are on their way back.

No let's work on getting Johnnie Walker back.

I just Googled a couple of related phrases and was amazed to find that buttonholed napkins are indeed highly prized by airline passengers. Unbelievable. Can one assume that it's just the really bored or picky passengers, for whom everything else during their flight has gone perfectly?

I noted with some disappointment that on my last intl in C, there was no FA available to stir my coffee. And after using the on-board facilities, I was forced to wipe my own...

Good news indeed.

I noticed them missing recently on a BOS-SFO flight that I got upgraded. I had a pax next to me look at me as I was mumbling to myself looking at each corner of the napkin for the buttonhole. Once I explained to him what was missing he smiled (and I think breathed a sigh of relief that I wasn't a wacko :) )

Hopefully they're coming back systemwide.

I lost a buttonhole once - they're really hard to find when that happens ;)

Woo-who! ^

United -- are you listening? Something so simple makes elites so happy.

Stainless knives as well
 

I was shocked when I unfurled my napkin and out rolled a stainless butter knife a few trips back as well. ;)

Before you know it, folks will start smoking again in the back two rows of business...NOOOOOOOOOOOOO :(

You've obviously never flown in C and eaten a meal with the footrest up to max (for comfort) and therefore your seat somewhat reclined (also for comfort with your legs in the close-to-horizontal position). The buttonhole was a godsend in that situation, and enabled you to spread the napkin right across the abdominal area for protection. I'm delighted to know that this is back.

It's not pickiness or boredom, just common sense and a desire to keep one's clothes clean. Of course, there are some people don't care if they display canteen medals on their chests.... :D