I always love that if you're against someone, it's a flip-flop, and if you're not it's simply "change" (which can be good).

Funny, I think it shows the opposite. It just took them a while to realize that.

The more I read these absurd missives from ALPA (who apparently believe themselves to be infallable), the more I think that they're the bulk of the reason there's such a problem between management and the unions. Both sides need to understand the other, and neither is willing to accept that.

So it sounds like you think that $20 you propose should be charged to upgraders, too? (Remember, that's the specific item I was respnding to.)

Can't wait to get the new UAL business plan from ALPA too...oh wait...nevermind...

My dad, a 1K and FT Lurker (but did not make a single post regarding this issue), also received the email. It was likely just a blanket email sent out - which would serve to confuse the heck out of me if I was an uneducated elite who just received the email

well I think they also sent out an email when the changes were announced to everyone so it does make sense to send the retraction to everyone too.

Got this email from UA this morning.

Thank you for your direct, candid feedback on the test we had planned to launch in the fourth quarter for food choices on some of our flights. We heard you and have decided not to move forward with the test of offering customers buy-on-board options in United Economy on certain trans-Atlantic flights. We will continue to offer complimentary hot meals on those flights.

The response from you and many of our corporate customers, even before we launched the test, told us what we would have undoubtedly learned had we proceeded – you value our hot meal service in economy class for international flights.

In this environment, where higher costs driven by volatile fuel prices are now the norm, we must continue to tailor products and services so that we provide you with choices and competitive fares. As such, we will continue to be proactive in testing new ideas.

On October 1, we will proceed with the test of new, complimentary options for United Business customers on three-cabin aircraft used for domestic routes, which represents 16 daily flights. Customers on these flights will receive complimentary fresh sandwiches, salads, breakfast, snack boxes or snacks, depending on the length of flight and time of departure. They will also continue to enjoy complimentary beverages, including beer, wine and cocktails. We will evaluate the results and determine next steps by the end of the year.



seems like united is giving us a break given the recent ridiculous charges imposed by UA

Seemingly so simple. In practice so difficult.

Yes, I can confirm. As you've read, everyone should be receiving an email from MP. We received word from the company also.

The fresh food trial on DEN-IAD is completely separate from all this drama, and I have no idea what is happening there.

Now we need to work on the food in C!

Maybe they should have sent out an email to begin with. Something along the lines of "Dear Valued Customer, we're thinking of instituting <insert new policy here> because we think it will add value to our product. We have not made the final decision as to whether we are going to institute this new policy, because we want to know what you, our valued customers, think. Please let us know by <insert hotlink, reply email, etc.>.

I know they won't do it, but wow - just think if they cared enough to ask first!

The ALPA/AFA and UA Management back and forth is the type of rhetoric you expect to hear from rivaling political parties, not people working in the same company.

I do see a danger in this rhetoric for the ALPA and AFA groups. They are making Tilton THE issue. While I agree he should go, I do not believe it is wise to make him THE issue so publicly. When Tilton leaves, if ALPA and AFA continue their tone (which given so many other issues I think they will), then they will start to look like winers who will never be happy. This will then backfire on them in the court of public opinion.

As the old saying goes, be VERY careful what you ask for. You may get it. Be prepared for what you do after that!

Doesn't the fresh food trial on domestic C affect all routes? I assumed IAD-LAX in C on 3-cabin aircraft were also getting cold meals. Isn't that the case?

Did they? I believe it was a leaked internal memo that got out. Which makes a mass email even stranger.

It is dangerous to think this way. You believe you got something back you never actually lost. UA is not giving any breaks right now.

That is correct. All 3 cabin domestic flights except P.S.

The internal memo was out before the announcement hit united.com and the press. I don't think a separate email was sent to MP customers, but I could be mistaken.

I don't think so either.

I think the only thing UA has done that has added value to their product lately is revamp the seats in C and F. Seems like everything else has removed value from UA's product.