Has Transcon F Meal Service Improved this week?
Feb 26, 2005, 1:10 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
Has Transcon F Meal Service Improved this week?
Flying SFO - PHL on March 1 and hoping that I won't get the same "BOX" lunch I did on the way out. Ugh. Really, really poor offering -- I still am amazed that there aren't minimum acceptable standards laid out for 5 hour+ F flights meal service to be a part of *A. Wow. Talk about underwhelmed.
Just curious if anyone had reports from this past week for transcons.
FWIW, I was really floored with my half roast beef sandwich in F DEN - PHL two weeks ago. This is nuts.
Just curious if anyone had reports from this past week for transcons.
FWIW, I was really floored with my half roast beef sandwich in F DEN - PHL two weeks ago. This is nuts.
Feb 26, 2005, 1:57 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: DC|NYC
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Posts: 3,201
San-phl
SAN-PHL #86 this morning...
Gate announcement that there was no catering done after the flight arrived last night. Result: no food whatsoever in coach and "limited" beverage service (read: whatever is leftover from inbound). Pax were strongly encouraged more than once to stock some provisions in their carry-on for the 5 hours flight.
FC literally had take out from the snack bar by the gate. They wheeled on hot bagel breakfast sandwiches in take-out bags, tossed fruit in individual plastic clam shells, and a case of bottled water for us. We had a pretty decent snack basket in terms of quantity but the limited on the good stuff, presumably eaten on the inbound.
FAs did a smashing job of presenting the breakfast, including a fancy fold of the usual US cocktail napkin around the plastic fork from the snack bar, and adding a biscotti from the snack basket to each meal. Once in the air, drink service was quite attentive, including coming around and emptying your can into your cup (eek...I was going to say glass!) and taking away the empty. They made us proud today, those US FAs.
All in all, a poor showing for the airline and I'm sure those in Y did not enjoy the flight the rest of us up front did. LOTS of grubbling in the gate area about bankruptcy, can't afford food for flights, "this is a joke", etc.
Gate announcement that there was no catering done after the flight arrived last night. Result: no food whatsoever in coach and "limited" beverage service (read: whatever is leftover from inbound). Pax were strongly encouraged more than once to stock some provisions in their carry-on for the 5 hours flight.
FC literally had take out from the snack bar by the gate. They wheeled on hot bagel breakfast sandwiches in take-out bags, tossed fruit in individual plastic clam shells, and a case of bottled water for us. We had a pretty decent snack basket in terms of quantity but the limited on the good stuff, presumably eaten on the inbound.
FAs did a smashing job of presenting the breakfast, including a fancy fold of the usual US cocktail napkin around the plastic fork from the snack bar, and adding a biscotti from the snack basket to each meal. Once in the air, drink service was quite attentive, including coming around and emptying your can into your cup (eek...I was going to say glass!) and taking away the empty. They made us proud today, those US FAs.
All in all, a poor showing for the airline and I'm sure those in Y did not enjoy the flight the rest of us up front did. LOTS of grubbling in the gate area about bankruptcy, can't afford food for flights, "this is a joke", etc.
Last edited by EnvoyBoy; Feb 27, 2005 at 4:27 pm
Feb 27, 2005, 7:40 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Posts: 35
It seems to me that caterers aren't giving U any credit. Cash up front only. Or, U cannot find a caterer that is willing to take what U is willing to pay. If U wants folks to believe they have a superior product, then they had better have it. Otherwise, they ought to make it all coach and be done with it. 
Feb 27, 2005, 11:29 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: mystic island, nj, USA
Posts: 2,377
Not a caterer or payment issue! PHL has been "Stealing" Utility to do baggage handling functions due to the situation there.
Then there is the "Bistro Barf Bag" meals, which I understand is still the F/C meal.
Paging Sr. Management? We have a one car funeral that needs to be organized sometime soon. It's called PHL.
Then there is the "Bistro Barf Bag" meals, which I understand is still the F/C meal.
Paging Sr. Management? We have a one car funeral that needs to be organized sometime soon. It's called PHL.
Feb 28, 2005, 12:12 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: YYJ
Posts: 4,137
Originally Posted by EnvoyBoy
FAs did a smashing job of presenting the breakfast, including a fancy fold of the usual US cocktail napkin around the plastic fork from the snack bar, and adding a biscotti from the snack basket to each meal. Once in the air, drink service was quite attentive, including coming around and emptying your can into your cup (eek...I was going to say glass!) and taking away the empty. They made us proud today, those US FAs.
Feb 28, 2005, 3:54 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Originally Posted by burghlaw
It seems to me that caterers aren't giving U any credit. Cash up front only. Or, U cannot find a caterer that is willing to take what U is willing to pay. If U wants folks to believe they have a superior product, then they had better have it. Otherwise, they ought to make it all coach and be done with it.
Well US Airways loves to claim they offer "appetizing menu choices" in First Class and expects to pay pennies for it. US Airways is not the industry leader (in terms of premium services) that it once was. In fact, it's starting to resemble Southwest more and more, without the significant SW profits, that is... LOL
Mar 8, 2005, 9:42 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2004
Programs: US1, NW, AA, SPG...
Posts: 281
Just wanted to bump this topic... is it still (un)happy meals in first class or have they gone back to regular catering? I've emailed and called CA and gotten absolutely no answer whatsoever as to whether or not this change is temporary, or temporary that's intended to be permanent so long as people don't notice/complain too much.
Has anyone heard anything different? Still getting IFC in F on transcons?
Has anyone heard anything different? Still getting IFC in F on transcons?
Mar 8, 2005, 9:50 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Washington DC
Programs: US1, AA Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 132
DCA to LA (Via PHL)
I flew to LAX recently and the meal offered in First was the buy on board meal that was offered in Coach. It was a Turkey sandwich with chips and big cookie. There was also a salad offered that I did not try. The problem was that it was the exact same offering on the way back. It was alright and light years ahead of that God-awful half foccacia sandwich with the runny cole slaw that they were serving. Hope that helps.
Mar 8, 2005, 1:21 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Flew PHL-LAX yesterday. The F lunch offering was a turkey sandwich, chips & a white chocolate chip cookie or a salad & white chocolate chip cookie. IFC through & through.
Mar 9, 2005, 10:03 am
#12
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DCA
Posts: 1,413
Flew MEX-CLT in F a week ago (not a transcon, but similar in duration), and there was a choice between ravioli and chicken. Opted for the chicken, which was surprisingly delicious: a nice breast served in some spicy tomato sauce with sweet potato/polenta type stuff & yes, cactus ("nopales", a Mexican dish). The whole thing was actually very good & tasty! There was also a salad & chocolate cake. So I guess on international non-Envoy routes catering is still OK?
Mar 9, 2005, 1:05 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2001
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Originally Posted by chtiet
Flew MEX-CLT in F a week ago (not a transcon, but similar in duration), and there was a choice between ravioli and chicken. Opted for the chicken, which was surprisingly delicious: a nice breast served in some spicy tomato sauce with sweet potato/polenta type stuff & yes, cactus ("nopales", a Mexican dish). The whole thing was actually very good & tasty! There was also a salad & chocolate cake. So I guess on international non-Envoy routes catering is still OK?
Hard to use MEX as a comparison for other routes. MEX is a city that can still generate legitimate F business (i.e. paid F). As CLT is US's only gateway to MEX, it seems that they have decided to retain F food on this route. I know that other domestic carriers (CO, for example) consider MEX to be a "South American" business destination like Lima or Buenos Aires and cater it as such. Perhaps US is doing the same .... for now.
Mar 9, 2005, 3:15 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Hmmm...does anyone else fine it interesting that US is "between catering vendors" on the domestic transcons, but not the It'l flights? It seems to me like the F vendor would be consistent throughout their route network.
Mar 9, 2005, 3:19 pm
#15
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Programs: US1
Posts: 1,928
I just got this E mail from Delta:
Dear Mr. XXXXX,
Since you are a valued SkyMiles member, we want to let you know about changes we are making to our in-flight offerings beginning April 3, 2005.
The following modifications—like other recent changes such as simplifying the SkyMiles® Medallion program, charging a more consistent $50 fee for frequently requested travel services and introducing SimpliFares™ nationwide—are part of our commitment to provide you with a more value-driven, simple and streamlined travel experience.
We are making the following changes to our existing food offerings on Delta and Delta Connection® carrier flights within the 48 contiguous states, Canada and select flights to Central America and the Caribbean.
In First Class, and Economy Class on flights greater than 1½ hours, you will be offered a choice of complimentary name-brand snacks.
When flying in Economy Class on flights longer than 3½ hours, you will also receive a Snack Pack filled with crackers, cheese and cookies and will no longer have the option to acquire food through our Food for Purchase program.
Complimentary meal service will continue to be offered in First Class on flights longer than 3½ hours, on international flights longer than 5 hours and on Hawaii and Alaska flights.
Lastly, food offerings on Song® and Delta Shuttle® flights will not change at this time.
For more details on Delta's new food service and to see what is offered on your upcoming flight, please visit delta.com/food.
Effective April 3, alcoholic beverages will increase to $5 in Economy Class on Delta and Delta Connection carrier flights. Beverage offerings and prices on Song flights will not be affected by these changes.
Effective March 15, we will no longer carry pillows on flights within the 48 contiguous states or flights between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean.
We are transforming Delta to provide you with an experience that is simpler, more consistent and offers everyday value. And, of course, you can continue to expect the outstanding service and warm hospitality of Delta's people. We appreciate your support, and we thank you for flying with us.
Dear Mr. XXXXX,
Since you are a valued SkyMiles member, we want to let you know about changes we are making to our in-flight offerings beginning April 3, 2005.
The following modifications—like other recent changes such as simplifying the SkyMiles® Medallion program, charging a more consistent $50 fee for frequently requested travel services and introducing SimpliFares™ nationwide—are part of our commitment to provide you with a more value-driven, simple and streamlined travel experience.
We are making the following changes to our existing food offerings on Delta and Delta Connection® carrier flights within the 48 contiguous states, Canada and select flights to Central America and the Caribbean.
In First Class, and Economy Class on flights greater than 1½ hours, you will be offered a choice of complimentary name-brand snacks.
When flying in Economy Class on flights longer than 3½ hours, you will also receive a Snack Pack filled with crackers, cheese and cookies and will no longer have the option to acquire food through our Food for Purchase program.
Complimentary meal service will continue to be offered in First Class on flights longer than 3½ hours, on international flights longer than 5 hours and on Hawaii and Alaska flights.
Lastly, food offerings on Song® and Delta Shuttle® flights will not change at this time.
For more details on Delta's new food service and to see what is offered on your upcoming flight, please visit delta.com/food.
Effective April 3, alcoholic beverages will increase to $5 in Economy Class on Delta and Delta Connection carrier flights. Beverage offerings and prices on Song flights will not be affected by these changes.
Effective March 15, we will no longer carry pillows on flights within the 48 contiguous states or flights between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean.
We are transforming Delta to provide you with an experience that is simpler, more consistent and offers everyday value. And, of course, you can continue to expect the outstanding service and warm hospitality of Delta's people. We appreciate your support, and we thank you for flying with us.