Forever goodbye, hot food in domestic F...
Mar 9, 2005, 7:30 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2004
Programs: US1, NW, AA, SPG...
Posts: 281
Forever goodbye, hot food in domestic F...
I finally got my call back from CA last night, they said that they spoke with the folks who manage catering and they "seriously doubt that there will ever again be hot food in first class on the PHL - PHX route". I think it's probably fair to assume that if they're not going to cater PHL - PHX they won't cater flights to LAX, SFO, or SEA either.
So... in a nutshell, they've continued to devolve the first class product, they've dramatically reduced opportunities to cash in miles for regular rewards, and now (as others have found on summer Europe routes) they're creating blackout zones for supposedly non-restricted premium awards.
It's hard to escape two conclusions. First, however much we (at least I) disagree, they're saying essentially that the only option for survival here is to admit that a seat on a plane is a commodity product and nothing else matters. The market for a truly premium product isn't meaningful, nor is the support of frequent, repeat customers. Second, that they're one for three - they haven't yet hit low cost or low fare, but they've hit the bullseye on low quality.
It's such a shame - there are some really good people working for this airline, at least on the front lines.
So... in a nutshell, they've continued to devolve the first class product, they've dramatically reduced opportunities to cash in miles for regular rewards, and now (as others have found on summer Europe routes) they're creating blackout zones for supposedly non-restricted premium awards.
It's hard to escape two conclusions. First, however much we (at least I) disagree, they're saying essentially that the only option for survival here is to admit that a seat on a plane is a commodity product and nothing else matters. The market for a truly premium product isn't meaningful, nor is the support of frequent, repeat customers. Second, that they're one for three - they haven't yet hit low cost or low fare, but they've hit the bullseye on low quality.
It's such a shame - there are some really good people working for this airline, at least on the front lines.
Mar 9, 2005, 8:58 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 478
I am really divided on this issue.
If U takes this lowering of cost to keep F fares affordable...ie < what travel departments will ***** about eg < ~$950...then I'd be happy to buy lower F Tix instead of upgrading with my CP benefit.
A decent meal of some sort is a nice thing though.
If U takes this lowering of cost to keep F fares affordable...ie < what travel departments will ***** about eg < ~$950...then I'd be happy to buy lower F Tix instead of upgrading with my CP benefit.
A decent meal of some sort is a nice thing though.
Mar 9, 2005, 9:23 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Commuting around the mid-atlantic and rust-belt on any number of RJs
Programs: TSA Random Selectee Platinum, * Gold, SPG/HH/MR mid-tier, and a tiny bag of pretzels.
Posts: 9,255
By that same token, I seriously doubt I'm going to go out of my way to connect to US transcons anymore.
CCY really does not get it. AA and UA have better "midcon" meals in the front.
CCY really does not get it. AA and UA have better "midcon" meals in the front.
Mar 9, 2005, 10:20 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 478
Originally Posted by ClueByFour
By that same token, I seriously doubt I'm going to go out of my way to connect to US transcons anymore.
CCY really does not get it. AA and UA have better "midcon" meals in the front.
CCY really does not get it. AA and UA have better "midcon" meals in the front.
i just did AA .. phl-stl-dfw-rno-dfw-phl...for schedule reasons. the food in F was OK, hot at least and served on all but the phl-stl route. I paid for a restricted F ticket about 1500, which seems cheap enough for all that flying.
Mar 9, 2005, 2:13 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 723
Ditto for me
Originally Posted by ClueByFour
By that same token, I seriously doubt I'm going to go out of my way to connect to US transcons anymore.
CCY really does not get it. AA and UA have better "midcon" meals in the front.
CCY really does not get it. AA and UA have better "midcon" meals in the front.
Such a shame.
Mar 9, 2005, 5:33 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast
Programs: AA CONCIERGE KEY & 1MM, HILTON DIAMOND
Posts: 11,970
Originally Posted by bigred93
I finally got my call back from CA last night, they said that they spoke with the folks who manage catering and they "seriously doubt that there will ever again be hot food in first class on the PHL - PHX route". I think it's probably fair to assume that if they're not going to cater PHL - PHX they won't cater flights to LAX, SFO, or SEA either.
So... in a nutshell, they've continued to devolve the first class product, they've dramatically reduced opportunities to cash in miles for regular rewards, and now (as others have found on summer Europe routes) they're creating blackout zones for supposedly non-restricted premium awards.
It's hard to escape two conclusions. First, however much we (at least I) disagree, they're saying essentially that the only option for survival here is to admit that a seat on a plane is a commodity product and nothing else matters. The market for a truly premium product isn't meaningful, nor is the support of frequent, repeat customers. Second, that they're one for three - they haven't yet hit low cost or low fare, but they've hit the bullseye on low quality.
It's such a shame - there are some really good people working for this airline, at least on the front lines.
So... in a nutshell, they've continued to devolve the first class product, they've dramatically reduced opportunities to cash in miles for regular rewards, and now (as others have found on summer Europe routes) they're creating blackout zones for supposedly non-restricted premium awards.
It's hard to escape two conclusions. First, however much we (at least I) disagree, they're saying essentially that the only option for survival here is to admit that a seat on a plane is a commodity product and nothing else matters. The market for a truly premium product isn't meaningful, nor is the support of frequent, repeat customers. Second, that they're one for three - they haven't yet hit low cost or low fare, but they've hit the bullseye on low quality.
It's such a shame - there are some really good people working for this airline, at least on the front lines.
WHY ARE WE HAVING THIS DISCUSSION? I MEAN, IT IS SO OBVIOUS THAT US AIRWAYS HAS BECOME AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE WORST MAJOR US AIRLINE, SETTING UNPRESENTED CUTS OF SERVICE...
Mar 9, 2005, 6:28 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 4,007
Originally Posted by US1@ORF
I'll keep all my transcon travel on UA and my limited east coast (N/S) flying on US.
Such a shame.
Such a shame.
Even though I have to "pay" for upgrades on AA with 500-mile certs, I've cleared into the front cabin 100% of the time on my IAD-LAX runs, and AA serves hot meals in F with cloth napkins, glass, china, and tablecloths (even little salt-pepper shakers). AA has made tremendous cutbacks in coach, but their domestic First Class service for now still remains top-notch.
I wonder how much a hot meal in F really costs US to provide compared to the current IFC boxes. If by not providing a real meal on transcons they're losing loyal customers, then the switch to IFC may actually cost US Airways money (lost revenue). Something to ponder.
US still has a great route network here on the East Coast, so I'll still be flying them enough to retain CP this year, but I enjoy the in-flight dining experience and AA is far superior in this respect on longer flights.
Mar 9, 2005, 6:29 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: ATL
Programs: UA 3.6 MM, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 2,582
Yes. US F Class sucks. . .and is getting worse BUT it is better than TED. Especially as UA seems to be bent on turning over more and more domestic flying to TED. So, if you are flying to PHX/LAS or any destination in Florida you can be in a US F Class seat which is far more comfortable and more productive than TED or even a UA F Class seat. BUT if you are in it for the food, then the catering is an insult.
Mar 9, 2005, 7:59 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: KUSA
Programs: Whatever AMEX Plat comes with... I buy on price.. Spirit Big Front Seat, want First/buy First
Posts: 1,483
Originally Posted by wahooflyer
Even though I have to "pay" for upgrades on AA with 500-mile certs, I've cleared into the front cabin 100% of the time on my IAD-LAX runs, and AA serves hot meals in F with cloth napkins, glass, china, and tablecloths (even little salt-pepper shakers). AA has made tremendous cutbacks in coach, but their domestic First Class service for now still remains top-notch.
Mar 9, 2005, 9:22 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 4,007
Yep. And DCA-ORD (just over an hour flying time!) has full meal service in F on AA at mealtimes...usually cold but still fully plated.
The air marshals that are always on these flights must be happy to be fed.
The air marshals that are always on these flights must be happy to be fed.
Mar 10, 2005, 12:09 am
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: GSP (Greenville, SC)
Programs: DL Gold Medallion; UA Premier Executive; WN sub-CP; AA sub-Gold
Posts: 13,393
Originally Posted by NeoOfTheCRS
Yes. US F Class sucks. . .and is getting worse BUT it is better than TED. Especially as UA seems to be bent on turning over more and more domestic flying to TED. So, if you are flying to PHX/LAS or any destination in Florida you can be in a US F Class seat which is far more comfortable and more productive than TED or even a UA F Class seat. BUT if you are in it for the food, then the catering is an insult.
Mar 10, 2005, 6:25 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: ATL
Programs: UA 3.6 MM, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 2,582
I wouldn't pay that for either UA or US. It is a valid comparison because in many (and a growing number of markets) TED is the only option for UA flyers. On TED you can't buy, much less upgrade to first class if you wanted to. So I fly US in these markets and the difference between TED and US First is pretty significant.
Originally Posted by JS
That is an apples/oranges comparison. TED does not charge anywhere near $1,500 for a round trip ticket.
Mar 10, 2005, 7:56 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: Bonvoy Amb; AA EXP
Posts: 1,136
Not that we are going to have this, but I would trade food and drink for more comfortable seats anyday.
Would you like a leg rest sir? Yes. Ok, that will be $30 for the flight and an extra $15 for the lumbar support.
Would you like a leg rest sir? Yes. Ok, that will be $30 for the flight and an extra $15 for the lumbar support.