Jamake1 From United States, joined May 2004, 522 posts, RR: 4 Posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 26671 times:
United leads in the industry's race to the bottom...
Announced In a Company Memo August 18, 2008
Catering Changes Provide Value and Options
Cost reduction and revenue generating opportunities continue to be the
focus of every division throughout the company. In the wake of high fuel
prices and a challenging economic environment, we must continue to examine
every aspect of our business and find new ways to improve our day-today
operations through efficiencies that still meet our customers' expectations.
And we can expect this will continue to drive changes to the way we
do business.
Fleet and capacity reductions announced in June have already resulted in significant
changes for our division, many of which were implemented in July and
August. And there are more changes scheduled for September and October.
These changes are difficult, but necessary, and we do not make them lightly.
However, they enable us to reduce costs and generate additional revenue
while preserving a differentiated product for our premium cabin customers
both internationally and domestically. Our industry is changing, and in
United's ongoing efforts to offer overall value and competitive fares, we need
to tailor our products and services to what the customer values and can
choose from accordingly.
The following is a general overview of the upcoming changes. You can
expect detailed information in the coming weeks.
Effective Sept. 2
North America United Economy® (UE) -All Markets
• Expanding a la carte snacks for purchase to flights between 760 -1149
miles (approximately 2-3 hours in duration) as a result of successful testing
in select markets. Along with the expansion, we're removing complimentary
biscoff and pretzels as data from those tests confirmed that the a
la carte offering appeals to our customers and they are willing to pay for
snacks of higher value.
• Continuing test of a fresh Buy on Board offering along with the current
snack box on flights between 1440 - 2099 miles (approximately 3.5 - 5 hours
in duration). Testing limited to ORD-LAX-ORD and DEN-IAD-DEN.
Effective Oct. 1
Increasing Buy on Board Prices
• Shelf-stable items increase from $5 to $6.
• Fresh items increase from $7 to $9.
Offering Two-Class Service on North America Three-Class Airplanes
• United First® service remains the same.
• A combined BOB service will be offered in United Business® (UB) and
United Economy® (UE).
•Customers in UB will receive complimentary beverages and BOB offering.
• Staffing will be adjusted to FAA minimums.
Buy on Board Offered Out of IAD to Europe (except KWI)
• Replacing complimentary meals in UE with BOB fresh and snack box
offerings.
• Economy staffing breakpoints for all aircraft will be adjusted to current
North America BOB staffing guidelines.
Eliminate Second Service in p.s. Market
• Removing the pre-arrival snack service and replacing with a beverage service
in response to flight attendant and customer feedback.
Burkhard From Germany, joined Nov 2006, 1275 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 26581 times:
That is the way industry goes. You pay what you get. The illusion of free service is a marketing lie anyways for mandatory service fees included in ticket prices.
Customers in UB will receive complimentary beverages and BOB offering
That is dangerous. If passengers see that they pay many hundred $ more for a ticket and get a plus value of 20$...
AA737-823 From United States, joined Mar 2000, 3880 posts, RR: 8 Reply 3, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 26510 times:
It seems to me like the BIGGEST thing here is a decrease in service to their BEST CUSTOMERS.... a reduction in service on "PREMIUM SERVICE" flights, and only offering ECONOMY meals in BUSINESS CLASS.
This, to me, seems to be about the dumbest idea I've heard of in a long time.
I am quite regretful that my preferred carrier, Continental, will soon be joining with the likes of this airline. Was SkyTeam really that bad?
Sheesh. Unless all the other carriers follow (which is entirely possible, I guess), I'll never pay to fly an airline that charges for food on a transatlantic flight.
For unto us a Child is born- unto us a Son is given!
PRAirbus From Puerto Rico, joined Apr 2005, 671 posts, RR: 1 Reply 4, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 26469 times:
Ooooops, get ready for the other US Majors to start imitating UAL...I feel sorry for the FAs who will get the passengers nasty remarks as retaliation for this rock-bottom cost cutting measure. UAL top management should work those flights to get an earful of what UAL customers might want to express...in reality, top management will hide in their cubicles penny-pinching and dreaming on getting another bonus $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$...it sucks!
LTBEWR From United States, joined Jan 2004, 8997 posts, RR: 7 Reply 5, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 26444 times:
I think if the fares are similar, a lot more people will use non-USA airlines for their international travel. To me UA is on the road to predation and sadly their demise.
United_Fan From United States, joined Nov 2000, 5767 posts, RR: 9 Reply 6, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 26426 times:
Quoting Jamake1 (Thread starter): A combined BOB service will be offered in United Business® (UB) and
United Economy® (UE).
That will surely make Biz pax happy.
Quoting Jamake1 (Thread starter): • Removing the pre-arrival snack service and replacing with a beverage service
in response to flight attendant and customer feedback.
Yeah,sure it was.
Quoting PRAirbus (Reply 4): ...I feel sorry for the FAs who will get the passengers nasty remarks as retaliation for this rock-bottom cost cutting measure. UAL top management should work those flights to get an earful of what UAL customers might want to express...in reality, top management will hide in their cubicles penny-pinching and dreaming on getting another bonus $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$...it sucks!
We all know that will never happen. The execs are too good for that.
Never rat on your friends,and always keep your mouth shut-Goodfellas.
Teva From France, joined Jan 2001, 1813 posts, RR: 18 Reply 8, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 26424 times:
I fear United will soon disappear.
They do not announce lower fares, but they charge extras you for food.
Worse, they announce price increase for BOB.
And even worse, they even do this in business class!!!
I hope Kingfisher starts very soon flying to the US, so that the American public can remember what service means...
Teva
Ecoute les orgues, Elles jouent pour toi...C'est le requiem pour un con
FUN2FLY From United States, joined Dec 2006, 353 posts, RR: 1 Reply 9, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 26423 times:
Buying Meals on TATL flights: Just one, of many, missteps UAL is taking to tarnish the brand that just maybe be gone forever. Why would you take UAL to FRA/MUC when you can take LH and get free meals, free beer, etc. in coach? Same for LHR, CDG, etc. As UAL continues this, they continue to erode their FF base.
Unfortunately, as outlined in their investor presentations this spring, UAL is enacting the "revenue enhancments" they feel they need to obtain to get by. If things are so bad that you can't afford to serve a $5 TV dinner on a 8hr flight to CDG on a $1000 ticket, there's something very seriously wrong that this is trying to compensate for. I'm still appalled that there is no service on the ORD>HNL flight I'm scheduled for. What's next, UAL lottery tickets like on Monarch?
UAL777UK From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2005, 2249 posts, RR: 1 Reply 10, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 26370 times:
Maybe I am missing something here, but where does it say anywhere in the memo above anything about Transatalantic meals going...........it says BOB being offered...........does that not imply you can buy snacks etc on top of your meals or is the whole meal service going. Its not clear? If they are going to get rid of the meals transatlantic then whoever came up with this idea needs to shot!!
JBirdAV8r From United States, joined Jun 2001, 2771 posts, RR: 18 Reply 11, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 26323 times:
Quoting UAL777UK (Reply 10): Maybe I am missing something here, but where does it say anywhere in the memo above anything about Transatalantic meals going...........it says BOB being offered...........does that not imply you can buy snacks etc on top of your meals or is the whole meal service going. Its not clear? If they are going to get rid of the meals transatlantic then whoever came up with this idea needs to shot!!
Better get your gun ready....
Quoting Jamake1 (Thread starter): Buy on Board Offered Out of IAD to Europe (except KWI)
• Replacing complimentary meals in UE with BOB fresh and snack box
offerings.
UnitedTristar From United States, joined May 2004, 901 posts, RR: 5 Reply 13, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 26258 times:
Quoting Burkhard (Reply 1): Customers in UB will receive complimentary beverages and BOB offering
this is not for international...just domestic...if you read the memo correctly...and most of the passengers in domestic business class (excluding PS) are upgrades...its not as big of a deal as you might think
-m
Welcome aboard United Airlines L1011 Friendship Service to Osaka!
Airlineaddict From United States, joined Jan 2005, 366 posts, RR: 1 Reply 14, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 26229 times:
Quoting UAL777UK (Reply 10): Maybe I am missing something here, but where does it say anywhere in the memo above anything about Transatalantic meals going
Guess you better find out who came up with the idea because it is replacement of complimentary meals.
Quoting Jamake1 (Thread starter): Buy on Board Offered Out of IAD to Europe (except KWI)
• Replacing complimentary meals in UE with BOB fresh and snack box
offerings.
Haggis79 From Germany, joined Jun 2006, 1065 posts, RR: 1 Reply 16, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 26229 times:
Quoting UAL777UK (Reply 10): Maybe I am missing something here, but where does it say anywhere in the memo above anything about Transatalantic meals going
here:
Quoting Jamake1 (Thread starter): Buy on Board Offered Out of IAD to Europe (except KWI)
• Replacing complimentary meals in UE with BOB fresh and snack box
offerings.
Are they for real? or is this whole thread a (bad) joke? If they are for real, I'll make damn sure I never fly United across the pond (at least not out of IAD for the time being)
Bad, bad news IMHO for United. Disappointed regarding the reduction on the ex IAD flights, but then the quality over the last few years has been awful. If the quality is high, I guess it won't be the end of the world.
Mark
All my life, I've been kissing, your top lip 'cause your bottom one's missing
Enginebird From United States, joined May 2007, 287 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 26087 times:
Well, this confirms my choice not to book any flights operated by UA. I am a FF on *Star* (and Oneworld) and have long been trying hard to avoid UA like the proverbial plague, which is sometimes not easy as a Star-customer traveling frequently between the US, Europe and South Africa. Most of the time when I try to book LH flights to Europe on the LH website the cheapest fare will say something like "codeshare, operated by UA". Again, most of the time I am more than willing to pay a little more to get on a flight operated by LH.
Even for domestic flights there are so many better choices than UA, legacies such as Continental and non-legacies like Jetblue.
Considering all the trouble UA is facing and the service they are offering to customers, prospects are not good for UA. As much as I hate so see any airline disappear, if one has to go it should definitely be UA. Should have left the market long ago and probably would have, hadn't it been for the protection after Sept 11.
Runway23 From Canada, joined Jan 2005, 1706 posts, RR: 47 Reply 23, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 25969 times:
Another move which shows UA has totally lost the plot. The only airline which may follow this is US (and perhaps AA). UA's product is already so dismal compared to the European airlines and CO/DL/NW on transatlantic.
Somehow, I think they will find that charging transatlantic customers will drive down their yield more than anything else.
Iloveboeing From United States, joined Oct 2005, 663 posts, RR: 0 Reply 25, posted (10 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 25876 times:
This doesn't surprise me that UA would do this under the Tilton regime. Look out.......transpacific flights are next!
The continued degradation of UA's product continues. Honestly, what incentive is there to fly UA anymore? Is there one? It doesn't seem like it.
Quoting PRAirbus (Reply 4): Ooooops, get ready for the other US Majors to start imitating UAL...I feel sorry for the FAs who will get the passengers nasty remarks as retaliation for this rock-bottom cost cutting measure.
Agreed. I also feel bad for the F/As because they are going to get flamed for something they have no control over. Imagine the nightmare! I don't think UA takes credit cards, do they? Imagine having one passenger trying to pay in US dollars, another in pounds, another in euros, etc.......
Quoting UAL777UK (Reply 10): If they are going to get rid of the meals transatlantic then whoever came up with this idea needs to shot!!
Amen!
Quoting Enginebird (Reply 20): Considering all the trouble UA is facing and the service they are offering to customers, prospects are not good for UA. As much as I hate so see any airline disappear, if one has to go it should definitely be UA. Should have left the market long ago and probably would have, hadn't it been for the protection after Sept 11.
It is sad to see thousands of people lose their jobs, but they way UA has been going, they need to stop the nickel-and-diming charade or just go out of business. UA is degrading their product to unthinkably low levels and they are not serving the people. High fuel prices are never an excuse to offer a crappy product.
Quoting FUN2FLY (Reply 9): Why would you take UAL to FRA/MUC when you can take LH and get free meals, free beer, etc. in coach?
Exactly! The customers will vote with their feet and now that UA is continuing to downgrade their product, more will go to foreign competitors, and rightfully so! Even though LH doesn't have PTVs fleet-wide, they still offer better service than UA, even on intra-European flights. When I flew intra-Europe (in coach), I got a complimentary soft drink, a small sandwich, and a candy bar. Small touches like that make the flight smoother.
Quoting Teva (Reply 8): I hope Kingfisher starts very soon flying to the US, so that the American public can remember what service means...
I think we should also have SQ flying more US-Europe transatlantic routes (in addition to the JFK-FRA). They know how to provide service.
Calling All Airlines: Serve The People!!!!!!!
26 Airbazar: Because 1) there's not that much to take away and 2) no one will miss it. I can't remember the last time I had a meal on a Eastbound TATL flight. All
27 AviationMaster: I hope this is a bad rumor, a really bad one. If this is true, then all of UA's competitors on routes across the Atlantic must be saying a big thank y
28 Iloveboeing: Definitely! This is going to increase business for the REAL full-service carriers. It's funny that UA seems to still think of itself as a "full-servi
29 Caspritz78: A new interior design study for the A380. Put a small grocery store on the main deck where people can buy food, snacks, drinks and Duty Free. One or
30 FFlyer: I don't fly UA usually anyway, but I just hope none of the other carriers follow. Continental Airlines....the one so many here seem to value high; I
31 UAL777UK: Hmm, whilst I agree this is a rediculous proposal from UA and one that I hope never see's the light of day, I dont agree with your comment. The major
32 BNinMSY: It's very simple ... just fly Continental Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier or Alaska! You will receive fresh service!
33 TinPusher007: Someone ELSE needs to get a hold of this company. This is ridiculous. First US Air charges for water and now this.
34 Iloveboeing: I'll bet UA will start charging for soft drinks/water in the near future.
35 Burkhard: Why not let McDonnell run the self service restaurants aboard? They operate restaurants on trains, why no Big Mac on planes? Most Americans would fin
36 Enilria: As a frequent user of international business class I will now cross UA off my list. It is RIDICULOUS to be paying a multiple of the coach fare for th
37 B747-4U3: Maybe this is their problem, they don't even know that KWI isn't in Europe!!! The problem with BOB for transatlantic flights is that they will tarnis
38 AirNZ: Sorry to perhaps burst your bubble, but the majority of people who fly in Business are also very price conscious......when someone else isn't paying
39 Richardw: You can see the ads coming soon with our full meal tray and their, UA's, empty meal tray. Do UA CEO's ever fly SQ or TG? or is this excluded from thei
40 Enginebird: A lot of people on this board have commented recently that *Star* may be getting too big. Looks like UA (and maybe US) tries/try to solve this problem
41 Iloveboeing: UA's reputation is already tarnished and it's going to get far worse when this madness begins. Exactly! It seems that they never leave 77 Wacker Driv
42 UAL777UK: Errr, sorry to burst YOUR bubble but if you want to read my comment again it clearly states I am referring to passegers in Y...not J !!
43 Incitatus: This press release just feels choppy like it was made up by an amateur. I am waiting for a public release available from a credible source to believe
44 Luv2fly: My thought is that the other cities offer more competition so for now they will continue to compete onboard wise.
45 AviationMaster: I think the majority of US carriers have been charging for alcohol on Trans-Atlantic routes for quite some time now. If I'm correct, its one of those
46 Burkhard: Let us discuss the following example: Airline B charges $1000 for inclusive meals and drinks. Airline U charges $960 without meals and with a glass of
47 Michman: NW does not charge for alcohol Trans-Atl.
48 Richardw: Couldn't they just say no dinner in economy on long haul flights departing 9.30pm or later. I'm flying BA from RIO-LHR and the departure is 11.45pm, I
49 Michman: NW typically serves an egg/cheese muffin, fruit cup, and yogurt for breakfast on it's hub - AMS flights. On my recent DTW-LHR flight, they had the mu
50 Maxisno1: Totally agree. A perfect definition of United right now.[Edited 2008-08-19 06:52:09]
51 Tootallsd: They could fly MU and find better service.
52 UAL777UK: Good point or improve the Y+ product, differentiate it from Y, and charge a premium on that. It pains me but until a certain Mr Tilton goes some of t
53 Iloveboeing: I would agree. I've gotten more service on Chinese domestic flights than on most U.S. legacies.
54 AirNZ: Yes indeed, and if you would read mine correctly you will see that I stated that those in J are also very price conscious when someone else isn't pay
55 SkyHigh777: I just booked my flight on UA from IAD to LHR leaving Sept 10!! I'm really disappointed in United. Now transatlantic services is nothing more than a f
56 Iloveboeing: Why didn't you book on BA? They offer better service and probably offered a comparable price to UA. I think that when we travel internationally, we s
57 USAirALB: yea...they'd probably give you 3 snack boxes! come UA, US offers more. On a TATL flight on US you get a meal, a snack and a light meal on arrival.
58 SK601: According the the OP, the BOB for transatlantic flights starts Oct. 1. I expect the others (AA/CO/DL/NW/US) to follow within 1 - 2 years. The only is
59 Iloveboeing: Well, when I flew WN on a transcon, I got unlimited soft drinks, peanuts, and a snack box, which was quite filling. And when I've flown a legacy, suc
60 ATWZW170: Just one more step to the total demise of service on US airlines. I'm totally embarassed. This is why I recently decided to leave the industry, it's j
61 OA260: Also the funny thing is their call center dont know about this new policy . Yet its in the CRS system already. But you should still be under the old
62 Carfield: I think BOB for TATL flight is a very risky move, and am not sure if its codeshare partners (especially fellow Star Alliance carriers) will be happy a
63 Airbazar: I've been avoinding US carriers on TATL flights like the plague for a very long time but I did fly NW twice over the last year and both times I had c
64 MBMBOS: You know, if UA handles the "buy-onboard" with a bit of style it could be a successful program. I really enjoyed service on Song. I could purchase som
65 Teva: If you live near the airport, I agree with you. But a lot of people live far away. And do not forget those on a transit flight, with a normal connect
66 UAL777UK: What in gods name are you on about, I was replying to AviationMasters comment and then you butt in and start spouting nonsense. I am clearly aware of
67 Iloveboeing: I'm embarrassed, too! And to think that these airlines represent the USA to the international flying public? What kind of perception and image does t
68 BananaBoY: Food in Y on this flight is s*&te - possibly the worst food on any UA flight. If they offer for purchase reasonable options, I for one would be pleas
69 Chepos: I would not be shocked to see US announce food for sale in coach on TATL, following UA's announcement. I winder if UA will go with drinks for sale on
70 BA319-131: - I think you could well be right. I don't know what UA are thinking, but if they want to alienate their best customers and the general travelling pu
71 Iloveboeing: I would say that it is very likely that both will happen. It's almost like UA and US are coordinating the whole nickel-and-diming war against the con
72 OA260: Yeah the Econ+ is a good bonus and even though they took it away for other Star Gold members I often had success in getting it.
73 STT757: CO still serves complimentary meals at meal time on domestic flights of over two hours, they are the only US airline still offering complimentary "wa
74 MasseyBrown: They have tested all these things in some market or other and decided they are profitable ideas. Presumably they have decided the premium airlines are
75 Johruk: What is next, a codeshare agreement with Ryanair! Whilst i understand the need for companies to re-evalute products etc, this is just a step to far. W
76 Iloveboeing: But the thing is, is that WN doesn't charge for non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, or snackboxes, and IMO, they wouldn't if they did international flights
77 Fbgdavidson: BOB in Business Class? IN BUSINESS CLASS? They give you a $5 snackbox when you've paid $2500 return or more across the country. There have been littl
78 ADRIANGALT: Well the day has come, I am sure others will follow and and further put the US Airline industry in a tail spin. Taking such meals away in coach on a t
79 AWACSooner: You know what...United and US Airways's codeshare with each other is really a match made in hell. Each seems to be in a race to outdo each other in th
80 Lambert747: Please re-read the article. It is abundantly clear that TATL flight from IAD with the exception of KWI, and later DXB will be excluded from this cost
81 ADRIANGALT: These threads would be a lot shorter if people read the article thoroughly first before posting comments!!
82 Tonytifao: Goodbye United! Get your act together before you go under! Damn management. Why don't you increase your fare about $10 dollars and at least hide it. Y
83 UAL777UK: Yeah noted. My bad. Not sure thats true but if there is a backlash of great proportions I wonder if it might be the the nail that gets Tilton kicked
84 FlyKev: Well this just confirms that UA will remain on the last carriers that I check when planning a trip list. Now from what I read, I gather that its only
85 OA260: After seeing a recent TR on them I have to say I was very impressed. When CO join Star they will probably become the leader over UA.Then again its ha
86 Iloveboeing: ....so they can walk away filthy rich, at the expense of the employees and customers. Nope, no advantage at all. It is really sad to see this once gr
87 Iloveboeing: The Tilton gang is now based at a skyscraper on Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago. Honestly, I wonder if they ever leave it (except to go home).....
88 MSYtristar: Very sad indeed. Not sure what else can be said except that UA is taking the decline of in flight service to a whole new level. For the life of me I
89 BlueShamu330s: What United should be very very alert to is the fact that whilst they lower their transatlantic product to the standard of a no-frills carrier, they r
91 Airbazar: I'm sure others will match it within months if not weeks. High summer season is just about over. Airlines are entering possibly their worst period ev
92 CAP2008: NW does the same thing on MSP-HNL, Buy Our Bullshit, or don't eat.
93 Iloveboeing: Just wait.......they'll apply it to Europe-IAD flights, eventually. Yay! Enough cash to pay the executives bonuses while they drive UA into the groun
94 ATWZW170: Could the Star Alliance kick out US Airways and United for not living out to service standards? I would hate to by a ticket on what I think is a class
95 MasseyBrown: Well, I didn't mean that UA would be an exact clone of WN - just that UA has decided to aim for the masses not the classes. If they downgrade their B
96 PNQIAD: Actually except for late night FRA flight - most leave late afternoon / evening which is smack in the middle of dinner time for most normal human bei
97 AirbusA6: laughable The only consolation, is that there will be loads of room on board to stretch out on board, with no middle seats occupied, as the cabin will
98 Johruk: I see your logic, but I just cant see how they would make any profit. Charge less for more space? You may not be getting the food but right now, with
99 STT757: My Wife and I are actually flying HNL-MSP in the next couple weeks, I was shocked to learn they do not offer meals on this flight rather a BOB cold b
100 Iloveboeing: Well, if UA really wants to be a LCC, then they should rip out first and business class completely and stuff the planes full of Y seats. I think they
101 United Airline: What a lousy airline. That's all I can say. I am totally disappointed and sad. United will soon be a low cost carrier. People switch to other airlines
102 Airbazar: So is there a law that prevents you from eating outside of those hours? Like I said, not eating on a red-eye is my own personal preference. It works
103 HAMAD: OMG! i couldnot stop laughing. maybe i should suggest that to our management. now, i just want to reconfirm, they wont sell food on business, but the
104 BCA2005: Correct and also don't forget the IAD-LHR daylight service.
105 United1: It would depend on what was in UAs original contract when they formed Star, that being said I would guess as one of the founding/core carriers that U
106 LoneStarMike: At the rate they're going, pretty soon this will be the kind of food they offer their premium customers. LoneStarMike
107 Swatpamike: On behalf of all 37000 Southwest employees, Thanks United keep up the good work. Cheers swatpamike swabhmmike
108 Iloveboeing: Well, when CO comes in, it might be possible, presuming UA lasts that long. With the continued cutting, cutting, and cutting........who knows what UA
109 United1: If this I am reading this right and this is reality and not a rumor, on domestic 3 cabin flights (basically positioning flights between hubs using in
110 Av8rDAL: I would even pay $30-50 more for a flight that included a proper meal service. It's hard enough to bring a drink on board these days. Consider the alt
112 Iloveboeing: Lol! I love WN!!!! You all do an amazing job of providing customer service and you make it really fun to fly!!! I know that you are going to get a lo
113 VictorKilo: What percentage of UA's TATL flying from IAD is US Government Employees? I seem to remember that those employees must fly on air carriers based in the
114 DLPhoenix: I tend to disagree. Lowering coach service levels has little impact because they hurt a population that shops for price. This move affects a group of
115 HALFA: A common misconception and not true. Hawaiian Airlines, a US airline, offers complimentary hot meals on ALL domestic flights from Hawaii to the US ma
116 Abrelosojos: = Significant contract valued under Fly America. However, there has been some amendments in the Fly America program and it might be up for review in
117 United1: Very true, CO can make the claim that they are the only airline to serve complimentary meals, in Y class inside of the 48 states.
118 WorldTraveler: Owning Chelsea is only a financial advantage if the value of the company is less than what it would be if it is spun off. It is very hard to justify
119 ItalianFlyer: Hey all...I am calling B*S* on this.... I know that they have LOOKED at changing TATL service guidelines but I have not seen anything from Onboard in
120 United1: Agreed, I think we need to wait and see what comes out from United before believing this is anything more then a rumor, I actually E-Mailed United in
121 DavidkunzVIE: Keeping the "®" here seems pointless. No one would want to be associated with that product anyway.
122 LACA773: UA used to have their own catering as well (back in the day that is). I believe the last carriers to do this was Freddie Laker's Skytrain, People Exp
123 Caspritz78: I actually a little bit surprised that some people put UA and US in the same boat. US Airways has at least a strategy behind its changes. They made it
124 United1: No idea, as UA has announced none of this, the only places that you can currently find any discussion of this at all is here and on flyertalk. Well I
125 AWACSooner: At least the folks at WN and B6 seem honestly happy to be at their jobs and have great CS...unlike US.
126 Flyglobal: Quoting Burkhard (Reply 46): Let us discuss the following example: Airline B charges $1000 for inclusive meals and drinks. Airline U charges $960 with
127 Davico68: Yea right, top management will hide in their luxury offices, five floor mansions or the golf course while the flight attendants will take the brunt o
128 Viscount724: Related article in last Sunday's NY Times, referring to U.S. domestic service only. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/travel/17pracfood.html?em
129 WPIAeroGuy: About not offering meals on red-eye flights: Not everyone is on the same time schedule, people making connections are coming from different times zone
130 Spartanmjf: FYI - on united.com an evening flight departing on 2 November [IAD-LHR] still shows dinner and snack in economy with lunch and snack for a subsequent
131 OA260: I would say the same except its already coming up for flights when you book in the CRS system. How could that happen if its not true? I posted the me
132 GSPSPOT: ...."you can't cut your way to success"....
133 BlueShamu330s: ...unless you're a Vasectomist. These latest cuts at United are going to be equally painful..
134 United1: Is it coming up for all transatlantic flights out of IAD?, ual.com isn't showing anything different then normal when one books through them. I don't
135 Iloveboeing: Yes, but now US is offering inferior service to WN. On WN you get free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, on US you don't. WN has a little more legroom
136 OA260: Yes but before the 1st October is does not appear at all thats what makes me think the thing is true. I have never seen this on any T/A flight on a C
137 LH459: Selling IAD-LHR on 02Nov in Sabre yields this message: UA 922W 02NOV 7 IADLHR SS1 0945 2200 /DCUA /E ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AVAILABLE FOR 6 DOLLARS IN E
138 OA260: Looks like it . That message is on two different major GDS systems so it must be true.
139 Iloveboeing: I think it'll probably be up within a few hours. I expect they'll announce BOB for transpacific flights within a few months....
140 OA260: It is amazing how GDS systems get the info loaded first and then the airlines follow. It also happens sometimes with new routes and schedules. When A
141 United1: Is it routes other then IAD-LHR? I remember reading somewhere that UA was going to test market BoB snacks (in addition the to regular complimentary m
142 OA260: There was a quick decision between the survey and the implementation . United considers charging for ALL food and drink on international flights http:
143 DTWAGENT: Well they did it. I can not see how they expect a business person to pay for their meals and drinks on Trans-Atlantic flights at the prices they are s
144 LH459: Okay, this has to be clarified right now. United has NOT stated that they will charge for food and drinks in international business class. They have
145 Ota1: What a shame! It makes me really sad and angry to see a great airline going this way - makes me really sick! I always had enjoyable flights as most F/
146 UAL757: I still don't believe this. No way would this happen. I mean C passengers get Y CRAP!!!!!! WTF man
147 Kosmonaute: Come fly the sleazy skies of United.
148 Ipodguy7: Wow this is completely unacceptable, this is taking customer service to an all-time low! Remind me never to fly with United ever again! P.s. does UA c
149 Iloveboeing: They sure do! $15 for the first, $25 for the second.....
150 Flybynight: I have to get away from UA. I'm a Premier Exec and everytime I fly on UA I get less and less. I can understand charging more for tickets, buy I don't
151 Iloveboeing: UA and most of the other legacies used to be some of the most prestigious carriers in the world and now they are going down the tube. It appears that
152 ER757: Exactly what I was thinking - charge everyone, bury the price in the ticket and avoid all the negative PR as well as the hassles of selling food, col
153 Bennett123: Somehow, I doubt that most customers are going to nickel and dime to save £10 on a TATL flight.
154 JAL: Sounds like their way of making the passengers pay for food! What's next? Paying for the use of the onboard washroom?
155 Bennett123: http://www.expedia.co.uk/pub/agent.dll?tovr=-1294637292&fwso=0 I picked a date in Mid September and got flights from LHR to JFK, returning a week late
156 777fan: Sooooo, why the hell doesn't UA quietly raise their fares by $7-9 and quietly keep meal/snack service "complimentary"? In terms of PR, this is moronic
157 Klkla: In theory you are correct. The problem is that United is NOT an LCC and never under cuts the market in price. The more realistic scenario is that if
158 AA388: Airlines should figure out how much the each seat has to be sold so they make x profit and keep it at that price. So if you buy a year ahead and the d
159 Frontierflyer: UA is going to be gang raped accross the pond by all the international players.
160 AviationMaster: UA's nickel-and-diming attitude may work in the US domestic market, but not when you are competing on long-haul flights to Europe against airlines li
161 Frontierflyer: You nailed it! It's like wanting to sell a Chevy Aveo the same price as a Lexus.
162 UAORD2000: I love my airline. But this is truly embarrassing.
163 ContinentalEWR: And you wonder why UA and US were named America's worst airlines. A la carte pricing, which is a horrible term (we're not talking about a menu of choi
164 Tommy767: What a bunch of Sh*t. UA's image is now internationally completely driven down the toilet now (as if it hasn't been already.) Great job. Expect VS, BA
165 UALPUFF: That's O.K. since United stopped flying LON-NYC about 2 years ago.
166 GALLEYSTEW: I have been with UAL for 22 years..........when I started we had our own flight kitchens,... our own bakery, which was famous for its carrot cake. Slo
167 StarAlliance38: When I flew UA919 LHR-IAD, I loved the sandwich given in the snack box (which I still have). It was sooo good, and better yet, IT WAS FREE lol. I gue
168 AVLAirlineFreq: If you want to screw the economy passenger who is paying the lowest possible fare, fine. But to continually diminish the business and first class offe
169 Flybynight: My wife just flew back on UA from London to Seattle (via SFO) on a 100,000 mile coach ticket. I was surprised to hear that aloholic drinks -even the f
170 DL Widget Head: This is either the desperate act of a failing company OR a really boneheaded decision by management. I actually believe it's a combination of both but
171 AirAmericaC46: I don't mind buying the food across the pond as long as it is the same food they serve in the First Class section!!
172 Allstarflyer: It'll probably be coin operated - and you get a time limit.
173 Osiris30: That was his point!!! He is disappointed he can't fly that route anymore, regardless what service he is not getting. Can I chose C, all of the above.
174 MMEPHX: So I'm guessing the "survey" someone posted here a couple of weeks ago from UA asking opinions on selling meals TATL must have come back with a resoun
175 UnitedTristar: Please re-read what I quoted...I was talking about United Business class domestically!!! United is NOT...I repeat NOT removing international Business
176 GALLEYSTEW: It is true...........but for the time being.....it is only IAD transatlantic flights (except KWI) and then 3 class aircraft flying domestic routes wil
177 Osiris30: No one is expecting UA to lose money intentionally.. but who sets the fares at UA... oh right.. UA... if they can't compete and make money on ORD/LHR
178 Highliner2: That's assuming everyone is paying the same fare, which they are not. Adding that 5 bucks for a meal isn't going to make that big of a difference eith
179 Lambert747: What a slap in the face, pay the premium to fly in Business Class and get an Economy Class meal. Something is wrong, very, very wrong with that pictu
180 UnitedTristar: ok lets use 10 cents ORD to LHR is 3,953 miles according to the great circle mapper. that means the one way costs is $395.30 and round trip it costs
181 Iloveboeing: Not much. All the things that made UA competitive are being flushed down the toilet. It wouldn't surprise me for them to be deceptive like that. Whic
182 BOACVC10: From IAD, there are umpteen foreign airlines that have no hesitation in providing quality meals on TATL routes, to europe and in some cases, non-stop
183 Pellegrine: I keep reading this and it doesn't make much logical sense. Why even offer domestic 3-class anymore if business has BOB service? Why not just upgrade
184 Baw716: The problem is that catering costs huge compared to the quality that is provided, especially in Economy. An argument can be made that if a QUALITY BO
185 Osiris30: Then it's a loss leader and it's part of doing business. You're telling me UA shouldn't be expected to lose money on this route, and then you turn ar
186 MMEPHX: ...there again, for the 28th - 31st August in Business Class....the fare is $6,261 on Orbitz so that is one heck of a profit margin Airline seats are
187 Osiris30: Thanks for looking that up for those of us (i.e. me) that are too lazy to do so (and thanks for proving my point)
188 FrmrCAPCADET: My most recent flights trans pacific/atlantic on NW were pretty nice. I could see airlines offering a nice snack box (list price) $5 complementary, a
189 Iloveboeing: IMO, they should offer better food and not charge extra for it. People should have good service and when you go on board a premier carrier, you shoul
190 UnitedTristar: of course you are right and that is exactly what i am saying. i am trying to show most people here that you cannot expect to keep the low fares and n
191 United1: So from what I understand PS is excluded from this, if you fly in J class on PS you will not be getting buy on board. What UA is changing in J class
192 Lambert747: Most people would call the above argument nothing more than grasping at straws on a grand scale. UA is racing to the bottom. No matter how the fans t
193 Iloveboeing: Yep, but they certainly don't act like it. Exactly! I am amazed at how some people try to defend these abysmal, screw-the-customer maneuvers taken by
195 United1: Well lets see if this sticks first Lambert, for instance the Saturday night stay requirements that people so vehemently blasted UA for on this board
196 DL Widget Head: This whole situation seems to be pointing to another Eastern Airlines scenario and subsequent bad ending. Employee groups banding together against ba
197 UnitedTristar: are you kidding?!?!?! Grasping at straws to pay the costs of a product? GOOD LORD!!! if the demand curve would support higher fares there would be...
198 Lambert747: It is as UA has stooped to depths lower than any other airline. AA, US, DL, CO, NW, and so forth all offer free meals across the Atlantic. It is not
199 HAMAD: thats your opinion and i respect it, but do you see any american carriers serving a full beverage service AND a meal on a 45 min flight in Y class? E
200 DL Widget Head: I'm not a betting man but I believe that this action will dilute the high yield revenue streams that UA desperately needs. What was that famous quote
201 Eghansen: I flew Delta JFK-TXL RT in economy in January of this year. We received two meals eastbound, two meals westbound + one snack (ice cream), pillows, bl
202 Ckfred: The BOB for trans-Atlantic flights out of IAD doesn't make sense. Remember when AA announced the $15 fee for the first checked bag for non-elite coach
203 N505FX: What I don't get it is why everyone is having a fit about this. Remember when U.S. based airlines removed complimentary meals? Everyone said that BOB
204 N505FX: Well....don't fly on VX then, and order the cold meal selection, because all they do is take the BOB from the back and put it on a tray for you to en
205 Lambert747: This topic is about UA and their cost saving measures which include meals for purchase on TATL flights to Europe from IAD. In regards to VX, they nev
206 N505FX: Wrong answer roger - 6 trips on VX under my belt in F. I learned my lesson the hard way on VX, when they offer a salad or wrap to an F passenger, pas
207 DL Widget Head: Because, if this change is going to happen, UA will be trying it on International flights AND seemingly (and unbelievably) in Business Class. I can't
208 Klkla: I was a 1K for many years and ran into lots of FA's that really cared and wanted the system to work for their customers but management does nothing t
209 Maxisno1: Only a matter of time before United go belly up.
210 BEYauty: How many customers will tell the difference if UA charged an extra $10-15 per ticket to cover the meal costs instead of compromising on their service
211 BestWestern: To all those who say that people would pay more for legroom in coach - MRTC comes to mind - AA's more room through coach was a disaster. In Europe we
212 United1: So no not at all, International First and International Business is not changed one bit...period full stop. In fact F/J meals on international flight
213 DL Widget Head: Since i have not seen anything official from UA, I can only base my comments on what I have read here. Charging for meals TATL in premium cabins woul
214 United1: I don't know why you would change your mind over flying UA because of this policy, IAD-DXB will still receive complimentary meal services both ways.
215 Ssides: I'm sorry to call you out, because I generally agree with you and you're definitely not the only one on this board (or other boards) that does this,
216 BestWestern: Confusion regins amongst the non aviation savy about these changes. BBC news stating that United are to remove free catering on all overseas flights.
217 DL Widget Head: While not official from UA, the following confirms what United1 said...BOB for TATL is only for economy NOT J or F. Nonetheless, read what one analyst
218 AviationMaster: Some of the members here just see the 'additional revenue' and fail to see the PR damage that such a move can create. Charging for meals on flights ac
219 BEYauty: This has to do with the IAD-LAX leg and not the DXB-IAD leg. For about $200 more I can fly EK non-stop from DXB to LAX, saving myself over 6 hours of
220 DL Widget Head: Indeed. Makes one wonder why CO wants to hook their wagon to this airline but then that's another topic for a different thread.
221 United1: International First complimentary meal service(s) all drinks are complimentary International Business complimentary meal service(s) all drinks are com
222 AbleToFly: Makes me realize how lucky we are when flying with GL to SFJ and UAK where meals and beverages are free. Fantastic service they offer. AbelToFly
223 United1: Well putting BoB aside for a second saving 6 hours and going nonstop would be what pushed me over the edge to a non-stop flight vs connecting especia
224 Wowpeter: If they implement that in transpac... that will be the end of UA for their Transpac route... asian pax are not used to having to pay for food and dri
225 Luv2cattlecall: Ignoring your abysmal spelling/grammar... Just like not all of Skybus's fares were $10, not all fares on this route are that low. Additionaly, notice
226 Ssides: The problem is, this simply does not work in the US market, and the US airlines are going to see if that extends to passengers flying US carriers int
227 MasseyBrown: I think you answered your own question. IAD flights carry a captive audience of not just government employees but in many cases federal contractors a
228 Sbworcs: I just did a comparison - British Airways - IAD - LHR 1st December returning 7th December - US$ 738.60 United Airlines - IAD - LHR 1st December return
229 Hohd: I think the federal government employees will request a waiver to fly in UA and they might try other airlines or fly via other hubs. If this happens c
230 LACA773: I agree with you 150%, Lambert747. Actually the meals UA serves in J on 3 class a/c i.e., LAX-ORD is basically what they used to serve in Y when they
231 Panamair: Why is CO across the pond the brightest thing from the US contingent? CO's meals in Y on transatlantic are no worse or better than what is served in
232 Viscount724: GDS = Global Distribution System, the computer systems used by airlines and travel agents to book flights (Amadeus, Sabre, Worldspan etc.) They are a
233 United787: I agree 100% This is dumb dumb dumb... Just when they were starting to compete better with International Airlines with their new cabin upgrades, they
234 LACA773: I agree with you Panamair, however, they do provide excellent catering and a wonderful flight crew 90% of the time compared to UA & AA. Those infligh
235 Abrelosojos: = Let me know what flights you do, and I will fly them. I have gradually and sadly moved my business away from UAL because of the nasty crew I have c
236 DocLightning: Wait. If I buy a J class ticket, I expect to be fed for free. That's why they are so expensive. UA is about to lose about 90% of it's J class market.
237 United1: Guess its all about perception as I fly those same routes and have never had an issue on any UA international flight, the only time I have ever had a
238 Abrelosojos: = Perhaps. I am a 1K with them and fly enough (both UAL and non-UAL) to be able to judge service standards and am disheartened at the continuous decl
239 Iloveboeing: Maybe, but still not as good as SQ. SQ's new Business Class seats are around 30" wide. And their First Class.....35" wide. They beat UA in both First
240 Africawings: United is determined to alienate it best customers with "complimentary buy on board service" to Europe. What's so complimentary about offering somethi
241 United1: UA is not trying to be SQ, also there are quite a few complaints out there about the SQ J class seats, they are almost to wide to be comfortable when
242 Panamair: EK can't show enough love for the Y passenger, so much so that they found a way to squeeze 10 seats across in Y on their 777s...
243 United1: EK Y is good but it has its issues, one of those are the seats in the 777s the other is EKs customer service for Y class passengers leaves alot to be
244 Iloveboeing: But the thing is is that a lot of these airlines consider a snack box and/or a cold sandwich a meal. Sorry, that's not a meal, in my book. They shoul
245 United1: It is somewhere around 34" on the 777s and anywhere from 31"-33" on the airbuses.
246 DocLightning: And I would expect a J class, whether domestic or international, to feed me for free if I was paying an increased fare. Thus, it is unlikely that peo
247 Iloveboeing: Agreed! If I'm going to pay more for a Y seat, I want service!
248 United1: Still free food and drinks in domestic J class even after this change, also realise that domestic J class is not offered on many flights and UA is th
249 Cgnnrw: Whether this is true or not, I am thrilled the snack box is becoming more popular among US airlines. I bought stock in a company that provides snack b
250 OA260: Anyone got a menu yet?? I wonder whats on offer and how much.
251 Ambanmba: What about Channel 9.... oh ... oops ...
252 777fan: Man, good thing I didn't come up with that idea!!! Seriously, tho, after thinking about this for the last 24 hours...I still think it's idiotic if fo
253 NonRev: As a former staff member & UA fan, I have to say that this is ridiculous! I'm sorry UA, I have always been a very vocal supporter, but this? WTF? Unfo
254 Tozairport: Many of the employees feel the same way. This just came out from ALPA today: ALPA PRESS RELEASE United Pilots to CEO: Stop Nickel and Diming Our Pass
255 MilesDependent: Just to add to the general sentiment here that this move will further damage UA's reputation. I fly a lot, and have and will continue to avoid UA and
256 GALLEYSTEW: I do have to admit though.............I purchased FC train accomodations for my me and my nephew during our two week Euopean vacation in 2001 and WE g
257 Xkorpyoh: You need to compare the constrains of a small plane vs. a large long train that has a restaurant or cafeteria. On a train passengers can easily move
258 Eghansen: I'm confused. Does BOB stand for Buy OnBoard or Bring OnBoard? It seems to me that if they keep raising the prices, the Bring is going to be more comm
259 Ckfred: One of the problems with MRTC was AA's marketing campaign. AA only advertised MRTC in its major markets, BOS, New York, MIA, ORD, DFW, and LAX. AA ne
260 Iloveboeing: I signed it! Yes they are. A lot of U.S. airline management is incredibly short-sighted. Short-sighted management will lead to eventual destruction.
261 Flybyguy: Just wait... it will only get better from here... when the airlines have all unused FF miles expire in 12 months and entire galley complexes removed
262 N505FX: Has everyone lost the ability to read? The press release says J DOMESTIC will get BOB complimentary...they aren't expecting J to pay and NO WHERE doe
263 LH526: Great .. now what is the total amount charged by the caterer plus additional costs through heaver weight (cuttlery, china, ...) of a business class m
264 HAMAD: i actually used to fly CO a lot, however when i moved to phoenix i switched to United, simply because of economy plus, and then i became loyal, all t
265 ZWZWUnited: I didn't sign the petition, but I did do the "send Glenn an e-mail part". It made me feel good to do that. It may not count for much, but I feel good
266 United1: Quoting LH526 (Reply 263): Great .. now what is the total amount charged by the caterer plus additional costs through heaver weight (cuttlery, china,
267 GOwithCO332: You know what is sad, my love for every new concept an airline puts out is starting to ware down. I love UA. In fifth grade I did a twenty page report
268 Eghansen: The world, no. UAL, probably. United will not go out of business because they end meals on transatlantic flights. They have been going out of busines
269 DL Widget Head: I think the airline can still be saved. They just need some competent management. In relation to this stupid BOB decision on TATL flights, the curren
270 LACA773: Rick, I apreciate what you have to say, but at the same time, what CO offers is better than nothing at all especially during these hellish times. . A
271 Burkhard: Maybe we here are missing one point, that came to me tonight. Whenever I go to an independent internet booking site, the flights are sorted for price.
272 Bjwonline: I just don't understand! It was only a few months ago we were reading how UA's p.s. product is doing so well in the thread: United P.s - "Home Run In
273 SQ452: Charging Business Class Passengers for meals...geez, the brass at UA might just be dumber than those clowns over at US Airways....
274 GALLEYSTEW: I have the breifing sheet from the domicile.....Domestcally, UB will get complimentary beverages.....meaning free alcoholic drinks.... then offered BO
275 AirNZ: So then can you perhaps explain to me why you pay the extra $700? How do they make profits in domestic F anyhow when most of the flyers are free upgr
276 PITingres: Of course it is. The only conceivable reason for not raising fares some paltry amount, like $5, is to stay at the top of the listing. I can't think o
277 United1: Looks like UA is no longer going to be offering Business class on Domestic flights (outside of PS) if they work it like AA does when they operate 777
278 N505FX: Oh come on now, that is unfair. AA offers you a delicious and nutricious 10 lbs Jumbo Cookie or a 7,000 calorie tube of Lays Stackers for $5 a and a
279 LACA773: Is this new BOB Fresh for the transatlantic IAD flights going to be different than the meager salad and one sandwich offering they have on domestic fl
280 United1: Unknown at this point details are forthcoming..... [quote=N505FX,reply=278]
281 Orlando666: my god. shows are very dodgy purchasing and revenue model, and portrays an image of below-charter standard. does this include west-coast non-stops to
282 FrmrCAPCADET: If charging for a meal and even for the 1st bag checked would miraculously life UA in profitablility, timely and happy service etc we probably would w
283 GOwithCO332: What is all of the B.S. about these decisions being formed by customer and flight attendant feedback? Now, if you look to every person who has flown U
284 ANZUS340: Well I can honestly UA is the first airline I will not be flying with again. Goodbye UA I wish you well.
285 Ckfred: Why do people complain about the lack of "healthy" choices on airplanes. It's not as if the airports have healthy choices, either. At ORD, I typicall
286 Tozairport: Please go to www.glenntilton.com and send glenn an e-mail to that effect. This incompetent management's "nickel and dime" revenue plan has got to sto
287 LH459: UA is not eliminating their F product, nor will they be charging F class pax for meals. It's the domestic C class pax (except on PS) who will be gett
288 UAORD2000: Where are you getting this? Nothing is changing in Domestic F. The only change domestically is "J" class. It will be treated as economy with the bene
289 Jamake1: United's spin on charging for meals to Europe... Press Release Source: United Airlines United Tests Food Choices in Business and Economy Thursday Augu
290 Eghansen: Do we really know nothing is changing? Do we trust United to serve a hot meal in domestic F? By setting the precedent that a free meal is now an extr
291 LACA773: They seem to be doing things haphazardly at this time. I wouldn't be surprised or shocked with more changes on the horizon even if they are not in th
292 UA_727: *****Dropping the second meal on P.S. is NOT a bad thing - the two times I've been in F on this service, not a single person opted for the pre-arrival
293 N505FX: Do you need more food than that every 4 hours?
294 Joemac547: I know this thread is getting long so I might have missed the correction.... but I think I saw something in the "official" press release that is going
295 Eghansen: Passengers in first class expect it. Coach passengers are getting used to paying for anything they want.
296 N505FX: The official release also states that this is just a test, and based on feedback, the next steps will be determined.
297 Pellegrine: Thanks guys I realized my error later but forgot to correct my post. This domestic/intl. economy food thing is getting blown out of proportion, it re
298 AirNZ: Yes, but that's the inherent problem.....that many people expect things to be handed to them. However, it is no longer reality that it should be so a
299 AviationMaster: Did I read correctly? BOB will also apply for transatlantic flights from Europe to IAD?
300 AirbusA6: A choice of cheese or ham sandwiches to buy...yummy That sounds like it's both ways across the pond?
301 Jamake1: Correct indeed. This is what United has come to. Charging for meals in United Economy between IAD and Europe. Nothing in the company memo released to
302 GALLEYSTEW: Just got corrected information from my supervisor. UB domestic will be given FREE .......snack items on flights 2-3 hours in length FREE.........Choic
303 ItalianFlyer: What is really demoralizing about this, from an employee standpoint, is the total lack of focus that the expensive "talent" on Wacker brings to the ta
304 ADent: They used to be offered pretzels (with between 9 and 11 mini pretzels per bag).
305 JDFlyVC10: Do you think UAL FA's will stop me from selling Double Stuff Oreo's cookies (4 for $1.00) for cash on my flight next week to Chicago? I don't take cre
306 United1: Ok me thinks that is stretching it to say that was "food" service... The snack foods that are being rolled out are a bit more filling then that.
307 United1: hehe....I think you would be offered and "incentive" to stop selling them
308 Koruman: Here in Australia we consider ourselves to be close friends of our American cousins, but there are increasing doubts as to the quality of management t
309 OA260: I think its Taco Bell or McDonalds before boarding . It cant be any worse than what will be served onboard.
310 777fan: Many hotels already do - they're called "resort fees". While I suspect this will become the modus operandi of many US carriers in the near future, if
311 MasseyBrown: NW tried this approach when they were busy blocking fare increases a few years ago. They refused to go along with raising full fare Y saying that the
312 Tommy767: This is a great idea which would work well with all the major U.S. airlines. UA actually tried TGI Friday's BOB back in 2002 on some flights. One rou
313 BAW716: I agree with your assessment. I have seen United go through many changes since I left 10 years ago this last month....none of them good. The problem
314 777fan: Agreed. Believe it or not, the snack boxes actually incorporate some decent products but for naught since the perception is that UA is trying to thro
315 MasseyBrown: Outside brands bring their own problems and sometimes extra costs. I would avoid any airline that served one particular brand that you mentioned. Oth
316 Cgnnrw: Another issue that bothers me about this and it actually goes for many airlines at the moment, their IMO misuse of the words "value", "choice". Whenev
317 777fan: That's part of the problem, IMO. The catering standards are only standards, and have little, if any appeal. Branding the BoB offerings would at least
318 Ushermittwoch: I didn't have time to read all of the replies but what happens to people whom already booked their IAD TATL flights, assuming that they will get the m
319 Ckfred: The hotels that have "resort fees' are just that, resorts. You will find them in places like the Caribbean, Florida, or Arizona. I could see a hotel
320 United1: Not necessarily I stayed at a very well known hotel in Berkley CA a few months ago, there was a $24 resort fee a day and a $24 a day parking fee. For
321 Ryanair!!!: It is interesting to see how the travel scene has changed in the US. Back in the early 90s, stand up comics included puns on how BAD airline food was
322 MasseyBrown: The Claremont? I had friends who bought a "lifetime" membership in the Spa. About a month later the athletic facilities and clubhouse were destroyed
323 United1: Yup, the agency I work for had a meeting there and was nice enough to put me up for a couple nights even though I live 10 minutes from there nice hot
324 Tommy767: BTW: For the first time yesterday I actually had a decent BOB meal. My AA flight from IAD to LAX featured a boars head chicken sandwich with a bag of
325 AussieItaliano: Exactly. If my Premier Exec status on UA entitles me to less services than a regular passenger on CO or DL, who would I rather fly? It hasn't happene
326 Davico68: WOW!! 325 posts on this topic, I hope United gets the message!
327 LACA773: This is a big deal, Davico68! I hope someone sent the power that be @ UA a link to this thread. By chance, does anyone know if UA is going to offer a
328 EXAAUADL: real brilliant...free booze but you have to pay for food. Isnt this illegal for bars and pubs to do? Werent they just bragging how well PS is doing?
329 United1: UB on those 20 or so domestic flights that actualy offer it will receive complimentary BOB....
330 NewYorkCityBoi: This wont help UA gain extra $$$ at all: -I know for the fact that MANY UA F/A take the cash to their own pocket (because they dont allow credit card
331 UAL777UK: Interesting comment in the Sunday Times at the weekend from BA on the subject. We do not plan to charge for meals in Economy...........not yet anyway!
332 EXAAUADL: yeah, ok sounded like BOB in C class now. I guess I expect the worst from UAL yes, that is what this whole thread is about
333 Mikeorszag: I purchased a transatlantic ticket in November before the changes which clearly says that meals are provided on the ticket. United customer service ha
334 AirNZ: Since when does any airline ticket state anything about meals? Indeed, as I can almost guarantee the flight to be E-TKT there is no physical ticket f
335 MilesDependent: Rumour on Flyertalk is UA is pulling a switch-er-roo on this policy, and will no longer be introducing BOB on trans Atlantic. http://www.flyertalk.com
336 United1: 336 posts later.... Well if this is true on behalf of the legions of UA flyers everywhere thanks for listening United.....
337 SATX: I don't really care for airline food in coach. I've been flying internationally for years and years and the food has always been poor in Y. Same in UA
338 TBCITDG: This all seems to be a desperate attempt rather than a well though out business plan. If you need your employees to sell sandwiches on board to genera
339 Skyfellow: Maybe he received a flight itinerary where these are commonly listed. When I have my ticket e-mailed to me, it is clearly stated if a meal or snack i
340 United1: All of those are being done, this was going to be an experiment to see what happened. Looks like it will never get off the ground at this point, and
341 LAXintl: Yes - 1,500 as part of announced cuts this fall, including some good folks I know. If you keep up with a.net threads you will have seen plenty of sch
342 AirNZ: Yes, I can understand that....in that he (or yourself) received a flight itinerary, but that is not a flight ticket, electronic or otherwise! Sorry,
343 WunalaYann: Agree 100%. But remember that SQ is part of *A. How long and how much money will it take to upgrade UA and US (and CO, for that matter) to SQ's stand
344 FrmrCAPCADET: If you received an intinerary/e-ticket that says you will be served a meal, my suspician is that when you show the ticket (I will call them that, as i
345 UAL777UK: Remind me again who effectively owns SQ?
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