United International Economy Enhancements
United Airlines announced today that they are upgrading the experience in their international economy cabins with better food, free beer and wine and premium snacks available for purchase. The enhancements will begin on June 1, 2015 for trans-Atlantic flights; service between the United States and Argentina, Brazil and Chile; and most trans-Pacific flights.
The Food
United has announced that economy passengers on international flights will now be served a multi-course meal. The meal is described as:
New Multi-Course Meal Service
United will expand the primary complimentary economy meal to a hearty three-course service, beginning with a beverage and snack of cheese and crackers, baked whole-grain bruschetta chips or Kiri cheese spread and crackers, followed by a generous main course served with refreshed salads and artisan bread.
Main-course meals will include new dishes designed by United’s team of chefs, including:
- Home-style turkey meatloaf in spicy barbecue sauce, served with sweet potato mash, mixed vegetables, an artisan ciabatta roll and amaranth mango salad;
- Tuscan ravioli with roasted red pepper sauce, served with a petit artisan ciabatta roll and mixed-grain salad; and
- Udon noodles with stir-fried vegetables and ginger soya sauce, served with a petit multi-grain baguette roll and apple wheatberry salad.
For the final course, customers may enjoy a premium dessert, such as gelato, sorbet, ice cream or mousse.
The airline is also enhancing their pre-arrival service and is adding snacks available for purchase during the flights:
Choice Menu Snack Shop Expansion
The airline will also introduce snacks for purchase in United Economy on long-haul international services. Along with enjoying complimentary meals, customers will be able to purchase packaged snacks and snack boxes throughout their flights through the airline’s Choice Menu Snack Shop – currently available in United Economy on most North andCentral America flights scheduled for more than two hours, flights to and from northern South America and service between Honolulu and Guam.
Pre-Arrival Service
Complimentary pre-arrival service will continue. Depending on the market flown, United Economy customers will receive a croissant with jam, a warmed sandwich or a hot meal served with fruit and a roll. On flights where a hot meal is available, new options, such as cinnamon-swirl French toast and a Tuscan skillet with scrambled eggs, will join current offerings.
“United is committed to improving every aspect of our customers’ experience on the ground, in the air and with every interaction,” said Sandra Pineau-Boddison, United’s senior vice president of customers. “The changes to come onJune 1 will deliver an elevated onboard experience on many of our intercontinental flights and will offer travelers the high level of service they expect from a global airline.”
The Drink
As part of these upgrades, United has committed to serving beer and wine for free in economy. They will also provide economy passengers with one complimentary bottle of water to enjoy during the flight. (How generous!)
Complimentary Beer and Wine
United will offer beer and wine at no charge in United Economy on intercontinental flights with multi-course meal service, and each customer will receive a complimentary bottle of water to stay refreshed throughout their flight. Additionally, customers may purchase half-bottle premium wines, and United will continue to offer spirits for sale.
Conclusion
These changes come following a number of enhancements by United including upgrades to their premium class service and better food in their lounges. Overall it is good to see all of the major legacy carriers stepping up their game in this department. Now if United could only get their flight attendants to stop being so surly!
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this is great for passengers..hooray!
I believe this move came because of the increased competition from middle eastern airlines which have better seats, planes, food…etc
Competition is a great thing!
Great news! Unfortunately my UA international leg is on May 31 🙁
Oddly enough, on a recent trip on UA, the F/As were downright decent & well accommodating to the passengers, showing a good smile & friendly, warm helpful service. Unfortunately, at the same time the catering company loaded no food onto the plane for economy, so no buy on board offerings on an early morning flight. The United Club at Houston is starting to look much better overall though – though the snack offerings were more reminiscent of CO’s days – assorted cracker packs, pepperoni/meat sticks & ham packets, the ubiquitous peanuts & pretzels in UA colored bags. plus fruit & packaged snack bars. They are installing a ‘proper’ food service area in the main club at IAH though for the upcoming enhancements to the soft product offering there.