Comments on: United considers charging for ALL food and drink on international flights http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/ Living the first class life -- at coach prices Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:15:02 -0700 hourly 1 By: Spearhead Soldier http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-25414 Spearhead Soldier Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:27:00 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-25414 I've flown United a couple times internationally since this past September. I had been off the air for a while, and was shocked that I had to pay for a drink on an international United flight when my one-way ticket from western Europe cost most than $1,000. Then I just found out today that United will not honor business class lounge for business class flight passengers from Star Alliance flights. Shocked again I was. United has gone from my favorite to being simply a cheap jerk. Given what I paid for my flights (not discount fares), they truly blow. What else can I say? Well, I can say this: given any similarity in fares, I will ALWAYS chose the European Star Alliance partner from now on. Plain and simple. Loyalty begets loyalty, and my loyalty is out the window on a six dollar glass of wine. I’ve flown United a couple times internationally since this past September. I had been off the air for a while, and was shocked that I had to pay for a drink on an international United flight when my one-way ticket from western Europe cost most than $1,000. Then I just found out today that United will not honor business class lounge for business class flight passengers from Star Alliance flights. Shocked again I was. United has gone from my favorite to being simply a cheap jerk. Given what I paid for my flights (not discount fares), they truly blow. What else can I say? Well, I can say this: given any similarity in fares, I will ALWAYS chose the European Star Alliance partner from now on. Plain and simple. Loyalty begets loyalty, and my loyalty is out the window on a six dollar glass of wine.

]]> By: Downgrade made official: United eliminates free meals on transatlantic flights » Upgrade: Travel Better http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-23222 Downgrade made official: United eliminates free meals on transatlantic flights » Upgrade: Travel Better Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:07:07 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-23222 [...] comes as no surprise to regular readers of this blog. After all, United was polling some of its customers just two weeks ago to gauge their tolerance for international buy-on-board [...] [...] comes as no surprise to regular readers of this blog. After all, United was polling some of its customers just two weeks ago to gauge their tolerance for international buy-on-board [...]

]]> By: Bradley http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-23217 Bradley Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:52:37 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-23217 I have been laughing at all the whining over paying for a meal or a glass of water. Americans are the most spoiled group of human beings in the world. Grow up people and get a life. I travel domestically and internationally over 1 million miles a year and I have more things to worry about than paying for a drink or meal. I choose to eat prior to flying and or bring a meal to eat on while I am traveling. Whats the big deal? If you guys were such royalty that you consider yourselves to be, take a charter jet! I have been laughing at all the whining over paying for a meal or a glass of water. Americans are the most spoiled group of human beings in the world. Grow up people and get a life. I travel domestically and internationally over 1 million miles a year and I have more things to worry about than paying for a drink or meal. I choose to eat prior to flying and or bring a meal to eat on while I am traveling. Whats the big deal? If you guys were such royalty that you consider yourselves to be, take a charter jet!

]]> By: Scott http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-23213 Scott Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:52:16 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-23213 And Continental's joining Star alliance can't come soon enough!!!!!! Goodbye Mileage"less" and hello OnePass!!! Seriously Mr. Tilton - I hope you enjoy seeing AA, DL and CO pick off the pieces of your empire at auction! With policies like these I will vote strongly with my wallet - may you pay the price!!! Goodbye and good riddance UA!!! And Continental’s joining Star alliance can’t come soon enough!!!!!! Goodbye Mileage”less” and hello OnePass!!!

Seriously Mr. Tilton – I hope you enjoy seeing AA, DL and CO pick off the pieces of your empire at auction! With policies like these I will vote strongly with my wallet – may you pay the price!!! Goodbye and good riddance UA!!!

]]> By: John http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22899 John Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:12:22 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22899 United Airlines is a company that treats its customers with contempt. I have been a Mileage Plus member for as long as I can remember and I tend to fly internationally at least once or twice a year. Flying a foreign airline, including United's Star Alliance partners, is a night and day difference. There's room, complementary snacks and beverages, and friendly staff on board. Being on United is like jabbing yourself in the leg with a fork. United is going to kill its most profitable routes (trans-pacific) with this scheme. Do you think travelers who have flown Singapore, Korean Air, JAL, etc. are going to pay for meals and drinks? They will put themselves out of business on these routes if this plan is instituted. Needless to say, I just emptied my Mileage Plus account with one of United's European partners and I will no longer be flying United in the future. I've had enough. United Airlines is a company that treats its customers with contempt. I have been a Mileage Plus member for as long as I can remember and I tend to fly internationally at least once or twice a year.

Flying a foreign airline, including United’s Star Alliance partners, is a night and day difference. There’s room, complementary snacks and beverages, and friendly staff on board. Being on United is like jabbing yourself in the leg with a fork.

United is going to kill its most profitable routes (trans-pacific) with this scheme. Do you think travelers who have flown Singapore, Korean Air, JAL, etc. are going to pay for meals and drinks? They will put themselves out of business on these routes if this plan is instituted.

Needless to say, I just emptied my Mileage Plus account with one of United’s European partners and I will no longer be flying United in the future. I’ve had enough.

]]> By: Dr. Vino http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22806 Dr. Vino Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:39:08 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22806 How much would they charge for "restaurant quality" wine?!? How much would they charge for “restaurant quality” wine?!?

]]> By: Diane http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22779 Diane Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:19:48 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22779 I was excluded in the United survey too. I flew internationally in May and June on British Airways. I was excluded in the United survey too. I flew internationally in May and June on British Airways.

]]> By: Lee http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22776 Lee Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:30:21 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22776 I was excluded from the survey when I checked no for international travel on United for the last six months. But I have made three round trips SFO to Paris in that time on Air France, simply as a tourist. I travel Economy and pay a higher price for the nonstop flight, but meals and beverages are complimentary, with a snack bar available for self-service mid-flight. I do compare airlines when choosing a flight, and going through a hassle to get fed and hydrated on a flight would eliminate that airline as a choice. I was excluded from the survey when I checked no for international travel on United for the last six months. But I have made three round trips SFO to Paris in that time on Air France, simply as a tourist. I travel Economy and pay a higher price for the nonstop flight, but meals and beverages are complimentary, with a snack bar available for self-service mid-flight. I do compare airlines when choosing a flight, and going through a hassle to get fed and hydrated on a flight would eliminate that airline as a choice.

]]> By: S A http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22774 S A Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:08:49 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22774 I'm not a lawyer, but isn't there a liability risk in doing something like this? On a bus or train, a passenger who needs food can run out and grab something during a stop. An air passenger, not so much. And with TSA restrictions, carry on limits, etc., how long before someone gets dehydrated or passes out in flight because they couldn't or wouldn't pay the extortionary prices? Paying extra for an UPGRADE to the free food or drink makes sense to me (just like buying a beer instead of drinking the Coke). But something has to be included on these long flights, or you're going to see trouble. US Airways just started charging for onboard water, btw, which I think I've seen mentioned on this site when it was announced. People, fly foreign airlines when you can. People have mentioned Singapore, ANA, and Virgin. All good choices. I just wish they could fly within the USA. (Like US airlines are now allowed to do within Europe, by the way.) I’m not a lawyer, but isn’t there a liability risk in doing something like this?

On a bus or train, a passenger who needs food can run out and grab something during a stop. An air passenger, not so much.

And with TSA restrictions, carry on limits, etc., how long before someone gets dehydrated or passes out in flight because they couldn’t or wouldn’t pay the extortionary prices?

Paying extra for an UPGRADE to the free food or drink makes sense to me (just like buying a beer instead of drinking the Coke). But something has to be included on these long flights, or you’re going to see trouble.

US Airways just started charging for onboard water, btw, which I think I’ve seen mentioned on this site when it was announced.

People, fly foreign airlines when you can. People have mentioned Singapore, ANA, and Virgin. All good choices. I just wish they could fly within the USA. (Like US airlines are now allowed to do within Europe, by the way.)

]]> By: t http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22771 t Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:22:09 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22771 Disgusting. Are we supposed to starve for 12+ hours? Also, why is there no option to say, "Yeah I flew from the U.S. to ____ but NOT on United"? It just assumes that if I don't fly United, I'm not flying at all? Absolutely ridiculous policies from United. I've never flown them internationally (I'd rather give my money to an airline that knows how to treat it's passengers, i.e. Singapore, Asiana, etc., even if it takes a little longer to reach the destination), and I'm not about to start. Domestically, I'll stick with JetBlue, Southwest, or Virgin America. Most American airlines are junk and think they can get away with screwing over the passengers in an effort to save money. Someone will be saving money all right - ME, since I won't be flying your crap airline and paying $40 for cafeteria quality food. Disgusting. Are we supposed to starve for 12+ hours?

Also, why is there no option to say, “Yeah I flew from the U.S. to ____ but NOT on United”? It just assumes that if I don’t fly United, I’m not flying at all?

Absolutely ridiculous policies from United. I’ve never flown them internationally (I’d rather give my money to an airline that knows how to treat it’s passengers, i.e. Singapore, Asiana, etc., even if it takes a little longer to reach the destination), and I’m not about to start.

Domestically, I’ll stick with JetBlue, Southwest, or Virgin America. Most American airlines are junk and think they can get away with screwing over the passengers in an effort to save money. Someone will be saving money all right – ME, since I won’t be flying your crap airline and paying $40 for cafeteria quality food.

]]> By: Diane http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22770 Diane Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:21:23 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22770 Let me continue to count the reasons why I try to avoid flying with United despite it being the airline where I have most of my FF miles. Flying internationally is hard enough given the distances & comfort level. Eating and sleeping is what most of us do just to pass the time. Charging us for crappy food doesn't jive with me. The airlines need to consider how many of these changes their customers will tolerate. How many customers do they need to loose before they realize it's not worth the money? I for one, am sick of the constant changing of fees and service. Let me continue to count the reasons why I try to avoid flying with United despite it being the airline where I have most of my FF miles.

Flying internationally is hard enough given the distances & comfort level. Eating and sleeping is what most of us do just to pass the time. Charging us for crappy food doesn’t jive with me.

The airlines need to consider how many of these changes their customers will tolerate. How many customers do they need to loose before they realize it’s not worth the money? I for one, am sick of the constant changing of fees and service.

]]> By: Cranky Flier http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22769 Cranky Flier Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:14:22 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-all-food-and-drink-on-international-flights/#comment-22769 Ah yes, you were quite lucky with that $9 salad. The $24 one made me choke on my $2 glass of water purchased from US Airways. But, as I said in <a href="http://crankyflier.com/2008/08/04/united-considers-charging-for-meals-internationally-drinks-as-well/" rel="nofollow">my post on this subject</a> today (great minds choose like topics?), this wouldn't bother me at all if it meant I could get a great meal onboard. I think the problem is in the execution, and we both know how good the airlines are at that! Ah yes, you were quite lucky with that $9 salad. The $24 one made me choke on my $2 glass of water purchased from US Airways.

But, as I said in my post on this subject today (great minds choose like topics?), this wouldn’t bother me at all if it meant I could get a great meal onboard. I think the problem is in the execution, and we both know how good the airlines are at that!

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