Comments on: Downgrade made official: United eliminates free meals on most transatlantic flights http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/ Living the first class life -- at coach prices Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:55:54 -0700 hourly 1 By: The Art of Nonconformity » United Airlines and the Case for Value http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-26736 The Art of Nonconformity » United Airlines and the Case for Value Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:38:03 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-26736 [...] to United - as several travel bloggers have been pointing out (see here and here, for example), the latest cutbacks represent a new low for the already-low U.S. airlines. It’s a [...] [...] to United – as several travel bloggers have been pointing out (see here and here, for example), the latest cutbacks represent a new low for the already-low U.S. airlines. It’s a [...]

]]> By: Business Class http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-24920 Business Class Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:00:23 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-24920 Great blog! Great blog!

]]> By: John Cowan http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23577 John Cowan Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:48:33 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23577 Prices often rise as costs increase, but they almost never fall as costs decrease, or only very slowly. This is how inflationary spirals get locked in. Welcome to the 1970s. Prices often rise as costs increase, but they almost never fall as costs decrease, or only very slowly. This is how inflationary spirals get locked in.

Welcome to the 1970s.

]]> By: Martin http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23575 Martin Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:38:50 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23575 Franca, I recommend to bring one or two empty bottles to the airport. Usually you are allowed to take them with you. Just go to the restroom at the gate ... and fill em up before entering the plane. Franca,

I recommend to bring one or two empty bottles to the airport. Usually you are allowed to take them with you. Just go to the restroom at the gate … and fill em up before entering the plane.

]]> By: Franca Gargiulo http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23481 Franca Gargiulo Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:08:33 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23481 I can deal ok with the bad service on airlines; what needs careful examination is the "security" requirements: if the airlines charge for food and drinks, we should be able to bring our own on board but given the "no liquid" rules, this puts the consumer in an bad position: the only option is to purchase water/beverages at the insane inflated prices at the airport stores. This should not be the case. If I were on a US carrier, water at Heathrow airport was averaging $4.00/bottle for a 10 hour flight. This is what is completely unacceptable. I can deal ok with the bad service on airlines; what needs careful examination is the “security” requirements: if the airlines charge for food and drinks, we should be able to bring our own on board but given the “no liquid” rules, this puts the consumer in an bad position: the only option is to purchase water/beverages at the insane inflated prices at the airport stores. This should not be the case. If I were on a US carrier, water at Heathrow airport was averaging $4.00/bottle for a 10 hour flight. This is what is completely unacceptable.

]]> By: Dolly http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23466 Dolly Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:19:02 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23466 It is interesting to see this change in light of United's commercials during the Olympics, which suggest a serious airline. As a United Frequent Flyer, they even sent me an e-mail letting me know about their wonderful commercials. In light of service changes, I found this insulting. They should spend money on food and better service and they wouldn't need to pay high dollar for commercials like this. It is interesting to see this change in light of United’s commercials during the Olympics, which suggest a serious airline. As a United Frequent Flyer, they even sent me an e-mail letting me know about their wonderful commercials. In light of service changes, I found this insulting. They should spend money on food and better service and they wouldn’t need to pay high dollar for commercials like this.

]]> By: ttravellor http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23403 ttravellor Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:09:52 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23403 I flew United First Tokyo-Chicago 2 weeks ago. Cabin equipment literally falling apart-loose carpets tripping people, seat servo mechanics and audio broken. Food not even up to economy in Sing/Cathay/Virgin/Thai/New Zealand. Staff scowling and totally unresponsive. This airline is a sick joke. I flew United First Tokyo-Chicago 2 weeks ago. Cabin equipment literally falling apart-loose carpets tripping people, seat servo mechanics and audio broken. Food not even up to economy in Sing/Cathay/Virgin/Thai/New Zealand. Staff scowling and totally unresponsive. This airline is a sick joke.

]]> By: John http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23347 John Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:25:22 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23347 The reason the premier European and Asian Airlines can offer superior inflight services, is because they have much lower costs. They fly modern aircraft, (generally their fleets are less than 10 years in age on average)with significantly lower fuel consumption compared to the average age of US carriers of over 25 years (Northwest 30 years plus). They also invested heavily in their premium cabins (flat beds) and can charge more. The reason the premier European and Asian Airlines can offer superior inflight services, is because they have much lower costs. They fly modern aircraft, (generally their fleets are less than 10 years in age on average)with significantly lower fuel consumption compared to the average age of US carriers of over 25 years (Northwest 30 years plus). They also invested heavily in their premium cabins (flat beds) and can charge more.

]]> By: Anton Chuvakin http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23316 Anton Chuvakin Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:32:10 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23316 Well, UA still has Economy Plus vs Lufthansas' 30 inch pitch aka "knees in your face." I am shocked to say it - gasp! - but I'll take 35inches over free Remi Martin VS cognac on a 10 hour flight .... Well, UA still has Economy Plus vs Lufthansas’ 30 inch pitch aka “knees in your face.” I am shocked to say it – gasp! – but I’ll take 35inches over free Remi Martin VS cognac on a 10 hour flight ….

]]> By: Joe http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23283 Joe Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:56:17 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23283 I've been flying Lufthansa more often than UAL for my ORD to Europe flights and I now have a reason to try to make that exclusive. Not only does Lufthansa actually have multiple passenger classes that they treat like different classes but in coach on ORD-FRA you get meals and beverages - including alcohol (bring on the champagne!) -- at no additional cost. Better options onboard for entertainment... I’ve been flying Lufthansa more often than UAL for my ORD to Europe flights and I now have a reason to try to make that exclusive.

Not only does Lufthansa actually have multiple passenger classes that they treat like different classes but in coach on ORD-FRA you get meals and beverages – including alcohol (bring on the champagne!) — at no additional cost. Better options onboard for entertainment…

]]> By: Mark Ashley http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23274 Mark Ashley Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:32:44 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23274 Patrick: If you're looking to switch airlines for loyalty purposes, I'd take a close look at Continental, if you're based in the US. I'm not a fan of OnePass, but they offer a decent quality product in the sky. And they'll be in Star Alliance soon, so you'll be able to cash in United miles on Continental (or ANA, Singapore, Asiana, Lufthansa, SAS, Swiss...) The tradeoff with United, against all this nickel-and-diming, is that they still have Economy Plus. Passengers will need to ask if they value legroom more than food. (Of course, many travelers will be caught off guard, and will board the plane, expecting a meal, and will be pissed off.) But if you're not in Economy Plus, and just in regular Economy, you're better off flying another airline entirely. Tight fit AND high fees? No thanks. Ze: Indeed, it's starting out from Dulles. Your SFO flight should be safe... for now. Diana: Your husband should be safe too... since he's in business class. Oliver: Added "most" to the headline. Sean: Well, passengers have been revolting on US Airways, after all, by <a href="http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/05/vengeful-passengers-fight-back-against-buy-on-board-water-and-soda/" rel="nofollow">only paying with $20s</a>... Mark: Yes, some of those airlines are subsidized. But by the same token, why does service vary between Continental and United? Or between JetBlue and US Airways? There are dozens of variables, but at the end of the day, management makes choices, and customers vote with their wallets. Patrick: If you’re looking to switch airlines for loyalty purposes, I’d take a close look at Continental, if you’re based in the US. I’m not a fan of OnePass, but they offer a decent quality product in the sky. And they’ll be in Star Alliance soon, so you’ll be able to cash in United miles on Continental (or ANA, Singapore, Asiana, Lufthansa, SAS, Swiss…)

The tradeoff with United, against all this nickel-and-diming, is that they still have Economy Plus. Passengers will need to ask if they value legroom more than food. (Of course, many travelers will be caught off guard, and will board the plane, expecting a meal, and will be pissed off.) But if you’re not in Economy Plus, and just in regular Economy, you’re better off flying another airline entirely. Tight fit AND high fees? No thanks.

Ze: Indeed, it’s starting out from Dulles. Your SFO flight should be safe… for now.

Diana: Your husband should be safe too… since he’s in business class.

Oliver: Added “most” to the headline.

Sean: Well, passengers have been revolting on US Airways, after all, by only paying with $20s…

Mark: Yes, some of those airlines are subsidized. But by the same token, why does service vary between Continental and United? Or between JetBlue and US Airways? There are dozens of variables, but at the end of the day, management makes choices, and customers vote with their wallets.

]]> By: Oliver http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23271 Oliver Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:20:52 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/19/downgrade-made-official-united-eliminates-free-meals-on-transatlantic-flights/#comment-23271 Any plans on changing the headline to reflect the (current) fact that it doesn't impact all transatlantic flights? Even The Middle Seat blog from WSJ is now citing this site as the source for their story headlined "United to Yank Free Meals on Most Flights to Europe". Any plans on changing the headline to reflect the (current) fact that it doesn’t impact all transatlantic flights? Even The Middle Seat blog from WSJ is now citing this site as the source for their story headlined “United to Yank Free Meals on Most Flights to Europe”.

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