Posted on 08/22/2008 6:28:07 AM PDT by yankeedame
No more free lunch.
The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that United Airlines will no longer offer free snacks in coach starting September 2nd. They are also dropping complimentary meals in business class except for "premium transcontinental flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to New York." Shockingly, this move coincides with the airlines' expansion of their "buy-on-board" food offerings, says the Chronicle.
The adjustments are outlined in an internal United Airlines memo that was distributed to flight attendants Monday and obtained by The Chronicle. The changes are all in the name of the "cost reduction and revenue-generating opportunities" United is focused on, the memo reads.
"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-to-day operations through efficiencies that still meet our customers' expectations," reads the memo, titled "Catering Changes Provide Value and Options."
"These are difficult but necessary changes," said United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski, in Chicago. "We are looking at everything we need to do to offset fuel prices, which are still skyrocketing."
The memo also says that United plans to do away with complementary meals from Washington D.C. to Europe.
"We'll monitor customer feedback," said Urbanski. "The industry is changing."
Since they're so interested, we think you should let them know how you feel about this change. Is "buy-on-board" food a good way to offset fuel costs without raising fares?
no mo’ peanuts?
“Shockingly”? There nothing shocking about it. It’s called “cutting costs”. Most non-communist non-Libtards understand the concept.
Next,We’ll be dropping scheduled maintenance.Have a nice
flight!
I’ll only get really worried when TSA announces that, because of poisoning concerns, you’ll no longer be allowed to bring food with you past security checkpoints. Because of...food safety concerns...all airport kiosks and airlines will have to raise their rates. Also, no outside food or drink allowed on planes...you’ll have to buy while on the plane. Failure to comply with the no outside food or drink rules will result in a stern talking to from TSA officials.
I have no problem with this.
I do have a problem with airlines cutting staff for silly things like gate handling and maintenance.
I think maybe I’ll build a habitable box and just FedEx myself. The accomodation may be slightly(only slightly) less that what the airlines are going to and least I know I’ll get there. Plus, I’ll get delivered right to the door without having to pay for a limo.
As someone who flew 100K plus miles a year for the better part of the last year, much of it on United, I can tell you that United is the single worst provider of any kind of service that I have ever had the misfortune to deal with. They are so far behind every other major carrier in terms of the condition of their fleet, reliability, customer service, food, the condition of their lounges, and on and on. They really, really, need to go out of business.
As of 5/24/08, Coolpapaboze drops United.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
I understand within the United States, but overseas?/Just Asking - seoul62......
Me too! Will they allow you to bring your food on board? Or, will parents of hungry children be forced to pay 3 bucks for a snack?
I never eat on a flight anyway.
As long as I can buy a drink, I'm happy.
One more reason not to fly commercial if you can possibly avoid it.
They were never free. Someone just thougt that giving you a 40 cent bag of pretzels and half a coke was going to make paying $300 to be packed in like cattle seem like a luxury purchase.
Optional seatbelt rental, coin operated drop down oxygen masks and pay as you go floatation devices along with pay toilets are next.
Optional seatbelt rental, coin operated drop down oxygen masks and pay as you go floatation devices along with pay toilets are next.
Not to mention inflatable pilots!
I miss the good old days of air travel. When it was actually fun.
Oh I beg to differ! US Airways is hands down the worst in terms of service and comfort, and until recently they were habitually at the bottom in terms of late departures and arrivals. The only thing they are leaders in is creating new ways to make flying a miserable and unrewarding experience for their customers.
They eliminated free food and drinks long ago, they charge for all checked bags, they've been changing their frequent flier program to get rid of bonuses and changing the number of miles you need to get a ticket, and worse. Unfortunately, all the other airlines seem determined to watch where this turd of an airline goes and follow them.
I no longer travel much but if I needed to get somewhere in the states and I did not want to drive myseof I think I would opt to Go Greyhound. I think it is probably more enjoyable than being strip searched and at least you get to get off now and again and get the snacks you want. Flying is too much of a pain anymore. If I were Greyhound I would put aout a commerical “Go Greyhound....a keep Your Cloths On.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.