United offers express dining on long-haul flights in Polaris class for those who wish to dine quickly and maximize sleep. That’s the subject of this week’s Meal of the Week.
I took advantage of it on a trip last week and it saved me a good half hour, which is certainly appreciated on a quick overnight flight from the East Coast to Europe.
Meal orders were taken prior to takeoff and I specified then that I wished to take advantage of the express dining option.
On international flights, the menu states:
Express Dining
If you’d prefer time to work or relax, please ask your flight attendant for our express dining service. Choose to recieve all courses or only select items, and your meal will be presented at your request.
Almost immediately after takeoff, a FA brought over warmed mixed nuts and a small canapé (I was flying in Polaris First).
Soon thereafter, I received a tray with the appetizer, salad, and soup on it. If you’re flying in Polaris Business Class (or Polaris First after May 01, 2018) there will be no soup.
As soon as you finish, a FA will exchange your dishes for your main course. I wavered between the pork tenderloin and salmon with lentils, but ended up choosing the salmon. It was plain, but delicious.
My seatmate across the aisle noticed I quickly received my food and asked a FA for the same express service. He soon caught up to me and we were served ice cream at the same time (I skipped the cheese course).
That’s the tension, though, isn’t it? As much as I’d like to see all the elements of United Polaris that “makes” United Polaris, United Polaris…I guess this flight backs up United’s point that what customers want most is sleep. Looking around, 6/8 passengers in first class opted for express dining.
p.s. I am going to miss United Polaris First. I’ve written about it several times and won’t do a separate report, but it is always a good experience for what it is. I enjoy the food and always sleep well with the comfortable seat and United Polaris First bedding.
I’ll miss the soup. It’s something that always reheats well, is easy to eat and usually very delicious. More airlines should serve it.
You would think UA would offer for the express service a Bologna and processed cheese sandwich with a Campbell Yes! Soup. Followed by a block of close to expiration cheese and fruit cocktail. Profit margins will keep stockholders delighted.
Is serving lentils on a tube that uses recycled air the best idea? haha