United Airlines will introduce a new snack pack that will replace traditional beverage service in economy class, at least temporarily. Select drinks will still be available upon request.
United moved to exclusively serving pre-packaged food and drink in April. Ice, coffee, and tea were eliminated in all cabins and alcohol was also cut from economy class. Still, flight attendants would roam through the cabin offering a choice of beverage and choice of snack (stroopwafel, Oreo Thins, or pretzels) served in a wicker basket.
> Read More: United Airlines Drastically Reduces Service Onboard
Beginning tomorrow, United will introduce an “all-in-one” economy snack bag that replaces the economy beverage and complimentary snack choice service on domestic flights scheduled 2 hours and 20 minutes or more. This bag will include:
- Wrapped sanitizer wipe
- 8.5 ounce bottled water
- Stroopwafel
- Pretzels
A United spokesperson confirmed that this will replace flight attendants offering a formal beverage service. However, the spokesperson noted, “There will be limited quantities of canned soda, juice, and extra bottled water will be boarded if customers request throughout the flight.”
Put simply, you’ll receive a bottle of water and anything else will be by request only.
I also asked about the return of meal service in premium cabins, since planes are starting to fill up again and American Airlines has already re-introduced food to more premium cabins flights. A spokesperson told me:
“We are continuing to evaluate, but there isn’t currently a set timeline.”
CONCLUSION
It’s important to note that a variety of beverages will still be available onboard. Just note that if you want something more than water, you’ll have to request it.
And finally, yes, I realize there are more important things than in-flight beverages, but I hope this update is helpful for planning purposes. TSA still does not allow liquids larger than 3.5 ounces through security checkpoints unless it is hand sanitizer. Thus, you may want to purchase your own drinks from airport concessionaires, especially on shorter flights.
image: United
Cost cutting masquerading as COVID protection,
That’s exactly what it is. Although with the rate at which airlines are hemorrhaging cash, sadly it is warranted for that reason alone.
This is in the same vein as “security theater.” More to come.
Will 1Ks and GSMs sitting in Economy still receive one complimentary alcoholic item? Regardless if f flying time?
Nope. “For your safety.”
If liquor is not boarded for economy, where would you expect it to come from?
Is there any service in first class then? How about meals? Coffee? Drinks?
No coffee, tea, or spirits. Other drinks are available, including beer and wine.
I guess the self-serve first class bar on the new CRJs is never going to become a thing in the age of COVID.
In the long term I see this as being permanent.
Whatever DL does, UA follows, as that is what DL is offering in coach.
It is still possible to bring an empty beverage container through security and then fill with water to prevent waste and overpriced airport prices.
Yes.
What happens in 1st class then? No drink or meal service?
Food is only offered on three domestic routes in business class, LAX/SFO-EWR and SFO-BOS.