A small added touch to a relatively short first class flight from Chicago to Denver made a big difference on United Airlines.
Taste Test – Raspberry Croissant Pocket On United Airlines
After takeoff, flight attendants offered a choice of beverage. Shortly after, the smell of flaky, buttery, pastries wafted through the cabin…a very pleasant aroma indeed…and a flight attendant offered each passenger a “raspberry croissant pocket,” which was described as a flaky croissant filled with raspberry jam.
I’m on a more intense diet this year, but I admit I nibbled at this then fully consumed it…it’s the sort of decadent treat I very rarely enjoy these days and in that sense, it hit the spot much more than eggs or fruit or yogurt would have.
Of course I cannot fully applaud United here. Up until 2024, this was a meal route (United cut meal service in first class on flights between 800-900 miles). American Airlines still serves a meal on its ORD-DEN route, even though the flight is only 888 miles (though there is some debate as to whether that 888 is to the old Denver Stapleton Airport rather than to its present location).
And outside the USA–even in Canada and Mexico–a much heartier meal would be served on a flight of this length. Heck, I just wrote about the full meal I received on my Garuda Indonesia flight that was over 100 miles shorter than this one.
In any case, United cut meal service on this route only to bring back a “warm offering” starting in June 2025 only on hub-to-hub routes between 800-900 miles like the raspberry croissant pocket or a warm empanada later in the day.
It’s a nice treat, the sort of thing United could really use to distinguish itself if it served something like this in first class on all flights under 900 miles. Yes, all mainline planes have ovens and these are simply pre-packaged snacks. Plop them in the oven, then offer them to passengers. I can tell you that on a short morning flight from Southern California to the Bay Area or from Boston to Washington, DC this would be a huge winner.
In the meantime, look for them on hub-to-hub flights in first class between 800-900 miles long departing before 10:00 am.
Each week, my Meal of the Week feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over two decades ago.
No mention of what OD this was on. BUR-DEN?
Huh? Chicago – Denver.
Within the last 10 years United gave a muffin on a plate or something similar on short flights like ORD-ATL, so they aren’t even back to that simple standard
Correct – this was a nice feature pre-pandemic.
Wish they’d go with more apple-cinnamon than raspberry, but, sure, why not. Heck, I’d take a few extra Stroopwaffles, please.
Coffee or cuppachino? needs to be served w/ a saucer and spoon, like on SQ and Thai Air; any pastry needs to be served on china, rather than a small napkin where they’ve sold advg. to generate more rev. for UA. As for those chewy waffles, ck. out ingredients: palm oil, which clogs arteries, cheapest oil in the world; how about a healthy waffle ? UA really needs to upgrade their food quality & service.
They should definitely have a healthier option available.
They also do a hot savory option on these flights in the afternoon.
IMO they should do this on every mainline flight over 500 miles (and market it), but UA is leaning into Delta’s strategy of saying they’re premium while not actually being premium.
On a related note, I find it amusing that UA First on a CRJ-550 is more premium than on mainline (they offer bananas and kind bars during breakfast, and cheese trays during other times).
Agreed on all points.
That looks delicious. I like that the croissant is packaged and you can always eat it later, although it is hard to resist when you are already drinking coffee.
And when it is hot out of the oven!
I had something similar on a recent DEN – LAX flight. I too thought United could differentiate itself from Delta and American by having these little snacks on all flights instead of hub to hub
I guess this is nice, but still embarrassing by any worldwide standard. A 200 mile flight in Europe would have a full breakfast with fresh, relatively healthy ingredients.
Ryan says, “A 200 mile flight in Europe would have a full breakfast with fresh, relatively healthy ingredients.”
Can you name three such flights please? Amazing that the F/As can do that in about 20 minutes of flight time.
Sure, this is a 175-mile flight:
https://liveandletsfly.com/lufthansa-cityline-crj-900-business-class-review/
I like your idea, Matthew. It would help differentiate United in a good way. It’s not exactly elegant, but it’s totally fine for a short flight.
Qantas used to serve a warm cinnamon twist pastry in long-haul economy, and it was one of the best ideas they had. The cabin smelled amazing. Even if the pastry itself was a bit unexciting, it made the morning coffee/tea snack infinitely better.
In economy, there is a much greater problem with space and staffing. But the first class cabins have ovens. The smell of croissants, cinnamon, apples… it would be a wise move. Maybe they could bring back the scone with raspberries and white chocolate.
Although not prepared in the French style, it looks quite tasty. Well done, UA!
United could put extras in the oven (they can’t take up much space) to sell in coach for $5 each.
Another great idea.
I think it’s sad/concerning you consider a 400-calorie pastry a “decadent treat.” Do you have an eating disorder or body dysmorphia? You already look emaciated.
Emaciated?
With respect, I think you are projecting yourself on me.