As I explained in the introductory article to the travel report, I decided to book us with United Airlines from Tampa to San Francisco. In this post I wanted to share some general thoughts about our experience flying with United, both in terms of the hard and soft product.
Why we booked United Airlines
This trip was only planned at very short notice, so I only booked flights one day in advance. With no non-stop options available, United seemed like the best option for first class pay (there were no reasonable reward options). Why?
- We could fly from Tampa to Chicago to San Francisco, flying from Tampa to Chicago on a Boeing 737-900 and, more importantly, flying from Chicago to San Francisco on a Boeing 787-8 with the new Polaris seats by United
- The last two Polaris seats available on the Chicago to San Francisco flight were the “honeymoon” seats right next to each other. So it seemed like it should be (if there is such a thing).
- The connection time was the perfect length (just under an hour) and the flight timing worked well for us
United is generally my least preferred of the three major US airlines when I fly domestic. I think Delta generally offers the best customer experience while I’m based in Miami. I’ve stayed loyal to Americans, and at least I appreciate that Americans have high-speed WiFi, which I really appreciate.
United Airlines first class catering
Almost all airlines have adjusted the service due to the corona virus. What is United’s world-class catering like right now? The catering options were more or less the same on both flights.
First, like American (and unlike Delta), United serves its entire selection of drinks primarily in first class. Everything is served in unopened cans or bottles with plastic cups.
United Airlines first class beverage service
For flights over 2 hours and 20 minutes, United offers a choice of a snack box or a hot sandwich (there is no sandwich option for flights from some airports).
The “Select Snackbox” was perfectly fine and exactly what you would expect. There were a couple of types of crackers, a couple of types of packs of cheese spread, slices of beef salami, almonds, dried apricots, and a mini toblerone.
United Airlines first class snack box
However, there is another option for passengers and that is a sandwich. On a flight, that was all they had available when they got to me, so that’s what I had.
I don’t proclaim this lightly, but that was literally the most disgusting thing I’ve ever been served on a plane, and that says a lot. It was described as “carved chicken on Italian focaccia” and apparently had “artisanal” focaccia, chicken, provolone, parmesan garlic butter, and kale cream cheese.
United Airlines first class sandwich
First, let’s talk about the nutritional content. That little sandwich had 650 calories (fine, whatever) and 33 grams of fat (42% of the recommended daily allowance) and 19 g of saturated fat (94% of the recommended daily allowance). And let’s not even talk about sodium or cholesterol.
“Well, this is sure to be a really delicious treat,” I thought. I can’t even put into words how this thing tasted. I had a bite and decided to call it a day because it was just awful – the bread was dry, the taste of the chicken couldn’t help but feel bad about the sad life the poor animal must have lived, to taste like that, and the melted cheese looked like it was in the microwave … well, whatever.
I had to wonder who the “artist” behind the focaccia is. And who “carved” the chicken? And was the parmesan garlic butter and kale cream cheese really necessary?
United Airlines first class sandwich
Mmmm, butter and cream cheese!
Let me be clear – I’m all for airlines cutting down service due to coronavirus, and I’m not even against airlines not offering service to minimize the amount of time people have with their masks on. But I just don’t know how a company can do this with a clear conscience.
In comparison, American Airlines’ “lobster roll” tasted like good food. And for that matter, it made me appreciate the cold but edible turkey sandwich that Americans currently serve in first class.
United Airlines first class seating
What did I think of United’s seats? I enjoyed our flight on the United 737-900. I found the first class seat upholstery to be excellent. In addition, the legroom and floor space were very good. There was also live TV, although that’s not that important to me.
United Airlines 737-900 first class cabin
All in all, this configuration was so much more comfortable than American’s first-class “Oasis” configuration.
United Airlines 737-900 first class seats
United Airlines 737-900 first class seats
The real treat was flying a Boeing 787-8 with new Polaris seats from Chicago to San Francisco. I have already tested the United 787 Polaris Business Class on a long haul flight and it is an excellent product. Getting international business class seats on a domestic flight is always a pleasure and this was no exception.
United Airlines 787-8 Polaris seats
United Airlines 787-8 Polaris seats
I knew this itinerary was the right decision when I saw my mom spend the entire flight either watching a movie or sleeping while reclining her seat.
Mama is happy about our United Polaris seats!
United Airlines Coronavirus Precautions
All airlines, of course, encourage things like wearing masks, improved cleaning, etc., but I was surprised at the lack of disinfectant wipes.
On the first flight we were not offered any disinfectant wipes – not during boarding and not with the snack. Luckily I brought my own (and hand sanitizer) with me, though I’m curious if this was a coincidence or how United works.
Meanwhile, on the second flight, we were given a disinfectant wipe on the door, but that was it. There was none with the snack box.
United Airlines disinfectant wipes
It’s a bit ironic to me that airlines have cut in-flight duty to minimize contact (which is logical) and are now serving you something that you basically just eat with your hands (which is … less logical).
United Airlines Wi-Fi
Again, not specific to flying during the coronavirus, but what exactly is United dealing with Wi-Fi? Unlike American and Delta, the airline still doesn’t offer high-speed WiFi on narrow-body aircraft. Are there any plans for United to roll out faster WiFi, or does the airline think WiFi is just a fad that’s about to go away?
United Airlines has the worst WiFi of the three major US airlines
I’m not used to flying long distances anymore!
It has nothing to do with flight as such, but I had to think about the fact that I am obviously no longer used to flying a lot. Or maybe I’m getting old. Or more than likely both.
In my youth, I flew 48 hours in a row and felt energized. Even going back a few years, I would fly extremely around the world without feeling particularly exhausted.
It was more than nine hours before we boarded our first flight in Tampa, by the time we left San Francisco, and gosh, I was so exhausted. I don’t know how I used to fly so much. The next thing you know is that I get jet lagged when flying between eastern and central time zones. 😉
Bottom line
Ultimately, given the circumstances, we were satisfied with our decision to fly United from Tampa to San Francisco.
As with most airlines, United has adjusted its in-flight service due to the coronavirus. While I am fully for it, I am not sure that coronavirus can be blamed for the “sandwich” United is currently serving.
If you’ve flown United first class since the pandemic started, what’s your experience?
