Intro
Twenty years since my last United flight, and I wasn’t exactly optimistic about what I’d find.
My last experience with them was back in 1998, when I was a teenager flying from Melbourne to Los Angeles.
After recently experiencing Delta’s impressive new economy service, United had some serious catching up to do.
Newark Lounge
Before my 10pm departure, I checked out the United Club at Newark.
The place has a 90s vibe – not in a trendy way, more like it genuinely hasn’t been updated since then.
But they’ve got the basics sorted: a staffed bar where someone actually takes your drink order, a hot cocoa station, and coffee machines scattered around.
Food-wise, don’t expect much. The only hot option was soup, but the fresh salad bar was decent enough.
Cut vegetables, hummus, cheese, plus cookies and brownies for dessert.
Nothing fancy, but it kept me going before the flight.
Inflight Service
Flight 940 to London was my seventh flight that week, so getting a spare seat next to me felt like winning the lottery.
Boarding went smoothly, and the crew were friendly from the start.
Before takeoff, the purser made an announcement asking passengers to put their tray tables down if they wanted to dine.
Never heard that before, but it makes sense for a late evening departure – lets them know exactly who wants food.
They also had a detailed message on the entertainment screen explaining the whole inflight service timeline.
Simple thing, but it set expectations for the six-hour flight.
Meal Service
We hit turbulence right after takeoff, keeping the crew strapped in for an extra 30 minutes.
Meal service finally began 55 minutes after departure, starting with premium economy and then moving through the cabin.
An hour in, I got my tray: choice between chicken or pasta, and I went with the chicken.
Standard economy fare – chicken in a four-cheese sauce with orzo, barley salad on the side, and lemon sorbet for dessert.
The chicken was nothing to write home about – bland. The barley salad was actually tasty, but desperately needed some dressing. At least the sorbet was refreshing.
What impressed me was the efficiency. The crew wrapped up the entire meal service for both economy and premium economy in just 35 minutes.
They served ice cream for dessert, cleared everything away, and had the lights dimmed before you knew it.
Breakfast Service
One hour before landing, the second service kicked off.
No choice this time – everyone got the same continental breakfast tray: Chobani yoghurt, a croissant, and Smucker’s jam packets.
Hot and cold drinks were on offer, so I grabbed an orange juice.
Simple service, done quickly. The crew knew this wasn’t fine dining and didn’t pretend it was.
Conclusion
Here’s the thing – United’s economy meals are still playing catch-up with what Delta’s doing these days.
The food was slightly below average, and the presentation could use some work.
But the crew were brilliant. Professional, friendly, and actually seemed to care about doing a good job.
They moved through service efficiently without making you feel rushed.
If you’re flying this route, keep your meal expectations in check but expect solid service from the crew.
United has the basics right – they just need to elevate their food game to match everything else.
Worth flying?
Yes, especially if you get a decent fare. Just don’t expect the meals to be a highlight.
