United Airlines announced that they would be enhancing their transcontinental service which operates between Newark to Los Angeles and San Francisco for customers in both business class and in Economy Plus. In addition, the airline will be adding Boston to San Francisco as a transcontinental route with the new added amenities.

United Airlines Enhances Transcontinental Flights

Business class passengers will be offered a Moscow Mule signature cocktail, desserts inspired from United Polaris, and pre-arrival snacks. Additionally for those passengers seated in Economy Plus on these routes, they’ll now receive free food and drinks. You’ll recall that Delta Launches Main Cabin Meals on Transcon Flights and American Airlines Launches Free Main Cabin Meals, so if anything United is late to the game with this.

Here’s a look at what’s changing with United’s transcontinental flights:

Customers ticketed in premium transcontinental business class will enjoy a flat-bed seat and will benefit from enhanced food and beverage offerings inspired by United Polaris onboard dining, as well as deluxe amenities including:

• 180 degree flat-bed seats for a more relaxing and sleep-enhancing flight.
• Custom-designed duvet and pillow provided by leading luxury specialty store and New York-bred retailer Saks Fifth Avenue and new amenity kits designed by Saks that feature product from Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa.
• A featured cocktail, the Moscow Mule by Crafthouse Cocktails. Created at a bar on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles more than 75 years ago, the Moscow Mule will be accompanied by a candied ginger skewer and lime wedge.
• Hot towel service will be offered after take-off and prior to landing.
• Seasonally refreshed menus, developed in partnership with The Trotter Project and its critically recognized chefs including several from cities served by United’s premium transcontinental service. The chefs include Della Gossett of Spago Beverly Hills, David LeFevre of California’s Manhattan Beach Post, Mitchell Nordby of San Francisco’s Parallel 37 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel and Michael Armstrong of New York’s Dream Downtown and Bodega Negra. Sample fare includes pumpernickel and goat cheese crostini with mango relish and smoked sea salt; savory pan roasted chicken with kale pesto; orzo with grilled artichokes, a staple of California, and sautéed leaks; and braised short ribs with creamy goat cheese grits.
• Dining will be topped off with items inspired by the popular United Polaris dessert menu.
• Before arrival, snacks such as Boulder Canyon potato chips and Madik’s almonds will be served.

New features not currently offered to business class customers on these routes include the Moscow Mule, desserts inspired by the United Polaris menu, pre-arrival hot towel service and pre-arrival snacks. Transcontinental business class customers will continue to enjoy United Club access to freshen up, relax and enjoy complimentary food and beverages prior to departure or upon arrival, as well as Premier Access priority check-in and boarding.

Bottom Line

It’s nice to see United adding new amenities for their transcontinental passengers, though the business class additions are quite minimal. Economy Plus passengers will be the winner here as they now receive free food and drinks, and as of now, MileagePlus Premier members still receive free upgrades.

Feel free to share your thoughts below about these changes.