Soooo Many Changes at UA!

[Chicago]

I haven't flown since New Years day due to vacation, 30-day WOP, and good bidding. Thus, I've been away from the "scene" for quite some time, and my first trip since being away isn't until next Saturday, 4/7.

That being said, it seems that LOTS of changes have been made during my absense: Iced tea substituting for lemonade, no more linens for FC on certain flights, no Friendly Skies meals, no more kiddie wings in Ship Stores Kit, etc., etc. How have pax been responding to these changes? Do they (especially our ever-watchful and ultra-sensitive 100K's) seem to be bothered?

What do YOU guys think about these changes? Whaddabout the new flight attendant "Service Center?" Is it an improvement over the old "Flt line/Crew Telephone System?"

Finally, and very IMPORTANT to me: have our pax gotten over the "Summer of Hell" yet? -Or are they still acting as if it's still happening? The few times I've non-revved last month, it seemed flights are still full and everything's on-time.

Gee, I've been away for so long, I feel I need to go back to the training center. ...NOT!

http://www.crewstart.com/ubb/images/icons/wink.gif

[flyboydc]

Linens: It definitely feels tacky to lay down the tray without a table linen. And some passengers do notice the difference. I've heard stories of passengers bringing their own!

Friendly Skies Meals: The biggest difference here is the loss of the McDonald's toy box. The cheeseburger was good, but now their getting hot dogs or chicken strips, which are pretty good. Some parents are definitely disappointed when they find out their not getting the meal they were expecting for their kids. Same for the wings.

Ice tea: No one on my flights have said a thing about the lemonade, and for the few who have asked for iced tea, I've been able to get them a glass, so I think it's a good change.

UAL/Gate Gourmet is inconsistent about how their doing this, however. I've been on dinner flights without linens, and beverage flights with more than I'd need for a dinner flight. And I'm thinking they could save money by losing the parsley, but I still get huge bags of that stocked.

I like the service center. For one thing, there seems to be no more waiting on hold, or for much shorter periods. The staff is still unsure about certain procedures, but that will change, I think, as they get more practice. And it's kinda nice that they answer the line and address you by name. Hopefully with the service center, the crew desk will be able to concentrade on their job better, and we won't see so many contract violations this summer.

[Delayed]

Hello everyone,

The other day I was flying, and I noticed a few changes. First thing...the linens in business and first...well I didnt get one! The people next to me did not get one, but some did. I spent a little time in the back galley on my 767 flight from IAD to SFO, and told the flight attendants about the iced tea...they did not even know about it. We made some...its ok, but I liked the lemonade better. For those of you who has not yet seen it, it is not in the form of tea bags...it is liquid and in a a container that seems like its one of those dipping sauces for chicken nuggets from Mc.Donalds. It is super consentrated...so becareful not to stain your shirt when opening it. Also...it splaters...your hands will smell like tea. images/icons/cool.gif