Latest news with #Ossetra
Condé Nast Traveler
14-05-2025
- Business
- Condé Nast Traveler
United's Polaris Cabin Is Getting a Major Upgrade With New Studio Suites—and Caviar Service
Flights on board United Airlines are about to get a lot swankier, thanks to a major overhaul to its Polaris business-class product coming later this year. The Chicago-based carrier announced on May 13 it will be launching an all-new version of the premium cabins on its forthcoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the first of which are set to be delivered by the end of 2025. Though United first introduced its Polaris cabin in 2016 and has since rolled out incremental upgrades to the product in 2018 and 2020, this latest wave of upgrades feature major improvements, including more business-class seats that come with extra space and additional amenities. One of the biggest and most luxe changes is the addition of the Polaris Studio suites: eight large seats in the first two rows of the plane that feature privacy doors, an extra ottoman (with a seat belt) for travel companions, massive 27-inch entertainment screens, and an amuse-bouche service of Ossetra caviar and Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne. The Studio suites have 25% more space than regular Polaris seats, and the entertainment screens are the biggest of any US airline. Additional perks include Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging, USB-C and electrical outlets, quartzite tables, and soft wool-blend seats, which, of course, convert into fully flat beds at the touch of a button. The amenity kit is getting a stylish revamp too. The United Polaris Studio suites will come with new hoodie pajamas and slippers, Meridian noise-canceling headphones, a plush velvet throw pillow for the ottoman, and United-branded playing cards. All Polaris passengers will still receive United's beloved Saks Fifth Avenue bedding set, which includes a cuddly duvet, day blanket, and cooling gel pillow.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Top airline to start offering caviar and Champagne in £112 million meal plan
United Airlines is investing $150 million into its food and drinks menu, introducing a new caviar and champagne pairing for passengers travelling in business class United Airlines is splashing out a whopping $150 million (£112 million) on revamping its menu, with business class passengers soon to be treated to caviar and Champagne pairings. The airline - which is the largest in the world by a number of metrics - is overhauling its Polaris Suites for high-end business class travellers, introducing meal options that include an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar coupled with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé. In response to less-than-stellar customer ratings during the Covid pandemic, United Airlines has already unveiled additional meal choices. Passengers will soon have the option of beef, chicken, or vegetarian meals - but there's even more in store as they roll out their refurbished Boeing 787-9s. The revamped interior will feature a new grab-and-go snack bar exclusively for United Polaris business class customers, stocked with goodies from brands such as Garretts, Community, and Joe and Seph's. The airline also plans to introduce mid-flight meal options with a regionally inspired tapas service. Economy passengers aren't being left out either, with new snack options set to be available throughout the aircraft. The company is broadening its dining offerings with three main course options, new desserts, including cheese and olives, and an appetiser course, reports the Mirror US. International economy passengers can look forward to fresh salads with premium dressings, an expanded range of main courses, new desserts, and an appetiser served ahead of the full meal. United has announced a total revamp of its tableware – we're talking fresh dish designs, sparkling glassware, top-notch cutlery, plush linens, and even an upgraded spice rack featuring red pepper flakes. "To build the biggest of the best you have to continue to innovate, you have to continue to change, you have to continue to push boundaries," Andrew Nocella, United's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer explained. For those who've flown United Polaris and encountered the beloved sundae cart, prepare for your sweet tooth to be thrilled anew. For a brief period, Polaris passengers will indulge in featured Tillamook ice cream with ever-changing toppings through the seasons, including a debut chocolate-hazelnut fusion treat. Moreover, new Polaris booths will showcase rotating regional menu delights each month, boasting fresh breakfast offerings, bottled salad dressings, revamped snack baskets mid-flight, and the introduction of an Aperol Spritz, complete with a zesty orange slice, to the beverage lineup. The press unit at United Airlines reports that these enhancements are already a hit: "United's investments in its food and beverage program are paying off: customer satisfaction scores were up 12% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year. The team remains focused on creating high-quality onboard dining experiences with signature touches across all cabins."
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
United Airlines: United redefines premium travel with new 787 Dreamliner interiors, ET TravelWorld
International 2 min read United redefines premium travel with new 787 Dreamliner interiors United Airlines has introduced the United Elevated interior for its Boeing 787-9 fleet, featuring United Polaris Studio suites, enhanced premium seating, Ossetra caviar service, and the largest seatback screens in the U.S. The first upgraded aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2025, with flights launching in 2026. United plans to add 30 such aircraft by 2027, offering a reimagined premium experience.
The Age
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
Trump put you off the US? United Airlines wants to woo you back with luxury
The food upgrade will include 'an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar paired with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose', as well as mid-flight meal options of 'regionally influenced tapas'. The airline is also adding trendy drinks such as Aperol Spritz to the menu. Australian aviation economist Tony Webber said United's latest offering showed how a lot of the premium supply was simply 'catching up with demand'. 'That demand hasn't been met because the airlines haven't been putting premium ... on their services quickly enough,' he said. However, Webber warned that the Trumpian effects on travel bookings haven't yet 'fully worked their way through the system'. Any more notable falls in the equity markets could affect flight bookings, he warned. Equity markets were a 'big driver of Australian outbound travel', he said. Superannuation funds lost 4.5 per cent the week of April 2 after US President Donald Trump announced his sweeping tariffs. However, stocks have recouped their losses since then amid hopes for easing trade tensions. Loading The political chaos spurred by Trump has already dampened demand for US holidays from Australian travellers, figures show. Leisure travel bookings to the US have dipped as much as 10 per cent in the first quarter, compared with the same period last year, data from Flight Centre shows, as consumers chose Asia and Europe as a destination. Airlines have been marking down growth estimates amid the uncertainty generated by the Trump's global trade war. Last month, Delta Air Lines withdrew its profit forecasts because of the uncertainty in global trade. European carrier Air France-KLM indicated it would cut prices to keep its transatlantic economy cabins full. Cost of compensation Meanwhile, in comments likely to be watched closely by Qantas, United Airlines boss Scott Kirby said that new regulation in the US forcing airlines to promptly refund customers for flight delays and cancellations has had negligible effect on the cost of running the airline, undermining Australian carriers' arguments against such rules. A year after the Biden administration cemented into law speedy refunds for passengers hit by excessive cancellations, Kirby said the impact on profits had 'been minimal so far', citing the existing policies of the airline for passenger remedies. In 2024, United flew 700,000 passengers between the US and Australia. The cost of compensation for cancelled and delayed flights has become a hot-button issue for airlines in Australia as well after the country's Aviation White Paper in 2024 called for an Ombuds Scheme with the 'power to direct airlines and airports to provide remedies to consumers'. Qantas' retention of customer flight credits in the aftermath of COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions has further infuriated the public, putting pressure on the Albanese government to intervene. The US now requires airlines 'to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed'. The toughened rules come after a period of significant and costly flight delays for American travellers. Loading In one of them, the US government imposed a $US140 million ($216 million) penalty on Southwest Airlines for violating consumer protection laws over a system meltdown that stranded thousands at Christmas. That fine was in addition to the $US600 million in reimbursements Southwest paid to customers. Kirby said most situations forcing delays and cancellations for his airline today were driven by air traffic control problems. 'Even on days last year when it was clear, blue sky, days, 68 per cent of our delays were because of air traffic control,' he said. On April 28 and May 10, air traffic controllers at New York City-hub of Newark Liberty lost contact with planes for 30 to 90 seconds with approaching and departing planes.
Sydney Morning Herald
14-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Trump put you off the US? United Airlines wants to woo you back with luxury
The food upgrade will include 'an amuse-bouche of Ossetra caviar paired with Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose', as well as mid-flight meal options of 'regionally influenced tapas'. The airline is also adding trendy drinks such as Aperol Spritz to the menu. Australian aviation economist Tony Webber said United's latest offering showed how a lot of the premium supply was simply 'catching up with demand'. 'That demand hasn't been met because the airlines haven't been putting premium ... on their services quickly enough,' he said. However, Webber warned that the Trumpian effects on travel bookings haven't yet 'fully worked their way through the system'. Any more notable falls in the equity markets could affect flight bookings, he warned. Equity markets were a 'big driver of Australian outbound travel', he said. Superannuation funds lost 4.5 per cent the week of April 2 after US President Donald Trump announced his sweeping tariffs. However, stocks have recouped their losses since then amid hopes for easing trade tensions. Loading The political chaos spurred by Trump has already dampened demand for US holidays from Australian travellers, figures show. Leisure travel bookings to the US have dipped as much as 10 per cent in the first quarter, compared with the same period last year, data from Flight Centre shows, as consumers chose Asia and Europe as a destination. Airlines have been marking down growth estimates amid the uncertainty generated by the Trump's global trade war. Last month, Delta Air Lines withdrew its profit forecasts because of the uncertainty in global trade. European carrier Air France-KLM indicated it would cut prices to keep its transatlantic economy cabins full. Cost of compensation Meanwhile, in comments likely to be watched closely by Qantas, United Airlines boss Scott Kirby said that new regulation in the US forcing airlines to promptly refund customers for flight delays and cancellations has had negligible effect on the cost of running the airline, undermining Australian carriers' arguments against such rules. A year after the Biden administration cemented into law speedy refunds for passengers hit by excessive cancellations, Kirby said the impact on profits had 'been minimal so far', citing the existing policies of the airline for passenger remedies. In 2024, United flew 700,000 passengers between the US and Australia. The cost of compensation for cancelled and delayed flights has become a hot-button issue for airlines in Australia as well after the country's Aviation White Paper in 2024 called for an Ombuds Scheme with the 'power to direct airlines and airports to provide remedies to consumers'. Qantas' retention of customer flight credits in the aftermath of COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions has further infuriated the public, putting pressure on the Albanese government to intervene. The US now requires airlines 'to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed'. The toughened rules come after a period of significant and costly flight delays for American travellers. Loading In one of them, the US government imposed a $US140 million ($216 million) penalty on Southwest Airlines for violating consumer protection laws over a system meltdown that stranded thousands at Christmas. That fine was in addition to the $US600 million in reimbursements Southwest paid to customers. Kirby said most situations forcing delays and cancellations for his airline today were driven by air traffic control problems. 'Even on days last year when it was clear, blue sky, days, 68 per cent of our delays were because of air traffic control,' he said. On April 28 and May 10, air traffic controllers at New York City-hub of Newark Liberty lost contact with planes for 30 to 90 seconds with approaching and departing planes.
