United to Offer Complimentary Cocktails Over the Pacific

From UAflyer06 over on the Flyertalk forums comes word of some exciting food and beverage changes on future United flights. Effective August 1, 2009, United will offer free alcoholic drinks in economy class over the Pacific. Previously free booze and cocktail service was limited to folks in the front of the plane. This change better aligns United with Asia-based airlines, who have historically offered free drinks to all passengers on flights.

Other changes: For short-haul flights, those $6 snack boxes will each have a unique theme (Active, Classic, Luxe, and Organic) with tasty new goodies inside. The fresh food menu, offered on select routes in North America, will soon include a vegetarian option. These menu changes are also expected to begin August 1st.

United’s Cashless-Cabins Begin Later This Month

After a successful trial, and following a general trend in the industry, United Airlines says it will go cashless on all domestic flights starting March 23. According to the airline, passengers who wish to purchase on board food and beverages can do so with a credit or debit card – only. The policy applies to all domestic flights, and flights to/from Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. On international flights the airline will accept either cash or credit/debit for payment.

inFLIGHTout Travel Tip: That Empty Water Bottle

By Mike Grasso

OK, I admit this travel tip rests somewhere between a wonderfully smart and miserably cheap traveler. You know those bottles of water they sell at the airport for $3 or $4 a piece? What a ripoff! Bring your own water bottle from home (can’t you buy a CASE of water for $4?). Be sure the bottle is empty as you enter the security checkpoint, but fill it up once you are post-security. Where do you fill up the bottle you ask? I use water fountains, but in-airport restaurants and fast food chains are often willing to refill them for the asking.

Armed with a full water bottle, you are now ready to board your plane. Even though beverage service is often limited in coach class, you will at least have a full (and free) bottle of water with you as you breeze through the skies.

US Air to Resume Free Drinks

After months of negative publicity, US Air has decided to bring back complimentary drinks onboard its flights. This past summer, amid rising fuel and operating costs, the airline began charging up to $2 for soda, coffee and bottled water. No other airline followed suit.

In a memo to employees Sunday, company chief executive, W. Douglas Parker said, “With US Airways being the only large network carrier to charge for drinks, we are at a disadvantage. This difference in our service has become a focal point that detracts from all of the outstanding improvements.” The airline will resume free drinks March 1st.

American Airlines Switching to Cashless Cabins

On Tuesday American Airlines announced that beginning this summer it will begin to transition to cashless cabins onboard flights within the United States and to and from Canada. On those flights, American will only accept major credit cards or debit cards for onboard purchases such as headsets, meals, snacks and alcoholic beverages.

In a press statement, the airline said the change will allow it to streamline the in-flight sales process. Flight attendants will use hand-held electronic devices that will scan credit cards.

(Photo courtesy of American Airlines)

U.S Airways Eliminates Complimentary Pretzels

Starting on June 1st, US Airways passengers will no longer enjoy free pretzels on domestic flights, due to the carrier’s latest cost-cutting measures. Biscoff cookies, served during early morning departures, will be axed as well. It's unknown how much money the airline will save by eliminating these onboard munchies.

Also: American Airlines to increase the price of liquor and fresh food for sale sandwches starting June 1st.