Last night, United announced they are upping their food and beverage game in Economy for International Flights.  Following a year of record profits (up 89% from the prior fiscal year), United is offering complimentary beer and wine in Economy and the option to buy-up to premium half bottles of wine.

They are also changing the meals served in the back of the bus.  From United’s press release:

“United will expand the primary complimentary economy meal to a hearty three-course service, beginning with a beverage and snack of cheese and crackers, baked whole-grain bruschetta chips or Kiri cheese spread and crackers, followed by a generous main course served with refreshed salads and artisan bread.

Main-course meals will include new dishes designed by United’s team of chefs, including:

• Home-style turkey meatloaf in spicy barbecue sauce, served with sweet potato mash, mixed vegetables, an artisan ciabatta roll and amaranth mango salad;
• Tuscan ravioli with roasted red pepper sauce, served with a petit artisan ciabatta roll and mixed-grain salad; and
• Udon noodles with stir-fried vegetables and ginger soya sauce, served with a petit multi-grain baguette roll and apple wheatberry salad.

For the final course, customers may enjoy a premium dessert, such as gelato, sorbet, ice cream or mousse.”

I’m all about United trying something new.  I’m mostly interested in the premium wine selection – I’ve heard that it is actually quite acceptable, although I haven’t tried it yet.  Take a look at the full press release here.

Standard Economy Meal on United

Take it for what it’s worth – United improving their food selections isn’t really that hard to do, their food is awful.  I say this as a monogamous United guy too – I’m not just bashing an airline I don’t fly.  As long as I can still get my vegetarian chickpea entree I’ll be happy — and now that I can get that with some free wine, I’ll be even happier.

Does this change impact who you choose to fly?