United capitulates on hot meal reductions

CHICAGO, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Customer feedback has thwarted United Airline's attempt to discontinue complimentary hot meals on flights to Europe, the U.S. airline said.

The plan, announced Aug. 19, was greeted with a thumbs-down response from frequent and business fliers, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday.

While the hot meals, which the airline said would be replaced with cold sandwiches, were saved, the airline, facing unprecedented jet fuel costs, plans to continue with other reductions on meals and snacks, the newspaper reported.

United is doing away with free pretzels and cookies for economy class fliers on domestic flights and cold food is replacing complimentary hot food on 16 daily business class flights, the report said.

Graham Atkinson, United's chief customer officer said the carrier appreciated the "candid feedback" from customers.

But, the chairman of the carrier's pilot union Steve Wallach said the move "demonstrates an alarming disconnect with the life's blood of our airline."

According to the union, reducing hot meals was, in reality, a way to reduce the number of flight attendants needed on long-distance flights.

However, "our passengers have made their objections clear," Wallach said.