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Additional Buy On Board Q&As

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Source: Archived Content

Date: Nov 04, 2003

From Onboard Updated (Nov 3, 2003):

United’s new evaluation of Buy On Board flights began Friday, Oct. 31, and is going very well, thanks to all the flight attendants presenting this high-quality product to our customers. The following is an updated Q & A which will be added to the SkyNet site.

Q. What do flight attendants do if we run out of the complimentary snack offering and the customer does not wish to purchase a Buy On Board meal?
A. In previous tests, just the opposite occurred, and we ran out of Buy On Board meals. We expect this will continue to be the case. However, if you do run short of complimentary meals, advise the customer that this is an evaluation period and that feedback will help to determine future boarding ratios. Offer the customer a Skykit form, and extend our apologies. In some circumstances, the customer may prefer immediate compensation, in which case you would offer a meal voucher. Please forward customer information to Customer Service in advance of arrival via ACARS.

Q. Do we still have a change fund?
A. Yes, a change fund is provided. It is boarded in the United Economy® liquor cart with the hand-held device, cash bag, paperwork and tape seals (to re-seal meal carts prior to arrival). As a reminder, the cash fund amount is not included in the cash total on the “End of Flight Report” produced from the hand-held device. Flight attendants must account for that separately on the report.

Q. Why does United sell meals on board instead of in the gateroom like American Airlines does?
A. Each airport authority negotiates individual and unique contracts with the local airlines and airport vendors. American's contracts at JFK and SJU allow their caterers to sell food in gate rooms. United and its caterers, by virtue of negotiated contracts with the airports we serve, are not allowed to sell food in gate rooms. More importantly, we believe our approach is more customer friendly because it allows them to purchase their meal from the comfort of their seat and avoid the hassle of struggling with carry-ons as well as a fast food bag.  Caterers, WHQ and domiciles review success factors and operational issues daily. Please provide feed-back, suggestions and ideas for Buy On Board via DIS*123 or the Supervisors/SAFAs in your domicile.

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