Starting next month, United Airlines is transitioning from plastic wine bottles to aluminum cans in economy class and in so doing, introducing a new lineup including rosé wine and brut sparkling wine.
United Airlines Introduces Rosé + Brut Sparkling Wine In Economy Class, Moves From Bottles To Cans
United has served 20 million glasses of wine so far in 2024 (including in premium cabins), a number it says is 50% more than the number of combined glasses of beer and spirits it has served. Starting October 1, 2024, United will transition away from plastic wine bottles and use aluminum cans instead.
Wines will cost $12 each and be served in 250 mL cans (the equivalent of about a glass and a half of wine) with a cup.
The all-California selection will include:
- Just Enough Wines Rosé – A dry, crisp rosé from the California Central Coast features a refreshing flavor profile with notes of watermelon and guava and is balanced by a refreshing minerality
- Maker Brut Bubbles – An aromatic sparkling white from the California Central Coast with bright citrus, white flowers and stone fruit notes and a crisp minerality (brut means “dry, raw, or unrefined” in French)
- Just Enough Wines Cabernet Sauvignon – A full-bodied cabernet sauvignon from the California Central Coast features a vibrant and rich flavor profile of bright cherries, vanilla and sandalwood
- Just Enough Wines Chardonnay – A medium-bodied chardonnay from the California Central Coast features a bright flavor profile with notes of melon, honeysuckle and toasted brioche
Aaron McMillan, United’s Managing Director of Hospitality Programs, explained:
“Our new economy wine list is giving travelers more variety and better quality. After the overwhelmingly positive response to the addition of rosé in United Polaris business class, and ongoing fanfare for sparkling options, we’re thrilled to now offer rosé and a higher quality brut bubbles option for our economy passengers, delivering a more premium experience onboard.”
Justifying the transition from plastic to aluminum, United explained:
This transition to aluminum canned wine will reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles by an estimated 4.7 million bottles per year. Aluminum is nearly infinitely recyclable and supports United’s commitment to sustainability at all altitudes, including recycling onboard its aircraft.
Premier 1K and Global Services members can enjoy these wines for free (one free can per flight) when seated in economy class.
CONCLUSION
I’ve, at least temporarily, given up all alcohol so I won’t be personally be reporting back on this, but the old economy class wine was dreadful on United so I’d imagine this will at least be marginally better. Kudos to United for the expanded selection.
It’s also interesting to see the revolution back to aluminum. I remember back in middle school when all the vending machines made the transition from aluminum cans to plastic bottles…everything that’s old seems to become new again.
image: United
