United's stylish new Away-branded amenity kits are yours to keep
You're supposed to leave the pillows, blankets, premium headsets and most other service items on the plane after your flight.
Still, there's one item that you can always take home, and that's the premium-cabin amenity kit. Some of these pouches are too flimsy and cheap that they're not worth reusing.
Others, however, are a whole different story.
United Airline's newest kits, designed in partnership with popular luggage brand Away, definitely fit into the latter category.
The airline unveiled on Wednesday a new partnership with Away that includes new amenity kits for business and premium economy cabins.
Those flying in Polaris lie-flats on long-haul flights will receive the most luxurious kits. These "hard pods," as they're called, have a sturdy outer shell and interior elastic band to help keep your belongings organized.
The pods themselves are quite stylish thanks to the dark blue color and ridges.
In fact, just one day after the announcement, United already started stocking the kits on its newest route.
I flew on Thursday night on United's inaugural from Newark to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and every flyer — including those in coach — received a new Away x United hard pod amenity kit.
I was impressed both with the kit itself and the contents inside. It'll undoubtedly become a hit with fans of Away luggage, much like Delta's Tumi amenity kits back in the day.
I expect most flyers to bring the storage pods home, and reuse them to store chargers and other loose items.
United offers the most well-stocked amenity kits of the major U.S. airlines, and the new Away-branded ones build on that reputation. I found a pack of Sunday Riley hand lotion and lip balm in my kit, along with an eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrush, pen, tissues and socks.
While the hard pods will likely be the kits in the highest demand, United is also debuting new pouches and cases designed in partnership with Away for its Premium Plus and premium transcontinental business-class routes.
Travelers flying in United Premium Plus on long-haul international flights will receive a "sports pouch."
This kit features a soft, protective material that's not nearly as sturdy as the one featured in Polaris business.
Meanwhile, those traveling in business class on premium transcontinental flights should expect to receive a "zip case." According to the airline, the cases are water-resistant and are designed for storing liquids and moving quickly through airport security lines.
If my experience on United's Palma inaugural is any indication, these new kits will become a collectible. I myself grabbed one and already put some chargers and other loose cables inside.
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