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.
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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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- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
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- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
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- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
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Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles50,000 Bonus MilesAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees