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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.