A Google scientist's viral social media post has ignited a firestorm of criticism against United Airlines, after he shared a shocking image of what he was served as a First Class meal, describing it as a 'bowl of sadness'.
The 'Culinary Disaster' That Went Viral
Peyman Milanfar, who leads a computational imaging team at Google, posted a picture of his dinner on the social media platform X on January 4. The meal was served on a long-haul flight while he was seated in the airline's premium cabin. The image depicted a dismal assortment: mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, a large whole tomato, small cubes of yellow cheese, large green seeds, and chunks of a pale, sliced meat that he struggled to identify.
In his scathing review, Milanfar questioned the very nature of the protein, suggesting it resembled '3D-printed mystery meat'. He mocked the inclusion of 'cafeteria cheese cubes' and the uncut tomato, quipping he would need a chainsaw to tackle it. 'This is genuinely unbelievable,' he concluded. The post rapidly gained traction, amassing over 15 million views and drawing fierce commentary from fellow travellers and the public alike.
Social Media Backlash and Stark Comparisons
The online reaction was swift and merciless. One user replied that the meal 'seems like it was meant for a turtle, not a human,' while another joked it looked 'less appetizing than a lean cuisine'. Many were baffled by the presentation, with one person stating, 'Throwing a whole tomato into the bowl is insane.'
The controversy prompted passengers from rival carriers to showcase their own in-flight meals, highlighting a dramatic contrast in quality. Flyers from Delta, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates responded by sharing images of trays with recognisable slices of beef or chicken, accompanied by sides like rice and beans, with salads and cheeses presented separately. The comparison served to amplify the criticism of United's offering.
Airline Policy and a Challenge for Charity
According to United's own policy, the airline provides complimentary meals in First Class on most domestic flights longer than 900 miles, which would include Milanfar's five-hour-plus journey. The carrier's website describes such a meal as a 'hot entrée', served with salad, bread, dessert, and drinks. Options for pre-order can include grilled chicken or beef meatballs.
However, United Airlines has not publicly confirmed or denied the use of 3D-printed ingredients in its meals, nor has it provided detailed ingredient lists for specific dishes. In 2022, the airline announced a partnership with Impossible Foods to incorporate more plant-based meat alternatives into its menus.
Unmoved by the explanation of standard offerings, Milanfar issued a direct challenge to the airline. On January 5, he called on United to refund the cost of his ticket, pledging to donate the entire sum to World Central Kitchen, the non-profit that provides meals in disaster zones. 'Let’s turn this culinary disaster into a humanitarian win. Ball's in your court,' he posted. As of now, it is not publicly known if United has responded to his proposition.
