Fly to Dominica with United as New Rosé and Bubbly Hit Economy Cabins

United is raising a toast to passengers with a refreshing update to its in-flight experience. Beginning October 1, domestic economy passengers will have more to look forward to as the airline expands its wine selection to include premium canned wines from women-owned brands.

The new options are set for wine lovers and frequent flyers alike to enhance the onboard journey. And while United is refreshing its wine offerings, it is also adding a new destination to its route map—inviting travelers to explore the lush island of Dominica.

A Fresh Take on In-Flight Wine

Starting this fall, United will introduce a new wine list for domestic economy passengers. The list will feature wines from Just Enough Wines and Maker Wine, both crafted by women-owned companies. These wines come in colorful and bright cans, reflecting a nod to more sustainable flying.

*Can* you handle it? New canned wines are coming!

Just Enough Wines rosé, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay plus Maker Wine bubbly brut will be available for purchase in United economy cabins starting October 1. And now we do our happy dance. 🥂 pic.twitter.com/nRqHvJwSRb

— United Airlines (@united) September 30, 2024

“We’re thrilled to now offer rosé and a higher quality brut bubbles option for our economy passengers, delivering a more premium experience onboard,” said Aaron McMillan, United’s Managing Director of Hospitality Programs. This follows the success of similar offerings in United’s Polaris business class, where rosé has been a passenger favorite.

For passengers in economy, the new wine choices include:

• Just Enough Wines Rosé: A dry, crisp rosé with notes of watermelon and guava, perfect for sipping at cruising altitude.
• Maker Brut Bubbles: A sparkling white wine with refreshing hints of citrus and stone fruit created by award-winning winemaker Nicole Walsh.
• Just Enough Wines Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied cabernet sauvignon with vibrant notes of cherries and sandalwood.
• Just Enough Wines Chardonnay: A bright and balanced chardonnay featuring melon, honeysuckle, and toasted brioche flavors.

These 250ml cans offer about a glass and a half of wine, making them ideal for a relaxing flight. Priced at $12, they’ll be available on all mainline flights and come with a cup for sipping.

Thoughtful Sustainability in Every Sip

According to the airline, the move to canned wine is part of a greater commitment to sustainability. United expects to eliminate 4.7 million single-use plastic bottles yearly by switching from plastic mini bottles to aluminum cans.

This inflight wine selection update highlights two innovative, women-owned companies: Just Enough Wines and Maker Wine. Both are known for their exceptional quality and sustainable practices.

Photo: Courtesy of Just Enough Wines

Just Enough Wines, co-founded by Jessica Hershfield and Kaitlyn Lo, delivers premium, vintage-specific wines from California’s Central Coast. Their wines have received widespread recognition, including high ratings from Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling.

Meanwhile, Maker Wine, led by founders Sarah Hoffman, Kendra Kawala, and Zoe Victor, partners with women and underrepresented winemakers to bring their award-winning wines to the skies. Each can feature the story of the winemaker who crafted it, adding a personal touch to every sip.

Photo: Courtesy of Maker Wine

Both brands bring a blend of authenticity, quality, and sustainability to United’s in-flight experience, offering passengers a more thoughtful and enjoyable way to unwind while cruising aloft.

The expanded wine list is part of United’s broader effort to improve its food and beverage offerings across the board. In the past year, United has introduced a range of restaurant-quality brands onboard, from Shafer Vineyards to Tillamook ice cream, and added over 60 new dishes to its rotating menus.

This ongoing investment, as noted by the carrier, is designed to elevate the onboard experience for all passengers, whether flying business or economy.

New Flights to Dominica

As United enhances its in-flight experience, it’s also expanding its international route network. Beginning February 15, 2025, United will launch a new service between Newark (EWR) and Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) in Dominica.

Photo: Dominica. Courtesy of Nario Esprit / Unsplash

This once-weekly flight will give travelers direct access to the island’s breathtaking landscapes, volcanic peaks, and lush rainforests.

Dominica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, celebrated the new route as a major milestone for the island. “This new service by United Airlines is a major step forward toward the island realizing the aggressive goal that it has set for itself. This route will help alleviate the access constraints faced by the destination over the years,” she said.

Graphic: Courtesy of greatcirclemap.com / Markus Englund

United’s Vice President of International Network, Matt Stevens, said, “United is proud to partner with the Discover Dominica Authority to add beautiful Dominica to our leading global route network,” he said, emphasizing United’s commitment to connecting travelers with unique and exotic destinations.

Photo: United Airlines, Boeing 737-700s. Courtesy of PRNewsFoto/United Airlines

The airline’s new Dominica route will operate once a week on Saturdays with its Boeing 737-700 aircraft. The flight schedule is as follows:

• EWR-DOM: Departs 9:10 a.m. and arrives 2:39 p.m.
• DOM-EWR: Departs 3:45 p.m. and arrives 7:51 p.m.

When United begins service to Dominica next February, it will become the second major U.S. airline to fly to the island. American Airlines connects Dominica to Miami twice a week, making United’s new service a valuable addition for travelers looking to explore this less-traveled Caribbean gem.