Frequent travellers are aware that enjoying top-notch dining options on their preferred airline is a key perk of accruing so many miles. The majority of U.S. airlines have brought back many of their pre-pandemic food and beverage options, despite the fact that it has been a difficult three years to get back to the level of in-flight service witnessed in "the prior times."

But there was one holdout who persisted up until last month.
Since it was initially offered in domestic first-class on United Airlines decades ago, the ice cream sundae service has become a customer favourite. Customers can choose from a variety of toppings to construct a sundae that is customised to their preferences. The delicious dessert, which was frequently the highlight of travelling business class on United, had selections including hot fudge, caramel, strawberries, whipped cream, almonds, and cherries. This may not come as a surprise given that Americans are obsessed with ice cream as a comfort meal. 1

Even my friend remembered her father talking about the sundaes when he returned from business travels in her childhood.

The best part of @united #businessClass is the lay-flat seat. But after that... Sundae cart!!! pic.twitter.com/3M8keQXz

— Laurren (@justlaurren) August 19, 2012

A recurring feature of the airline's more recent Polaris products is the sundae service. But after the pandemic, United was compelled, like many other airlines, to phase out the sundae in favour of a pre-packaged frozen sundae with vanilla ice cream and a single topping.

Loyalists to the United were furious. In the following Reddit thread: "One regular flier questioned the adjustment, writing, "Why did they destroy the Polaris sundae? Mine arrived rock hard and wasn't even edible. The ice cream was frozen solid, and you had to use a pick axe to get at it."
A recurring feature of the airline's more recent Polaris products is the sundae service. But after the pandemic, United was compelled, like many other airlines, to phase out the sundae in favour of a pre-packaged frozen sundae with vanilla ice cream and a single topping.

Loyalists to the United were furious. In the following Reddit thread: "One regular flier questioned the adjustment, writing, "Why did they destroy the Polaris sundae? Mine arrived rock hard and wasn't even edible. The ice cream was frozen solid, and you had to use a pick axe to get at it."

United declared at the beginning of last month that it would reintroduce its cherished sundae service on Polaris business class. 2

The sundaes made a comeback on certain San Francisco-to-Frankfurt, Brisbane-to-Sydney, and Singapore-to itineraries on December 1.

According to comments from passengers and flight attendants, Polaris dessert service is being updated, and United is bringing back a new three-tier dessert cart for its iconic ice cream sundae service.

Fortunately, I was able to secure a seat on a Polaris aircraft from San Francisco to Singapore just days before the service was supposed to resume. The flight attendants ran out of ice cream before they could get to my seat, so my first attempt to witness the comeback failed. Popularity evidence or an underestimating of available resources? Decide for yourself.

The fully loaded sundae I eventually acquired, nevertheless, was up to par. Loyalists will now finally be reunited with one of their favourite airline experiences as United—which has described to this initial reintroduction as a "soft launch"—is anticipated to spread the sundaes out to more destinations throughout the year.