United Airlines today announced it would begin offering complimentary drinks to all passengers on specific US to Italy routes this summer. For a limited time, passengers on select flights will be given free canned spritzers to beat the heat. This offer results from United’s partnership with Spritz Society, makers of the award-winning premium cocktail.

Luc Bondar, United Vice President of Marketing & Loyalty and President of MileagePlus, said,

“Spritz cocktails have become synonymous with summer and offer a taste of Europe. Given the drink's origin, we thought what better place to serve them than on board our flights to Italy. Our customers are going to love everything about these festive cocktails, especially the taste – one of the reasons we chose Spritz Society is their focus on quality natural ingredients."

United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner N27903
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

The where and when

United Airlines will offer these premium sparkling cocktails on flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Flights on the ORD-MXP route will start giving out the complimentary drinks from May 6th through August 6th, while passengers flying on the EWR-FCO route will get their premium cocktails from May 26th until August 26th. An 8.4 oz. can of Grapefruit flavored Spritz Society will be given to all flyers.

United will operate daily flights on both mentioned US-Italy routes. United Airlines flight UA416 is operated on the ORD-MXP route using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, while the EWR-FCO route sees a Boeing 777-300ER operating as flight UA40.

In addition, United Club locations at Chicago O’Hare and Newark Airport will start selling the Spritz Society soon, from May 2nd to June 6th and from May 26th to June 26th, respectively. United Airlines has 45 Club locations worldwide, which are accessible to elite Club members. ORD airport has three such lounges at terminal/concourse 1B, 1C, and 2F, while EWR has two at terminals A2 and C.

Club members can purchase Grapefruit and Blood Orange flavors of Spritz Society for just $2. For some context, Spritz Society sells a four-pack for $20 ($17 if you subscribe), putting the price of each can at $5. On the downside, other Spritz Society flavors like Pineapple and Lemonade will not be available.

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Grapefruit and Blood Orange flavors will be available at Club lounges, while only the former will be served onboard. Photo: United Airlines

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Why just Italy?

The summer season brings extreme heat to many countries, but why is United Airlines offering complimentary cocktails only on two routes to Italy? Well, the answer lies in the history of Spritz drinks. These cocktails are believed to originate from the Veneto region of Italy in the late 1800s. United believes its popularity has increased in recent years, and American travelers flying to Europe will arrive refreshed and ready for the adventures ahead.

Spritz Society Founder & CEO, Ben Soffer, said,

"We're excited to work with United to make Spritz Society available to their customers in select lounges and on two seasonal Italy routes. Spritz Society puts a fun twist on the classic Italian cocktail and is made with real wine, real flavors, and real ingredients – it's the perfect beverage to enhance the Italian travel experience with United."