TRAVEL

United Airlines perks up

United's Jeffrey Pelch conducts a taste test at illy's University of Coffee in March 2016.
United's Jeffrey Pelch conducts a taste test at illy's University of Coffee in March 2016.
Harriet Baskas, Special For USA TODAY
Delilah Jones-Bardlette of United Airlines gets a hands on lesson in espresso-making from illy's University of Coffee barista Adamo DeFelice.
Delilah Jones-Bardlette of United Airlines gets a hands on lesson in espresso-making from illy's University of Coffee barista Adamo DeFelice.
United Airlines
Flavored jelly beans help students at illy's University of Coffee set their palette to taste specific flavors.
Flavored jelly beans help students at illy's University of Coffee set their palette to taste specific flavors.
Harriet Baskas, Special For USA TODAY
It takes at least 50 beans to make one cup of coffee, but just one bad bean to ruin a cup. This is from a class exercise find the bad beans.
It takes at least 50 beans to make one cup of coffee, but just one bad bean to ruin a cup. This is from a class exercise find the bad beans.
Harriet Baskas, Special For USA TODAY
United employees at illy’s University of Coffee in March 2016. From left, Delilah Jones-Bardlette, senior manager of United Club operations; Steven Petritis, inflight services policies and procedures; Andy Grabowski, senior category manager; Rachel Ayres, employee communications; and Jeff Pelch, senior manager of product strategy and implementation.
United employees at illy’s University of Coffee in March 2016. From left, Delilah Jones-Bardlette, senior manager of United Club operations; Steven Petritis, inflight services policies and procedures; Andy Grabowski, senior category manager; Rachel Ayres, employee communications; and Jeff Pelch, senior manager of product strategy and implementation.
United Airlines
United's Andy Grabowski, senior category manager, tests flavors in a sample cup at illy's University of Coffee in March-2016.
United's Andy Grabowski, senior category manager, tests flavors in a sample cup at illy's University of Coffee in March-2016.
Harriet Baskas, Special For USA TODAY