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Did you know that all three major U.S. airlines serve ice cream sundaes on business class flights? And I don’t mean your regular rock-hard ice cream dumped into a bowl; I mean proper ice cream sundaes with fudge, M&Ms, and all the works.
While I believe Air Canada’s business class is the best in North America, I certainly wouldn’t complain if Air Canada stole an idea or two here. 😉
United Airlines
To me, United Polaris Business Class is synonymous with its ice cream sundae cart rolling down the aisle as flight attendants craft each sundae to order right beside your seat. It defines the overall experience as much as Polaris lounges do, and unlike Polaris lounge access, you get an ice cream sundae even if you book a United Polaris Base fare (basic).
The traditional ice cream flavours on offer are Tillamook’s vanilla, although United runs a rotation of limited-time flavours throughout the year, with a fan favourite being strawberry. Topping options include hot fudge, whipped cream, slivered almonds, fruit compotes, M&Ms, and, always, a cherry on top. United even offered Biscoff crumbles for a limited time, which would absolutely be my favourite topping.
Ice cream sundaes are the most memorable part of my United Polaris flights
Ice cream carts are a staple catering item on all Polaris-marketed flights, meaning all international business class flights and select premium transcontinental routes. As of a few weeks ago, Polaris-marketed premium transcontinental flights also get Polaris lounge access.
American Airlines
American Airlines also offers ice cream sundaes, matching United’s eligibility for ice cream sundaes on all international business class flights and premium transcontinental flights.
Unlike United (and Delta), American does not use a cart for its ice cream sundaes; rather, you order with the flight attendant, who crafts your ice cream in the galley and serves it to your seat. American’s iconic sundae is Häagen-Dazs with hot fudge, although I see butterscotch in some online reviews, which looks absolutely delicious.
Photo by PMB contributor Sash, on his AA flight to Buenos Aires
Vanilla is the standard flavour offering on American, and it looks like walnuts are the nut topping. Sash received what appeared to be raspberry compote on his flight from Miami to Buenos Aires.
Delta Air Lines
Admittedly, Delta Air Lines is the major airline I’m least familiar with: I’ve never flown Delta on long-haul business class, I’ve flown them once in the past ten years (it was actually SkyWest as Delta Connection), and I’ve never been to a SkyClub or Delta One lounge.
Delta piqued my interest when I learned how cool the Delta One lounges are, and because Delta also serves ice cream sundaes with a cart, I’m curious how it stacks up against United.
The Delta One dessert cart
Delta offers what I perceive as more premium toppings, like Biscoff crumble available year-round and Morello sour cherry compote.
Unlike United and American, Delta keeps its ice cream sundae exclusive and only offers it on long-haul flights. Delta does not serve ice cream sundaes on transcontinental routes, even when the airline markets the flight as Delta One.
Why Ice Cream is Special
An ice cream sundae is obviously not the defining feature of a great business class product. Qatar Airways doesn’t serve them, and many people still consider Qsuite the best business class in the world.
What makes the U.S. carriers’ sundae service special is that it feels intentional. In an era where many business class products are converging toward the same formula of privacy doors, direct aisle access, and upscale bedding (don’t get me wrong, these are all fantastic things), the sundae adds a fun touch of personality and creates a sense of occasion.
The toppings, seasonal flavours, and limited-time collaborations make the experience feel curated rather than generic. There’s something fun about choosing between hot fudge, fruit compote, cookie crumbles, whipped cream, and candies while cruising at 35,000 feet.
To me, this is the “fun factor” at work. Sundaes are unnecessary, indulgent, and a little over-the-top, which is exactly why they leave such a strong impression. It’s one of those small touches that creates an outsized impact on how people perceive an airline and gives the product a sense of character beyond just the seat itself.
Takeaway
An ice cream sundae is obviously not more important than a comfortable seat or good sleep, but that’s exactly why it works so well. It’s pure fun. There’s something memorable about choosing toppings for an ice cream sundae at 35,000 feet, and for passengers, it creates a lasting impression long after the flight is over.
