UNITED AIRLINES - Flying to the USA

[jordan85]

I'm not sure I'd be too keen on flying United long-haul. I just don't think their offerings would compare to Qantas' A380 or V Australia's 777... I've flown both... brand new plane's and great entertainment offerings.

I flew United short haul in March, LAX-SJD and return. Can't say it was the greatest experience. On the first leg, we were delayed 2 hours with not so much as a single announcement informing us of the delay or reasons. Our plane was an old, old, old, old, old Continental A320. It really was a scary ride. As we ascended, the plane would keep losing altitude. I've flown quite a bit and know what rough turbelence feels like, but this sure didn't feel like turbelence (I'm usually not a nervous flyer, but I was terrified!). Landed on the ground safely though (thank God!).

Flight back to LAX, we accidentally rocked up at the wrong terminal at SJD, but I blame this entirely on United/Continental being unable to decide what to call themselves!

 

[elbarto]

I flew in 1991 SYD-LAX-SYD. I was all of 6 at the time and their 747 ate the dice from my Ludo set. I'm still troubled by it to this day.

 

[trooper]

Trying to make us feel old elbarto? :mrgreen:

In 1991 I was in the Persian Gulf "enjoying" a six month cruise aboard a slim grey "liner".....:shock::mrgreen:

.....and I've said it before.. but I'm mystified by how one flight that seemed "scary" can damn an airline for all time...

.. especially on a forum where when the media does exactly that to QANTAS (on single flights that WERE scary for those concerned - without being evidence of systemic failings) everyone is up in arms about the unfair and shallow treatment....

(Including me...)

Why don't other airlines get treated the same?

My VERY worst inflight experiences have been on QF (which is why I fly with NZ these days) and yet I don't play the "that means they are completely cough/unsafe/etc" game... I just take my money elsewhere...

 

[Verde]

I'm with the "why not" posters as well. If the OP is seeing a fare difference of around $1000 then with all other things being equal (not sure about seat pitch and width) the OP can probably bring their own entertainment and may find something else to spend the $$ in the US.

I'd agree. I flew UA to the USA last about 3 years ago and the IFE died. I didn't care, because I had a book to read and an ipod to listen to.

Just have realistic expectations. If you are in economy it isn't great and the planes are "dated" (to borrow from the hotel reviews).

I'd go for them if money is an issue, specially when they have a sale on and will include connections to domestic US cities as well (if you want that) as it can save a chunk of cash too.

Last year I flew AirPacific (via Fiji) - it is often competitive with United, but then its planes are a bit dated too (even if it did have the personal screens rather than group ones) and it has a long stop over in Nadi.

This year I'm flying Qantas (got in on the DFW sale), which will actually be my first international segment with them (except to NZ). If you're in economy, a long flight is a long flight. If you are a bit sensitive then do the hard yards of finding an alternative, but if you're still relatively young/resilient, then UA is a good option if it saves a good chunk of money.

I've flown AirPacific, Air NZ, Singapore and United internationally in economy, none really were amazingly better IMO (I can't remember who I flew with USA-UK several years ago, American Airlines perhaps). All had unspectacular food which was fine, all had non-great chairs which I slept on, all I'd rather read a book and maybe watch one movie on so it made little difference about IFE (plus ideally sleep for the bulk of the flight).

If you're mostly price sensitive then United is a good option. If you're mostly comfort sensitive then I'd look elsewhere.

It was actually a United Double EQM special that got me into the whole Frequent Flyer points/status setup... though I've ended up focused on Qantas status (if VirginBlue was part of Star Alliance I'd be torn). These days I have a bit more disposable income, so it is a debate between Premium Economy and Economy or which airline (status credits versus price versus comfort), but certainly in my first few years of full time work (and uni) United served me well.

Just go in expecting service/facilities only a bit better than a LCC and you'll probably be right IMO. If that worries you, Air NZ fares when on sale is probably your next best option and is more likely to be close/match UA than Qantas.

 

[Maca44]

A lot of people seem to forget that irrespective what carrier you use, you are still locked inside a pressurized tube for 14+ hours. Also, I believe the main reason pax fly QF is for ff/status. Money is money and if you can save $1K on UA then do it as there is not a $1K difference in QF, and as others have said it will go a long way in the US.

 

[GlenH]

Wow, thanks so much for all the great feedback. I really hadn't heard much at all about United. Seems they may be acceptable only if IFE and comfort is not all that important, and cheaper airfares of course. i just spoke to their reservations, and both economy and premium economy dont even have a outlet to power your laptop, so there goes that idea! Think I'll be looking at paying a bit extra, a lot of people are saying good things about VAustralia in particular. Cheers

 

[eastwest101]

GlenH,

I totally understand that it is your call - and for some people the lack of IFE can be a "deal breaker" for them, but personally - I would save the money and buy a cheap DVD player that uses AA or D cell batteries, you can even get the audio leads to double audio output for a travelling mate. I guess it also depends on if you can sleep in an Y seat, some can - and some can't.

Have you seen the prices move in any direction for VA, UA, QF etc on the dates that you were looking at?

 

[GlenH]

GlenH,

I totally understand that it is your call - and for some people the lack of IFE can be a "deal breaker" for them, but personally - I would save the money and buy a cheap DVD player that uses AA or D cell batteries, you can even get the audio leads to double audio output for a travelling mate. I guess it also depends on if you can sleep in an Y seat, some can - and some can't.

Have you seen the prices move in any direction for VA, UA, QF etc on the dates that you were looking at?

Thats a good idea about the DVD player. I did see some pics of the cabin and it sure does look cramped, and expecially being 6ft 2 tall is not a comfy ride! They do have economy plus so that may be an option!
Yeah VA price went up $1400 from one day to the next which was a bit shattering cos I was just about ready to book! QF and UA have both remained pretty constant. Actually looking at AirCanada now too as Vancouver is our ultimate destination anyway. I hear they are pretty good.
Thanks again for your DVD idea thats a good one!

 

[eastwest101]

...and it sure does look cramped, and expecially being 6ft 2 tall is not a comfy ride! They do have economy plus so that may be an option!
Yeah VA price went up $1400 from one day to the next which was a bit shattering cos I was just about ready to book! QF and UA have both remained pretty constant. Actually looking at AirCanada now too as Vancouver is our ultimate destination anyway.

Oh yes - for a 6ft 2" I would be looking at getting an exit row seat - whichever airline you go for. There are discussions around this site about "best seats in a.." once you know who and what you are flying.

Will be interesting to hear how Air Canada stack up against the competition, you could even look at flying Jetstar to Honolulu and Air Canada onwards if the connections aren't silly or if you fancy a few days in HNL...

 

[trooper]

If I was 6'2" and couldn't get one through "status" I'd be looking for an airline that allowed paying for an exit row at time of booking!!

Don't know if any OZ-USA carriers do though... Anyone?

I regularly pay for the exit row on SQ flying up to Asia from SYD... well worth it (IMO)....

 

[blackcat20]

If I was 6'2" and couldn't get one through "status" I'd be looking for an airline that allowed paying for an exit row at time of booking!!

Don't know if any OZ-USA carriers do though... Anyone?

As of a few weeks ago, Qantas does, regardless of status

 

[dfcatch]

Air Canada is a GREAT option if your destination is Vancouver.

IFE in every seat, usually good service in flight, just horrible corporate customer service - but then again, that's every airline

Big question - is the price right??

 

[Bolthead]

UA would have to be the worst airline I have ever flown with. (2000 year of the Olympics) :evil: The family went over for the usual Disneyland, Loss Wages west coast sojourn and we went on price only. (Y) Going over wasn't too bad as we were all (5) in one row however the service was poor. The kids were 13, 12, 9. Coming back the experience started at the check-in counter. We were very early at the airport and we were all tired and glad to be heading home. (although the land content was fantastic) They had us in 3 rows separated all in middle seats. (They had our 9 year old daughter by her self 4 rows back from the closest - they obviously didn't even look at her age.... obviously my wife sat in that seat) They refused to change this and I was p@#&5 off. Once again it was cramped and the service was disgusting. Never again. Once bitten twice shy.

However, a friend recently flew UA in J and he said it was great...... perhaps they have improved and I know it was a long time ago but I have along memory when it comes to poor service and rude staff

That's my 2 bobs worth

 

[Flying Fox]

I had a friend who did MEL - NYC in J (work paid) but his girl friend had to fly Y (personally funded). He said that J was barely OK and definately not up to QF J standards.

She said Y was terrible. No PTV and the share movie screen was blurry and out of focused and hardly watchable, meals were almost inhumane and space was a challenge (even for someone who isn't tall).

Overall, it was a experience that her therapist is trying to help them both get through. Don't do it unley your budget doesn't make QF, VA etc.