Delta Vs United Business class to USA (SYD-ORLANDO) in October 2013

[Westmate]

I plan to travel to Orlando in October 2013 (ex SYD) and would like advice Delta/United business class product to USA ex SYD. Due to price Qantas is not an option (way more expensive) and cheapest fare offered by Delta at the moment so I would appreciate if someone can advise re Delta business class product and also what seating Delta have in domestic business class (LAX-ORLANDO)?

thank you.

 

[eastwest101]

I plan to travel to Orlando in October 2013 (ex SYD) and would like advice Delta/United business class product to USA ex SYD. Due to price Qantas is not an option (way more expensive) and cheapest fare offered by Delta at the moment so I would appreciate if someone can advise re Delta business class product and also what seating Delta have in domestic business class (LAX-ORLANDO)?

I am sure there will be other suggestions but with Delta you may end up on VA metal from SYD-LAX (or on DL metal) - in either case it will be a B777. With DL/VA you will not be able to avoid LAX customs and immigration.

I don't know how to do it but the UA option may give you the choice of coming into the US via LAX or via SFO, UA will still be a B747-400 in Oct 2013 I beleive. I had a quick look on the UA web site but couldn't find any options offered via SFO but I am sure that they would exist.

If you really really have to be in ORL(MCO) on a particular date then the pure DL flights SYD-LAX-ORL(MCO) may be the best chance. Flying QF via Dallas would be great but as you say - if the prices are out of this world then either DL or UA business/first are an option.

Personally I would try to transit SFO for my sanity and hence get the upper deck on the UA B747 from SYD-SFO and then whatever best connection from SFO-ORL(MCO).

The domestic first class sectors from SFO/LAX to ORL(MCO) would most likely be a narrow body B737-800 or possibly A320 or B757 - probably direct flight would be less punishing on the body rather than transiting a hub - either would be 2-2 seating that would be fairly similar to J class on a QF domestic B737-800 I would imagine - but there may be better DL and UA domestic experts out there whom may have better advice than I.

Prices being similar of course.

Just my opinion anyway - let us know which one you choose - would be really interested in how it goes.

 

[knightman7]

I've flown both DL and UA options and would recommend UA. You can fly to MCO via SFO on a short 2.5 hr stopover and I find it much more convenient with less hassle than transiting through LAX.

It's an easy afternoon departure from Sydney and a late evening arrival at MCO so you can check in to your hotel, get a good nights sleep and be ready to go in the morning.

 

[eastwest101]

Oh and Westmate - try to find a good Star Alliance FF program to credit to if you decide to go UA - it would be a shame to waste those points and SCs! Or if you end up on DL at least collect the SC's on VAs FF scheme.

 

[Westmate]

Many thanks to you both. I think Delta would be best option (as it is the cheapest in business class) and due to lowest fare purchase policy at work I will need to travel Delta and can't avoid LAX unfortunately. I was thinking of crediting FF miles to Virgin Australia as well, thanks for reminder about it.