This past Sunday I ended up in United's new first class product from Chicago to San Francisco on a 767-300. It was an evening flight, and I was quite looking forward to giving their product a try without "wasting" an international longhaul segments on United, when there are other (better) options out there, like Cathay,…
Continue reading: Quick review of United’s new international first class
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
What United needs to do is to improve the soft product to compliment their new seats and IFE. There should be better meals, wines, a spruced up amenity kit, and how about nice qulaity pyjamas. Considering the $25K price UA charges to go from the US-SYD in F, it is a small cost that would reap much in benefits relative to their competition.
Did the seats have a shoulder belt? They have them in First on the new Premium 747-400 config and made several announcements to use them. Any idea why they're necessary?
@ chitownflyer -- Agreed, although the challenge is that so few people pay for first class on United. It's filled with upgraders, award passengers, and non-revs. It goes back to the "chicken or the egg" question. Which comes first, a paying first class passenger or a good product? The answer is obviously the latter, but United doesn't seem to want to make that investment.
@ Mark -- It's funny you mention that, because I was really looking forward to trying out the shoulder belt thing. I kept looking for it, but my seat didn't have one, at least I couldn't find it. I'm not sure if that's because I was in the pilot crew rest seat or because I'm just stupid. Either way the flight attendant didn't say anything.
My understanding is that it's necessary due to the angle of the seat, because it's not facing forwards. At the same time other airlines like Air Canada, Air New Zealand, and Virgin Atlantic, with angled seats don't have the same strap. Maybe it's because there's more open space in the suite?
Did you order the "Express Dine"? That doesn't look like a regular UA FC meal...
@ Blondie -- This was actually a domestic flight, so that's the standard offering, unfortunately. Much better than the salad or sandwich they service in business class, which is pathetic as well.
Just saw your blog post about TPA. Hey, that's my Tedditory, er, territory! 😀
It's often the little things that count when it comes to the soft product, IMO.
The meal, though underwhelming, could have been served course-by-course directly on your tray table rather than everything squeezed onto one tray.
That would have at least made it seem a little more like tri-cabin First.
Hi every one, are you excited for this shitty first ?
I fly ANA, Cathay Pacific, Turkish and British and the business seat are pretty same or better ( in case of ANA and new Cathay) of this 1st United.
I believe US fly company can not match the quality of Asia or Europe business and most you save thousands of $..........