Hong Kong and Macau - SFO - HKG flights (United vs Cathay)

Could people with experience on United flights from SFO to HKG describe what the planes have been like?

I'm familiar with the high quality of the Cathay international flights but am debating because I moved back to the States and no longer have status on Cathay but have premier exec status on United. I'm debating between which airline to take (prices are similar) because I have the chance of getting upgraded if I take United and it also helps put more miles on my account. I don't take Cathay anymore for the miles to be of use but I remember the economy section for Cathay international being very nice. Not sure if United's economy has been renovated now or if they are still old planes that don't have entertainment centers and decent food... And what are the United business class seats like for these flights? I'm assuming not the nice flat ones they have on Cathay?

United is flying B747s on this route. They do not have any at-seat entertainment. I can't speak to the food, because I don't fly long-haul in economy. The business seat on UA on those planes is quite good. It's not the same design as Cathay's (a pod design) so you may have to climb over the person next to you to get out, but it does lie completely flat.

A few months ago, I flew SFO-HKG on CX and returned on UA. Business class boths ways. I would say I enjoyed the CX experience more (my first time on CX) but UA is good enough in business. I find UA's IFE selection (audio/video on demand in business and first) a bit limited and after a few long-hauls I've seen everything I want to see. CX has a much better selection.

On my most recent SFO-HKG flight, the HKG-based crew was excellent and was just as good as the CX crew. Sadly, UA's TPAC crews are usually not that good.

Also note that upgrades on UA's HKG flights are notoriously difficult. As a Premier Exec, if you waitlist for an upgrade, you'll be behind a lot of 1Ks who often don't clear either. I had to book 6 months ahead to secure my upgrade at booking time.

United is flying B747s on this route. They do not have any at-seat entertainment. I can't speak to the food, because I don't fly long-haul in economy. The business seat on UA on those planes is quite good. It's not the same design as Cathay's (a pod design) so you may have to climb over the person next to you to get out, but it does lie completely flat.

A few months ago, I flew SFO-HKG on CX and returned on UA. Business class boths ways. I would say I enjoyed the CX experience more (my first time on CX) but UA is good enough in business. I find UA's IFE selection (audio/video on demand in business and first) a bit limited and after a few long-hauls I've seen everything I want to see. CX has a much better selection.

On my most recent SFO-HKG flight, the HKG-based crew was excellent and was just as good as the CX crew. Sadly, UA's TPAC crews are usually not that good.

Also note that upgrades on UA's HKG flights are notoriously difficult. As a Premier Exec, if you waitlist for an upgrade, you'll be behind a lot of 1Ks who often don't clear either. I had to book 6 months ahead to secure my upgrade at booking time.

thanks for the info! the tip about 1K's makes a lot of sense since there are probably a lot of frequent international travelers with much higher status on the SFO-HKG flights. In that case I will probably take Cathay and scrape together whatever miles are left on my AsiaMiles account to get a guaranteed upgrade there.

thanks for the info! the tip about 1K's makes a lot of sense since there are probably a lot of frequent international travelers with much higher status on the SFO-HKG flights. In that case I will probably take Cathay and scrape together whatever miles are left on my AsiaMiles account to get a guaranteed upgrade there.

Whether you are traveling economy or business will seal the deal here. Cathay's new coach seats (which slouch forward instead of leaning back) are torture implements.

Whether you are traveling economy or business will seal the deal here. Cathay's new coach seats (which slouch forward instead of leaning back) are torture implements.
It's really personal opinion, there are some - like me, that actually like the seats. OP may actually consider asking CX for a status match, from 1P with UA, they'll match to Silver (which already gets you lounge access when flying CX/KA, priority baggage/check-in/boarding, etc.)

In J, I'd take CX every time.

In Y with your 1P status, I'd take UA as you'll have access to Y+ seating and those extra few inches make an enormous difference in comfort on the Transpac, plus the mileage will help significantly in re-qualifying for 1P or even edging towards 1K.

In J, I'd take CX every time.

In Y with your 1P status, I'd take UA as you'll have access to Y+ seating and those extra few inches make an enormous difference in comfort on the Transpac, plus the mileage will help significantly in re-qualifying for 1P or even edging towards 1K.

I agree. The extra legroom in E+ makes UAL the preferred airline.

I agree. The extra legroom in E+ makes UAL the preferred airline.

+1.
Besides, sounds like OP is building up his/her UA mile bank.

If I was flying J, CX wins hands down.

Also, not sure if you considered it, but there's the SQ flights SFO-HKG. That would allow you to collect miles on UA and get some of the status perks. In my limited experience, I far prefer SQ to CX (although my experience is of several years ago).

I far prefer SQ to CX .

+1 ^

Whether you are traveling economy or business will seal the deal here. Cathay's new coach seats (which slouch forward instead of leaning back) are torture implements.

Agreed. The new coach seats are to be avoided like the plague.

+1.
Besides, sounds like OP is building up his/her UA mile bank.

If I was flying J, CX wins hands down.

Agreed. I just flew UA ORD-HKG in business class and the service offer is sub-standard for a premium cabin on the transpacific route comparing to other airlines.

There was no personal bottle water and UA did not even have cup noodles in case you want a snack mid-flight on the 15-hour trip! They only have 2 kinds of cold sandwiches in a plastic wrap!

The main meals were also just mediocre and unimpressive offering far less choices and quantity than others.

Also, not sure if you considered it, but there's the SQ flights SFO-HKG. That would allow you to collect miles on UA and get some of the status perks. In my limited experience, I far prefer SQ to CX (although my experience is of several years ago).

Also if time is not pressing is the option to take NH. Although you have to change planes in NRT (or airports through HND), if you schedule it right, you can spend a day/evening in Tokyo enroute AND get MP elite bonus for your flight. SQ doesn't do that.

Also, not sure if you considered it, but there's the SQ flights SFO-HKG. That would allow you to collect miles on UA and get some of the status perks. In my limited experience, I far prefer SQ to CX (although my experience is of several years ago).

There is, but most SQ Y fares earn ZERO miles on most of the programs, the fare that earn miles cost several hundred dollars more than the cheapest fare.

Agreed. I just flew UA ORD-HKG in business class and the service offer is sub-standard for a premium cabin on the transpacific route comparing to other airlines.

There was no personal bottle water and UA did not even have cup noodles in case you want a snack mid-flight on the 15-hour trip! They only have 2 kinds of cold sandwiches in a plastic wrap!

The main meals were also just mediocre and unimpressive offering far less choices and quantity than others.

Far less choice and quantity compare to others as in ?

UA, OZ, NH are all 3 choices in C, UA, OZ, CX use similiar entree dish for C, want me to say more ?

I do agree UA F or C long haul is an average product, but who doesn't know this by now ? If you have the money, you certainly wouldn't fly UA. Those who do are either upgrade from SWU or miles, paid from their companies.

Far less choice and quantity compare to others as in ?

UA, OZ, NH are all 3 choices in C, UA, OZ, CX use similiar entree dish for C, want me to say more ?

I do agree UA F or C long haul is an average product, but who doesn't know this by now ? If you have the money, you certainly wouldn't fly UA. Those who do are either upgrade from SWU or miles, paid from their companies.

Simple comparison to AC transpacific J service, they have four (4) choices of entree for the first meal. Cheese plate is standard and there are more choices than just ice cream for dessert. So its either cheese plate or ice cream but not both on UA. No hot towel on UA before the second meal, there are three choices vs. UA's two. I can always get bread with my meal without being told that bread was available only to those who chose the fruit plate (for the 2nd meal before landing) on UA.

For mid-flight snack, UA does not even have cup noodles. Others have dim sum, ice cream, sandwiches, cup noodles, plus a few other items. For UA, 2 kind of sandwiches, chicken or vegetarian, served cold in a plastic wrap!

I was truly shocked to find UA has discontinued the cup noodles to save $$!

UA does not offer personal bottle water and there is also a second security screening at the gate. UA does not even allow you to bring you own personal bottle water on board. Boarding starts at about T-60 mins. One needs to allow an extra 30~40 minutes if flying UA.

CX is starting HKG-ORD in September. This will be interesting to watch since UA does not even have PTV IFE in economy.

No hot towel on UA before the second meal
Quelle horreur! Go to the lavatory, I assume they have hot water, you can wash your face there.

I was truly shocked to find UA has discontinued the cup noodles to save $$!What's so great about a sodium-bomb cup of noodles? I'd prefer not to have something that reminds of being a poor college student. Unless it's loaded with mayo, the sandwich is probably quite a healthier option.

CX is starting HKG-ORD in September. This will be interesting to watch since UA does not even have PTV IFE in economy.I can understand the lack of personal IFE as a major complaint. But tough call between AVOD and Economy Plus. You can bring your own IFE (though lack of power outlets limits your choices somewhat), but you can't create your own legroom.

I can understand the lack of personal IFE as a major complaint. But tough call between AVOD and Economy Plus. You can bring your own IFE (though lack of power outlets limits your choices somewhat), but you can't create your own legroom.

...or a seat that actually reclines if it doesn't.

Flying Y? Go for whatever will get you out of and stay out of the back of the bus.