United MileagePlus (Consolidated) - United Int'l Business Class From 2005 to Present Day

I have a couple UA business class flights coming up to Europe.It got me thinking when I flew business class in summer of 2005 (my only other UA J experience) from AMS-IAD. I remember it was my first time flying business class and how excited I was for that trip in 2005. However, it was rather forgettable. The old recliner seats, mediocre service/food, loop IFE. How much would you say an upgrade it will be from that time? How far has UA come do you think from then to now? I think the upgrades the past couple years UA has made has made its international business class product very good. You could argue that its definitely in the same league as some of its Star Alliance brethren to Europe and definitely better than LH with perhaps the best soft product in J.

United's international business class service has, in theory, been upgraded to Continental's BusinessFirst service, which, when the two airlines were separated, was one notch above United's. If on the top of that you are lucky to get one of the flat bed aircraft (especially a former CO 757, 767, or 777), your experience will be significantly superior than in coach. Even the flat beds on the former United aircraft are not that bad, if only a bit narrower. For me, a TATL flight in UA BusinessFirst is worth a premium over the price of coach. Have a nice trip!

Lie flat and AVOD on 15" screens are big pluses. I still found the seats a little narrow. The 747 has 2:4:2 configuration, so I'd definitely recommend an aisle. Also you can lower the aisle side armrest for a little extra room. Half of the seats face backwards, so in row 9 on the 747 or 777, you'll be staring awkwardly into cattle class. Menu choices were quite good, and the cabin crews were great on my recent TPAC flight.

IMO: the seats are a lot better but the service is about the same as it was in 2005 - hit or miss.

IMO: the seats are a lot better but the service is about the same as it was in 2005 - hit or miss.

My thoughts exactly. And frankly all I really care about is the seat and having a somewhat-edible meal.