Counsellor
Oct 5, 02, 12:47 pm
Earlier this year I had an opportunity to experience American Airlines’ international First Class service. See trip report at:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/002843.html
Recently I had the opportunity to try United’s First Suite on the same route (opposite direction), and thought it might be interesting to compare and contrast the two. Now, before someone points out that sample sizes of “one” are notoriously unreliable, let me say I’m fully aware of that, and also that my “judgment” will be subjective and anecdotal, but so be it.
First Class Lounge
A little background: I had been scheduled to fly out on an earlier flight, but that flight was oversold, so when they offered an upgrade (and some travel vouchers) to anyone who would give up his seat on the earlier flight and take the one departing some six hours later, I volunteered. All of a sudden I had six hours to kill.
I went to the 1K Room near C-17 and talked with the ladies there, thanking them again for all of the great service they had provided to me on various trips through ORD over the last few years since I first made 1K, and commiserating with them about the impending closing of the 1K rooms (this was before 15 September, of course). I was tempted to ask whether there were plans for the gold “1K” plaque from the door, and if not to offer to take it for safekeeping, but decided against it. We had a nice chat, and reminiscence of days past, and then I left them to their work and walked across the hall to try out United’s International First Class lounge.
I had been in the American Airlines one in ORD in June, so I was looking to compare.
The United lounge is smaller than the American one, but nicely appointed. The chairs were comfortable, and the drinks and snack selection was probably close to that offered by AA. I helped myself to a nice chilled Asahi beer and some snacks, and settled in to read the novel I brought along for the trans-Atlantic flight. The personnel at the desk were pleasant and generally helpful, and the time to the flight passed comfortably.
Assessment: Very pleasant and comfortable, certainly beat the Red Carpet Club, but the American lounge was larger, seemed a bit newer and plusher, had a slightly larger selection of adult beverages and snacks. The AA lounge also had workstations with Internet access, something the United lounge lacked. Also, the receptionist at the AA lounge remembered my flight, and ensured that I was informed when it was time to go. The United lounge simply announced the flight. Advantage (no pun intended): American.
Amenities Kit
Assessment: The United amenities kit contained the expected, and was unremarkable except for the faux chamois or suede (?) drawstring bag it came in. To me, that was a bit nicer than the kit provided by American. Advantage: United
Food service
The flight offered Vorspeisen of warm sautéed shrimp and dill rösti potatoes with saffron sauce, or sliced smoked breast of duck with dried apricot and cherry compote. I wasn’t very interested in either, so when the FA asked me for my selection, I told her I’d be happy to take whichever was left. After taking the other passengers’ orders, she returned and informed me I was the proud possessor of the shrimp.
That sort of surprised me, because usually that goes first. Shrimp doesn’t agree with me (which I think is why I am sought after as a dining companion at banquets, not for my charming conversation but rather because my dining partner can get two helpings of the shrimp cocktail if she wants) and was left uneaten, but the dill rösti potatoes were outstanding!
Main course consisted of a choice among Filet Mignon with chanterelle mushroom sauce, basil mashed potatoes and a zucchini puff; roast breast of chicken with haricots verts and risotto with Parmesan cheese; or Portobello stuffed ravioli with tomato basil sauce, eggplant française and grated Parmesan cheese.
Being an old farm boy I went with the “meat and potatoes” selection. The filet (medium rare) was a bit dry but the sauce was exquisite. Even the zucchini puff (believe it or not) was quite good.
Dessert was the usual cheese plate or fruit or ice cream sundae. I was very tempted by the sundae, but settled for the cheese plate.
Assessment: Both airlines’ offerings were very good, not at all what one thinks of as “airplane food”. I’ve dined in upper-scale restaurants (on the ground) where the meal wasn’t as good. However, the menu on American, on that flight at least, had more variety and was much more difficult to choose from. Further, the preparation of my selection on American was slightly superior to that on United. Advantage: American.
Wines
The wine list included Dom Pérignon (!); the whites were William Fèvre Chablis (1999) and De Loach Russian River Valley Chardonnay (2000); the reds were Saint-Julien Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (La Croix de Beaucaillou) and Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Pinot Noir (1999). The regional wine was a Rheingau, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese (2000).
As is my wont, I began with the German white. In my experience a Riesling Spätlese is usually a joy, and this one was no exception, even though I tend to find Rieslings from the Mosel region to generally be superior to those from the Rheingau. Also, 2000 was not that great a year. Nonetheless, I do not think there is such a thing as a *bad* Riesling Spätlese from Germany, so I was happy.
With the filet, I decided to try the Mondavi over the Bordeaux. Unfortunately, I found it to be a bit disappointing. Too much tannin, perhaps?
As also is my habit, I turned down the Sandeman’s Porto offered with the dessert cheese plate. Personally, I must concur with the comment in the Edwardian ballad, “port is a wine I can well do without.” (As the song goes on to point out, though, “It’s really a case of chacun à son gout.”)
Assessment: Let’s face it, when you’re up against a 1999 Bernkastler Docter Riesling Spätlese, a 2000 Rheingau, even a very good one (as this one was), has to come in second. Advantage: American.
In-flight Entertainment
Looking over the offerings, I initially selected the audio and enjoyed Channel 9 until we were “up, up, and away,” at which point I switched to Café Cabaret on Channel 16 (unique to triple-7s). In September they were offering an insouciant (and rather eclectic) assemblage of light music including “The Air-Minded Executive” (Lee Lessack), “I Wanna Be a Rockette” by Debbie Shapiro Gravitte, and the absolutely delightful “Twisted” by Ann Hampton Callaway.
For a movie, since once again “Kate and Leopold” was not being offered I selected “Hollywood Ending” with Woody Allen and Tea Leoni. It was a usual “Allen as the inept who walks off with the heroine” number which, quite frankly, I find a bit worn (although the movie has some great sight gags and the final punch line is truly classic Allen). And Woody’s no spring chicken any more – I find pairing him off with Tea to be about as believable as having Bob Hope being chased by Britney Spears. Oh well, movies involve suspension of disbelief, and it was entertaining chaff.
Assessment: Close, but Café Cabaret made the difference. Advantage: United.
First Suite bed.
After the movie, the long-awaited event – trying out the First Suite bed. I pushed the button and the articulated seat converted nicely to a bed. Comfortable in general, but strangely enough I couldn’t get as comfortable for sleeping as I had with the AA flat bed. I really don’t know why.
However, after the nap I fiddled with the adjustments, and the seat configured itself almost like a Lazy Boy recliner, which was sooooo comfortable. I was particularly impressed with the horizontal flat extension for my legs. Wonderful!
Assessment: For sleeping, AA had the advantage, but overall the First Suite is the superior experience. And there’s much more storage area. Advantage: United.
Arrivals
Since I had been upgraded, United didn’t include the Arrivals invitation in the ticket envelope. This meant I was unable to compare the shower, etc., in Frankfurt with the facilities American provided (see link at the top of this report).
Assessment: None.
Overall: Both flights were comfortable and very pleasant, and each excelled in some areas, but I have to give the edge to American in comparing these two specific flights. I really can’t say what it was, maybe just the Bernkastler Docter.
Either way, I hope have the good fortune to experience First Suite again in the not-too-far-distant future.
[This message has been edited by Counsellor (edited 10-05-2002).]
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/002843.html
Recently I had the opportunity to try United’s First Suite on the same route (opposite direction), and thought it might be interesting to compare and contrast the two. Now, before someone points out that sample sizes of “one” are notoriously unreliable, let me say I’m fully aware of that, and also that my “judgment” will be subjective and anecdotal, but so be it.
First Class Lounge
A little background: I had been scheduled to fly out on an earlier flight, but that flight was oversold, so when they offered an upgrade (and some travel vouchers) to anyone who would give up his seat on the earlier flight and take the one departing some six hours later, I volunteered. All of a sudden I had six hours to kill.
I went to the 1K Room near C-17 and talked with the ladies there, thanking them again for all of the great service they had provided to me on various trips through ORD over the last few years since I first made 1K, and commiserating with them about the impending closing of the 1K rooms (this was before 15 September, of course). I was tempted to ask whether there were plans for the gold “1K” plaque from the door, and if not to offer to take it for safekeeping, but decided against it. We had a nice chat, and reminiscence of days past, and then I left them to their work and walked across the hall to try out United’s International First Class lounge.
I had been in the American Airlines one in ORD in June, so I was looking to compare.
The United lounge is smaller than the American one, but nicely appointed. The chairs were comfortable, and the drinks and snack selection was probably close to that offered by AA. I helped myself to a nice chilled Asahi beer and some snacks, and settled in to read the novel I brought along for the trans-Atlantic flight. The personnel at the desk were pleasant and generally helpful, and the time to the flight passed comfortably.
Assessment: Very pleasant and comfortable, certainly beat the Red Carpet Club, but the American lounge was larger, seemed a bit newer and plusher, had a slightly larger selection of adult beverages and snacks. The AA lounge also had workstations with Internet access, something the United lounge lacked. Also, the receptionist at the AA lounge remembered my flight, and ensured that I was informed when it was time to go. The United lounge simply announced the flight. Advantage (no pun intended): American.
Amenities Kit
Assessment: The United amenities kit contained the expected, and was unremarkable except for the faux chamois or suede (?) drawstring bag it came in. To me, that was a bit nicer than the kit provided by American. Advantage: United
Food service
The flight offered Vorspeisen of warm sautéed shrimp and dill rösti potatoes with saffron sauce, or sliced smoked breast of duck with dried apricot and cherry compote. I wasn’t very interested in either, so when the FA asked me for my selection, I told her I’d be happy to take whichever was left. After taking the other passengers’ orders, she returned and informed me I was the proud possessor of the shrimp.
That sort of surprised me, because usually that goes first. Shrimp doesn’t agree with me (which I think is why I am sought after as a dining companion at banquets, not for my charming conversation but rather because my dining partner can get two helpings of the shrimp cocktail if she wants) and was left uneaten, but the dill rösti potatoes were outstanding!
Main course consisted of a choice among Filet Mignon with chanterelle mushroom sauce, basil mashed potatoes and a zucchini puff; roast breast of chicken with haricots verts and risotto with Parmesan cheese; or Portobello stuffed ravioli with tomato basil sauce, eggplant française and grated Parmesan cheese.
Being an old farm boy I went with the “meat and potatoes” selection. The filet (medium rare) was a bit dry but the sauce was exquisite. Even the zucchini puff (believe it or not) was quite good.
Dessert was the usual cheese plate or fruit or ice cream sundae. I was very tempted by the sundae, but settled for the cheese plate.
Assessment: Both airlines’ offerings were very good, not at all what one thinks of as “airplane food”. I’ve dined in upper-scale restaurants (on the ground) where the meal wasn’t as good. However, the menu on American, on that flight at least, had more variety and was much more difficult to choose from. Further, the preparation of my selection on American was slightly superior to that on United. Advantage: American.
Wines
The wine list included Dom Pérignon (!); the whites were William Fèvre Chablis (1999) and De Loach Russian River Valley Chardonnay (2000); the reds were Saint-Julien Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 (La Croix de Beaucaillou) and Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Pinot Noir (1999). The regional wine was a Rheingau, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese (2000).
As is my wont, I began with the German white. In my experience a Riesling Spätlese is usually a joy, and this one was no exception, even though I tend to find Rieslings from the Mosel region to generally be superior to those from the Rheingau. Also, 2000 was not that great a year. Nonetheless, I do not think there is such a thing as a *bad* Riesling Spätlese from Germany, so I was happy.
With the filet, I decided to try the Mondavi over the Bordeaux. Unfortunately, I found it to be a bit disappointing. Too much tannin, perhaps?
As also is my habit, I turned down the Sandeman’s Porto offered with the dessert cheese plate. Personally, I must concur with the comment in the Edwardian ballad, “port is a wine I can well do without.” (As the song goes on to point out, though, “It’s really a case of chacun à son gout.”)
Assessment: Let’s face it, when you’re up against a 1999 Bernkastler Docter Riesling Spätlese, a 2000 Rheingau, even a very good one (as this one was), has to come in second. Advantage: American.
In-flight Entertainment
Looking over the offerings, I initially selected the audio and enjoyed Channel 9 until we were “up, up, and away,” at which point I switched to Café Cabaret on Channel 16 (unique to triple-7s). In September they were offering an insouciant (and rather eclectic) assemblage of light music including “The Air-Minded Executive” (Lee Lessack), “I Wanna Be a Rockette” by Debbie Shapiro Gravitte, and the absolutely delightful “Twisted” by Ann Hampton Callaway.
For a movie, since once again “Kate and Leopold” was not being offered I selected “Hollywood Ending” with Woody Allen and Tea Leoni. It was a usual “Allen as the inept who walks off with the heroine” number which, quite frankly, I find a bit worn (although the movie has some great sight gags and the final punch line is truly classic Allen). And Woody’s no spring chicken any more – I find pairing him off with Tea to be about as believable as having Bob Hope being chased by Britney Spears. Oh well, movies involve suspension of disbelief, and it was entertaining chaff.
Assessment: Close, but Café Cabaret made the difference. Advantage: United.
First Suite bed.
After the movie, the long-awaited event – trying out the First Suite bed. I pushed the button and the articulated seat converted nicely to a bed. Comfortable in general, but strangely enough I couldn’t get as comfortable for sleeping as I had with the AA flat bed. I really don’t know why.
However, after the nap I fiddled with the adjustments, and the seat configured itself almost like a Lazy Boy recliner, which was sooooo comfortable. I was particularly impressed with the horizontal flat extension for my legs. Wonderful!
Assessment: For sleeping, AA had the advantage, but overall the First Suite is the superior experience. And there’s much more storage area. Advantage: United.
Arrivals
Since I had been upgraded, United didn’t include the Arrivals invitation in the ticket envelope. This meant I was unable to compare the shower, etc., in Frankfurt with the facilities American provided (see link at the top of this report).
Assessment: None.
Overall: Both flights were comfortable and very pleasant, and each excelled in some areas, but I have to give the edge to American in comparing these two specific flights. I really can’t say what it was, maybe just the Bernkastler Docter.
Either way, I hope have the good fortune to experience First Suite again in the not-too-far-distant future.
[This message has been edited by Counsellor (edited 10-05-2002).]