esfox

Hello.

On the off chance I may get to change my 2 reserved IAD -> NRT F class seats to ANA (NH 1) two weeks out, are the middle seat pairs suitable for quiet conversation with a companion? I understand UA's F center pair are OK at best due to the angle, but acceptable.

Second, my initial impression was that swapping to NH would be a no-brainer, but, to my surprise, my research indicates "It depends," certainly about the hard product. This info is hard to find because direct comparison posts seem to be almost exclusively UA F vs. NH C, not vs. NH F.

Top priority, perhaps: we have trouble sleeping on planes in general, but from some posts here and elsewhere I get the feeling UA F is at least as good, if not a little better than NH square, despite 11" slimmer UA seats...?

IFE seems better on UA for English speakers except for screen size...?

Food quality is better in NH, but, personally, I'm not a seafood lover (save shrimp!) or some their "high-end" European choices. My companion feels otherwise on this point!

Again, the soft product would undoubtedly go to NH.

Thoughts, esp. from those who've flown both F products recently? Thank you!

JVPhoto

You will have to lean forward to talk to the person. I don't think it would be comfortable nor easy.


I would much rather be on NH F which I flew NRT-ORD, NH J was amazing as well JFK-NRT. GF I liked from LAX-SYD-SFO in the 747 given the long distance...on the other hand LHR-EWR I really didn't think GF was "worth" it.

I actually found for sleeping that the UA GF seat with duvet and pad was much softer and comfortable and "cozy" compared to NH F which still gives a pad but the feeling was a bit more sterile and "cold" even though you have more things blocking you from the rest of the cabin.

For the length of the flight there is enough IFE on NH.

You can see the entire menus for the current 2-3 months on the NH site which are detailed by route and class of service.

Final thought...go for NH F.

ainternational

The one, and I mean _only one_ reason I feel UA GF may be superior to NH F is conversation between two parties. But is that worth it given all the other negatives of UA GF? Absolutely not IMO.

I'm literally minutes from boarding a UA GF flight to China and am dreading it. I nearly lunged for the ANA F ticket counter when I walked by earlier.

Hard product wise, the UA GF seat is quite nice, albeit there is ZERO privacy. The NH F seat is just as comfortable, always includes turn down service, has a superior amenity kit, a comparable IFE and a ton of privacy.

Food wise NH, even pure western meals, is _far_ superior. There is no question here. UA GF food is a C meal with a soup, served on nicer plates. I never eat on UA, even in GF. Ever.

Soft product wise, as you seem to already know, there is no comparison.

I would _never_, EVER fly UA GF when I could fly NH F. Even if I _had_ to have a conversation with a companion specifically during the flight. Utilize the galley, the usually empty adjacent seats in the F cabin or pretty much anything other than going with UA.

Still dreading boarding this flight. Perhaps now even more so that I am all worked up.

<insert 5khours comments here>

ainternational

I take back the comment on the IFE. The UA GF screen size is rather pathetic compared to NH.

Update: Two more comments as I fly over the Pacific. First, wifi is the only other plus for UA. Second, I am absolutely appalled by the soft product on these flights. Plate settings, beverages and food practically thrown down in front of you without a word. The attitude of these senior FA's is remarkably poor.

Please don't fly UA.

armagebedar

As the OP is asking for a comparison between UA F and NH F, I will move this to the Star Alliance forum.

Regards,
armagebedar
ANA forum moderator

LilZeppelin

so true!!! NH service is by far superior, and drinks are superb. In addition to Krug, and grand wines, we had excellent beer and tea onboard NH F.

ORDnHKG

The problem with NH's IFE is about the contents, as other than movies, everything else have no English subtiltles, even for cartons, what Europeans or Americans would know about Doraemon or Chibi Maruko Chan ? I am a Hong Kong borned and raised Hong Kongers, so I watched both since I was a kid, and enjoyed them even as an adult, and many Japanese have Chinese characters in it, so I can read at least part of what they are talking about, I wouldn't have a problem with NH's IFE, but I do see sole English speaker would be a major problem.

I don't watch a lot of movies, either have seen it or not interested, so the rest of the IFE contents are important to me. UA do have an edge on that.

Unterwegs

If that is your main selection criteria: let me suggest to fly in economy. Much easier to talk to your companion.
NH F is light years ahead of UA F in seat, food, service, privacy, personal space, ability to sleep. You need t lean forward when you want to see your companion - there is this window like opening between the middle seats.
Avoid UA.

Kacee

Off chance? I would call that close to zero chance. NH is not like LH with the late releases of F inventory.

5khours

NH is better than UA GF in nearly all respects except conversation. It's actually easier to talk across the aisle between middle and a window than it is between two middles on NH.

High class problem, but I always fly NH rather than UA if I can. Biggest beef I have with UA is the total lack of privacy. No curtains to speak of fore or aft of the GF cabin and the seats are totally exposed. Both would be easy to fix.

gabrielz

I'll add my 0.02 to the mix and agree. UA F is a joke. NH F catering may be the best on earth. Their in-flight service is impeccable. Their only weakness is ground handling, where I think they are a mega letdown.

-G

JVPhoto

Maybe they think their F pax need coddling? I flew F NRT-ORD and at NRT you have the dedicated check in lounge with its own security, you have a great F lounge, there is no escort to the plane that I know of and then when you are waiting to board it is pretty strict with only F and (I think) Diamond and then when landing at ORD F/J even had their own baggage claim.

Amelorn

Minor pro-NH data point: I experienced the F transit in NRT coming from NH C going to TG F. The F lounge was a lounge: quiet, good food & beverage... but the service was exceptional. Always fetching something at the right time without hovering.

I would love to fly NH F one day. The C food blew away what I've had in F on TG, BA, and AA (TATL). The sake and plum wine were divine.