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Everything You Wanted to Know About Where to Sit on a pmUA 3-Cabin 777 Version 2

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Old Feb 28, 2013, 10:59 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: onthesam
Note: There is a reasonable chance (increasing as this 3-class config is retrofitted to remove 3-class F) this configuration may be switch to Everything You Want to Know About Where to Sit on a 777-200 v5 / Polaris seats / 77J -- so United is often showing a weird seatmap for flights on these planes, reflecting the effort to convert to Polaris Business (without First Class), Premium Economy, and 10-across Y. A discussion of that seatmap is in this thread: Interim 772 seat map with Polaris & potentially Premium Economy (2018)

United has relabeled their site and Version 2 is now Version 1
This thread is about the 3 class 772 and there is only one version being used -- and it will be phased out with time.

Note: This Wiki and thread are devoted to the pmUA 3-Cabin 777 Version 2. There is a second thread, now locked, devoted to Version 1, with a shorter Wiki (this one addresses all questions, whereas that one addresses only Version 1-specific issues. This thread should be used for discussion of Version 2, although older posts may refer to Version 1 (they were split 8/30/14). Version 1 is no longer in service (12 Feb 2017).

If you are looking for information about the new 777-200 with Polaris configuration, that is available here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...xperience.html

And, if you're looking for the thread about pmCO 777, it's here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ational-5.html

Here is the version 2 seat map:



Version 1 vs. Version 2
Until late 2016, there were two versions of the international 3-class pmUA airplane.
"Version 1" on the United website has 8 First, 40 Business, and 218 coach seats. (No longer in service)
"Version 21" has 8 First, 40 Business, and 221 coach seats. (formerly Version 2 is now Version 1).

Generally speaking, Version 1 was an "XD" configuration with a shorter range (777-200) that flew transatlantic routes (TATL). Version 2 has a longer range and are either an "XJ" or "XQ" configuration of the 777-200ER that flew transpacific routes (TPAC), as well as other longer routes, and now flies all international routes on which a pmUA 777 is used.

There are two noticeable differences between the two, but they are otherwise virtually indistinguishable to the typical passenger and the seating is essentially the same.
  1. Version 1 had crew rest seats towards the back of the economy plus cabin. Version 2 has crew rest below the main deck.
  2. In order to accommodate access to the crew rest area on Version 2, this version has one fewer lavatory in the mid-cabin (2 instead of 3). Yes, it is unfortunate that there is one less bathroom on a plane that typically flies some of the longest routes UA flies (6000+ miles).

Both Version 1 and Version 2 have virtually identical F and C cabins, and nearly identical Y cabins, so most information about seats applies to both versions.

Detailed seat maps are available at:
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Uni...-200_3_New.php

AVOD (Audio Video On Demand) is available at every seat, the first UA plane to equipped this way. The first 777-200 in this configuration started flying in April 2010, and will probably take 18-24 months before the entire 777 international fleets are converted. The entire fleet of this plane is equipped with the AVOD system, although audio is no longer "on demand" and is instead a loop of songs in a playlist.

First Class (As UA has ceased selling 3-class F, this cabin will be treated as an extension of the Business cabin -- same service. Generally UA is allowing GS pre-select these seats prior to check-in)3-class First seats now considered Domestic F/Polaris Business & selectable by 1K/GSs
There are only eight First suites, instead of the 10 or 12 in the older 777 configurations. These suites are spacious, with a wide full-flat bed, and plenty of storage spaces. A big difference is the way the new seats are angled toward the aisle, as opposed to angling away. This makes couples traveling together have an awkward time if they take the middle pairs. For single travelers, for sure the individual suites along the side of the fuselage is better. Even for people traveling together, consider taking adjacent seats across the aisle, so you can see each other. Sharing of meals and quiet conversation would be difficult across the aisle would be difficult however.

The First glass galley is concentrated on the right side, so it is probably best to avoid the right aisle if given a choice, and consider seat 2A be the best on this configuration.

As for window view, all of the window suites have plenty of windows, but with the angling of the seats away from the window, it is much harder to look out of them.

Business Class
Equipped with full-flat 180-degree seats similar to the (now-familiar) ones on the 767-300 and 747-400. Divided into two cabins, front cabins has two rows, and three rows in the rear cabin, with the galley and lavatory between these two cabins.

In order to fit eight Business Class seats across, these seats are narrower than the previous recliners that are only 7 across. Even with the arm-rest that can be lowered, these seats do feel relatively snug. The benefit is a full flat sleeping surface, albeit forcing the inside passengers to step over a sleeping neighbor in order to access the aisle. A taller, nimble person may be able to climb over a sleeping neighbor without disrupting them, but for anyone with less height, short legs, or less general flexibility this could be difficult.

The general view is that the preferred row is row 6, since it is the first row and relatively far away from the facilities. If boarding is via L2, you turn left and most of the rest of the passengers will turn right and resulted in much less traffic through your area.

Note that the 777 cabin is about 9 inches narrower than the 747 cabin, with the exact same number of seats, so you will most likely notice the difference, perhaps most so as you are going down the aisles.

Half of the seats are rear-facing. Once the plane levels out you are unlikely to notice this. Only during takeoff and landing is the sensation different than you are accustomed to. Some people express a preference for the rear-facing seats because the pitch of the plane during level flight means your head is slightly elevated relative to your feet.

All four of the middle block seats in each row faces the same direction, the same for all five rows. For what its worth, note that 7A and 7K are missing a window at the foot end of the seat, against the bulkhead (but there are still two windows).

Row 8 is probably the least desirable, since it is closest to the facilities. 8C and 8H most likely would notice the most traffic to the lavatories and galley, and light from the lavs will shine on these seats when the door is opened. The view out of windows in this second cabin is either back toward the wing, or partially being blocked. 10A and 10K also have a middle window next to the seat as well. 10B and 10J might notice FA traffic through the near-by curtain more so than others.

Economy Plus
With the reconfiguration into 3-3-3 vs 2-5-2, there are only four pairs of seats in coach, and all are located in the Economy Plus section.

20AB and 20JK are probably the best coach seats, fully shielded by the bulk-head in front of them, with good legroom as well. 19DEG are the bassinet positions, so beware of that. The curtain separating Business Class is in front of you, but probably is far enough away that it is not really a problem. Since the facilities are in the back, you have a long way to go to the lavatory, but it also meant very little passenger traffic passing by your seat. You also get to be the first Economy passengers to deplane and through immigration. A couple downsides are that your view out the window is mostly the wing, and there is no under-seat storage in front of you. The AVOD system folks up from below the armrest, which means it must be stored during takeoff and landing.

21C and 21H are interesting, since they have unlimited legroom with no seat in front of them. This mean no under-seat storage in front, and trays are in the arm-rest, making the seat feel slightly narrower, and your monitor is mounted on a swing arm. With your feet extended, just beware that people and carts passing through might occasionally bump you.

There is a missing window around row 23 and 24, so choose another row if you want a view looking mostly at the wings. However, while Row 24 is missing a window, there is still one window available.

The other two pairs of seats are the last row of this Economy Plus cabin, at 31AB and 31JK. Note that there is only one window for 31A and 31J (rather than 1.5 to 2), and this row is near the lavatories, so certainly more traffic. You are also just in front of the emergency exit, so people sometimes congregate in the area just behind you.

Best to avoid 30C and 30H, since there is no seat behind them, and their seatbacks could be used as hand-grabs by passengers passing through, or occasionally being bumped by carts.

Power ports are available in all of economy, one port for the seat-pairs, and two for each three seat cluster. The outlet is mounted just under the seat cushion edge, so a bit hard to access unless you know where to look.

33ABC and 33HJK are the exit row seats, near the lavatory, and subjected to people congregating in front of you. No under-seat storage in front, and trays and LCD screens are in arm-rest and swing-arms respectively, making the seat feel narrower. 33A and 33K do not have a window, although they are probably far enough away from the exit slide that legroom is not really an issue.

34DEG is the bulk-head row, video monitor on the wall, and this is also the bassinet position. Decent legroom, but again no under-seat storage.

Economy Class

The galley is in the back of the plane, as well as another two lavatories, so there will be more traffic through the back of the plane.

Rows 43-46 probably are the last to be assigned, or often reserved for tour groups with no advance seat assignment. They might also be more likely to be unassigned on occasions, and therefore somewhat likely to have an adjacent seat open for you to gamble on. You would, however, be the last to deplane and through immigration, and the back of the plane does get a little more motion especially through turbulence.
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Everything You Wanted to Know About Where to Sit on a pmUA 3-Cabin 777 Version 2

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Old Jul 12, 2016, 9:23 am
  #511  
 
Join Date: May 2009
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Originally Posted by nycityny
I am flying this aircraft in September domestically EWR-LAX. Seating is wide open now. I'm currently in 20A which I understand is a great seat. But it's a long trek to the restroom. I drink a lot of water on board and need to get up often so am considering seats 31B or 33C instead.

How close to the restroom door is 31B or 33C? Does the door open right into either of those seats? Does the aroma permeate these seats?
1) It's not a long trek - it's about 40 feet. Your legs can use the stretching.
2) I've never gotten odor, and the doors open into the passageway between the exits.
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Old Jul 12, 2016, 9:30 am
  #512  
 
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Originally Posted by drewguy
1) It's not a long trek - it's about 40 feet. Your legs can use the stretching.
2) I've never gotten odor, and the doors open into the passageway between the exits.
Thanks for the answer. I don't mind the "long" walk, it's just that the longer the walk the more likely a service cart will impede the way.

Perhaps 31B is a better seat for me, given that the lav doors don't directly open on it.
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Old Jul 12, 2016, 1:02 pm
  #513  
 
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Originally Posted by BigBossman
Farther from galley and lavs. Less traffic too.
Originally Posted by BlueZebra
Agree totally.
Originally Posted by FlyHighInTheSky
Precisely
Thanks...didn't think there would be a significant difference between rows 1 and 2. Changed back to 2C/H.
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Old Jul 12, 2016, 1:03 pm
  #514  
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Originally Posted by Troopers
Thanks...didn't think there would be a significant difference between rows 1 and 2. Changed back to 2C/H.
I think "significant" might be overstating it, but I guess we exist to split hairs like this
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Old Jul 12, 2016, 1:12 pm
  #515  
 
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Originally Posted by findark
I think "significant" might be overstating it, but I guess we exist to split hairs like this
Can't wait to experience Polaris Global First CDG-SFO next april
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Old Jul 13, 2016, 9:18 am
  #516  
 
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Originally Posted by nycityny
Thanks for the answer. I don't mind the "long" walk, it's just that the longer the walk the more likely a service cart will impede the way.

Perhaps 31B is a better seat for me, given that the lav doors don't directly open on it.
Carts have rarely been a problem for me, although I'm more used to this plane on long hauls. Anyway, how many services do they have on that flight? Two beverage services maybe? It's maybe 10 minutes each time - they move pretty fast as they're only service 4-5 people/row if the plane is full, and they'll typically move aside if you really need to slip through.
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Old Jul 13, 2016, 9:25 am
  #517  
 
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Originally Posted by drewguy
Carts have rarely been a problem for me, although I'm more used to this plane on long hauls. Anyway, how many services do they have on that flight? Two beverage services maybe? It's maybe 10 minutes each time - they move pretty fast as they're only service 4-5 people/row if the plane is full, and they'll typically move aside if you really need to slip through.
It's not just beverage service on domestic flights - they also sell the food and that takes awhile with payments and all. I usually fly 757s on this route and carts have been a problem when I'm in front of coach and the lavs are all the way in the back. Between turbulence and carts there can be long stretches without the ability to get up.

I know that I'm overthinking this but that's the point of these Flyertalk boards, right?
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Old Jul 13, 2016, 10:38 am
  #518  
 
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Originally Posted by nycityny
It's not just beverage service on domestic flights - they also sell the food and that takes awhile with payments and all. I usually fly 757s on this route and carts have been a problem when I'm in front of coach and the lavs are all the way in the back. Between turbulence and carts there can be long stretches without the ability to get up.

I know that I'm overthinking this but that's the point of these Flyertalk boards, right?
Hey, you could always breach protocol and sneak into the J cabin lavs.
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Old Aug 16, 2016, 2:47 pm
  #519  
 
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Which BF seat would you take? I'm currently in 7J (erroneously posted to the 777-v1 thread earlier, sorry, but the screen shot says it all).

I'm an aisle type of guy, sleep is my highest priority. I'm hearing 7J gets noise/light from the galley, but the mini cabin is quieter? Would you go for say 7H or is there a better choice? How do folks feel about the 4 abreast middle - there's no vertical dividers on this aircraft, are there? Thanks!
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Old Aug 16, 2016, 5:06 pm
  #520  
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Originally Posted by MojaveFlyer
Which BF seat would you take? I'm currently in 7J (erroneously posted to the 777-v1 thread earlier, sorry, but the screen shot says it all).
The answers are the same, as the BF cabin is identical.

And why on earth would you NOT be taking 6A??? That is the best BF seat on the aircraft.
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Old Aug 16, 2016, 5:52 pm
  #521  
 
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Well I really like to get up and down a lot, partly medical reasons, and I hate to disrupt the person next to me by climbing over them. I'm 6 feet so I probably could do so, right? I don't know the 777 but on other BF aircraft I've flown it's been rather awkward to do so.

OK, took your advice and went with 6A. Have similar seating on the return (NRT-ORD). Torn between 8J and 7H or other options with about the same seat availability?

Last edited by MojaveFlyer; Aug 16, 2016 at 6:55 pm
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Old Aug 16, 2016, 5:58 pm
  #522  
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Originally Posted by MojaveFlyer
Well I really like to get up and down a lot, partly medical reasons, and I hate to disrupt the person next to me by climbing over them. I'm 6 feet so I probably could do so, right? I don't know the 777 but on other BF aircraft I've flown it's been rather awkward to do so.
You have to step over if there's a pax in 6B. But . . . 6B is blocked for pilot rest and frequently goes empty.
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Old Aug 24, 2016, 6:10 am
  #523  
 
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I prefer 6C or 6H. Aisle access, rear-facing, and zero traffic on 6H side. Middle seats can sometimes be empty and/or the person can choose to exit the other way as well. I don't care about being letting someone through or being stepped over while asleep.
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Old Aug 24, 2016, 7:50 am
  #524  
 
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Originally Posted by MojaveFlyer
Which BF seat would you take? I'm currently in 7J (erroneously posted to the 777-v1 thread earlier, sorry, but the screen shot says it all).

I'm an aisle type of guy, sleep is my highest priority. I'm hearing 7J gets noise/light from the galley, but the mini cabin is quieter? Would you go for say 7H or is there a better choice? How do folks feel about the 4 abreast middle - there's no vertical dividers on this aircraft, are there? Thanks!
I've sat in 7J and don't think the galley is any more of an issue there than row 8-10 (or noise from economy). 6B/6K might be a bit better, but those are taken (for now).

Not sure when your flight is - if it looks empty, then an H seat might be good, but those seats are likely to fill with upgrades.

What you might do is take 6A, and figure that 6B will either be empty or open up late for an upgrader. Snag the seat then, or try to swap if it's a last-minute add (I once got that seat as the last upgrade).
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Old Dec 4, 2016, 11:49 pm
  #525  
 
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How big a difference is it between J and F? My wife is flying LHR-SFO in a few weeks and is currently assigned 6K. There is upgrade availability into F using miles + copay, and I was wondering as to how big the difference is. Thanks.
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