Will there be Global First (3 class) on 787/A350?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 73
Will there be Global First (3 class) on 787/A350?
Hello! I seem to recall a thread not too long ago that discussed whether or not United would take delivery of 3 cabin 787s. After an exhaustive search, I failed to find it. What's the verdict on this? Has UA made any statements about the future of Global First and the 787? How about on the A350s? Thanks in advance!
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
No on the 787s (not sure if any airline is putting F in it?)
No word yet on the A350s...I'd be shocked if UA does though. This is a 2 cabin airline in the future.
No word yet on the A350s...I'd be shocked if UA does though. This is a 2 cabin airline in the future.
#3
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,644
#4
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Denver
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 90
I read that British Airways is adding first class, so I'd imagine quite a few airlines are going to do that. Even though United isn't doing that with the 787-9, I wouldn't be surprised if they would add GF to the 787-10.
#5
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: Southwest, Alaska, United, American Airlines
Posts: 995
The current GF is not very competitive, and the gap only grows as rivals invest millions into high-end suites and airport lounges to cater to the shrinking F demand.
#6
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: MSP
Posts: 482
Any new info on the pmUA 787 orders? I think the last I read it was 2016 but I don't know how recent that estimate was made. I'm guessing no info yet on seat maps and the like? Curious to know which BF seat will be installed.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
Anything other than the PMCO BF seat would be surprising IMO. Unfortunately.
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: UA PP, AA, DL, BA, CX, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 2,002
Just for the record, UA just went through the hassle to add in GS/GF check-in at EWR, and is planning GFL at EWR. That sounds like a commitment to maintaining F for the forseeable future.
As a point of comparison, DL has zero F while AA is planning to shrink F down to just 77W (like 20 birds?). The fleet plans speak for themselves regarding the "competitiveness" of the products.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
Lots of hearsay as well around this supposed GS/GFL as well.
#10
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: EWR, PHL
Programs: UA1k 3MM, AA Plt, peasant on everybody else, elite something or other at a bunch of hotels.
Posts: 4,637
While I agree that going forward UA will drop the Int'l F product, I do recall hearing some discussion that the perceived value (to UA, anyway) of the product was that it drove higher fare business class tickets. Without it, there would be absolutely no reason to pay even $1 more than necessary for UA's biz product.
#11
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Osaka
Programs: United Mileage Plus Premier Executive
Posts: 581
United is not the premium 3 class airline it was just a few years ago before it merged with CO. With united resembling co it has become a generic airline with limited premium services. I do not see 3 class fitting into the CO way of doing things. It is too bad because the BF on the 787 is not impressive and feels dated already. United made GF work on 767s for years, but now the new United is satisfied with a generic business class as the top product. Hopefully they offer 3 class on some 787s and a350s in the future as the business class on 2 class planes does not feel premium enough to pass as the top product offering to passengers for long hauls.
#12
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: SEA, WAS, PEK
Programs: UA 3K UGS 3MM
Posts: 2,176
United has already indicated that GlobalFirst will not be added to any longhaul aircraft where it does not currently exist. It's a product that will progressively disappear over time, starting with the 3-cabin 767s begin retirement from the fleet next year.
The current GF is not very competitive, and the gap only grows as rivals invest millions into high-end suites and airport lounges to cater to the shrinking F demand.
The current GF is not very competitive, and the gap only grows as rivals invest millions into high-end suites and airport lounges to cater to the shrinking F demand.
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,599
UA did just make a significant investment in the new GFL at LHR.
#14
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: UA PP, AA, DL, BA, CX, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 2,002