Favorite UA Aircraft for Intercontinental Travel?
Sep 18, 2014, 8:59 pm
#32
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 78
bmwe92fan -- you nailed it!
In J:
1. 787 middle section
2. 747 UD Aisle
3. 777 PMCO center section
4. 757 PMCO (Only TATL Window - just for sleeping).
5. 777 PMCO / PMUA Window
6. 747 PMUA UD Window (just bc I can't get my carry-on in the overhead)
I avoid any PMUA 777 / all 747 lower center sections like the plague - the 2-4-2 configuration is, IMO, simply the worst possible business configuration for a BUSINESS flyer such as myself. For a leisure flyer / couple / family I can see how it might work but for me it's a recipe for no sleep - which is my primary concern on TATL / TPAC flights.
In F:
777 - only bc more privacy / better service than 747
747 - do like seats in row 1 but too much commotion / noise compared to 777
767 - this one was close - I really like this configuration but it is tighter than others
1. 787 middle section
2. 747 UD Aisle
3. 777 PMCO center section
4. 757 PMCO (Only TATL Window - just for sleeping).
5. 777 PMCO / PMUA Window
6. 747 PMUA UD Window (just bc I can't get my carry-on in the overhead)
I avoid any PMUA 777 / all 747 lower center sections like the plague - the 2-4-2 configuration is, IMO, simply the worst possible business configuration for a BUSINESS flyer such as myself. For a leisure flyer / couple / family I can see how it might work but for me it's a recipe for no sleep - which is my primary concern on TATL / TPAC flights.
In F:
777 - only bc more privacy / better service than 747
747 - do like seats in row 1 but too much commotion / noise compared to 777
767 - this one was close - I really like this configuration but it is tighter than others
I thought the 787 claims were all hype in terms of cabin pressure, windows, etc....but I must say I did feel the difference (less dry of a cabin) after my transpacific flight. Great aircraft.
Sep 18, 2014, 9:16 pm
#34
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: UA-1K MM, AA-Gold, DL-Silver, AS-MVP
Posts: 2,508
Agree - flying the 787 at FL410 also makes a big difference with less turbulence, I'm able to get much better sleep to/from CTU/PVG.
Sep 18, 2014, 9:17 pm
#35
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428
Is there any other way to travel ? OK, I hear LH 748 Intercontinental is nice ....
And while I like the solo seat, will still take UD on 747, it's just more special (most of the time). Plus, it's days are limited. OK, years, but still
Only did 752 Int'l config domestically, but about to do BF in a week. Coach was coach, this time up front. Looking forward to it
Sep 18, 2014, 9:28 pm
#36
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Osaka
Programs: United Mileage Plus Premier Executive
Posts: 581
I prefer the 747 and any plane with 3 class as I have a GF option and all aisle access with no one climbing over me. I do not like the 787 as it felt cramped in BF and coach and dated for such a new plane.
Sep 18, 2014, 9:33 pm
#37
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K & 2MM, Bonvoy Titanium & LTP, HH Gold, Accor Silver, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 2,350
in F:
747
777
767
in C:
pmCO 777 bulkhead only (window preferred)
pmUA 747 downstairs (need the longer bed)
pmUA 777
pmCO 757 bulkhead only
pmUA 3-class 767
pmUA 747 upstairs
pmCO 777 non-bulkhead
pmCO 764 (actually I would avoid this C seat altogether)
i suspect the 787 bulkhead would go to the top of my list based on the dimensions allegedly being the same as the 777 pmCO bulkhead, but I haven't flown it yet.
in Y:
777 all the way.
747
777
767
in C:
pmCO 777 bulkhead only (window preferred)
pmUA 747 downstairs (need the longer bed)
pmUA 777
pmCO 757 bulkhead only
pmUA 3-class 767
pmUA 747 upstairs
pmCO 777 non-bulkhead
pmCO 764 (actually I would avoid this C seat altogether)
i suspect the 787 bulkhead would go to the top of my list based on the dimensions allegedly being the same as the 777 pmCO bulkhead, but I haven't flown it yet.
in Y:
777 all the way.
Sep 19, 2014, 12:55 am
#40
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SIN
Programs: UA 1K MM, SQ PPS, CX Silver, Accor Platinum, Marriott Gold, SPG Silver
Posts: 679
13j on 747. Aisle, quiet, dark, and backward facing so my toes are slightly below my head in bed mode at cruise, due to the pitch of the plane.
Sep 19, 2014, 1:09 am
#41
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
I flew a PMCO 767 a bit over a year ago that, hands down, was the best seat I'd ever flown in Y. Simply more comfortable than other seats I'd been in. 747? I haven't flown in a TATL 757 yet, but I can't believe it could possibly be worse than E+ in the 747. The cabin is in such bad need of a complete refresh you don't just need earplugs, but noseplugs as well.
So for me, for Y, based on what I've actually flown-
1: PMCO 767
2: Newer config 777 (not the old nasty domestic bird that sometimes finds its way into the Pacific)
3: PMUA 767
...
37: 747
So for me, for Y, based on what I've actually flown-
1: PMCO 767
2: Newer config 777 (not the old nasty domestic bird that sometimes finds its way into the Pacific)
3: PMUA 767
...
37: 747
Sep 19, 2014, 5:24 am
#43
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: DC|NYC
Programs: UA GS, DL Plat, Marriott Bonvoy LIfetime Titanium/SPG refugee, Hertz Prez, Amtrak Select
Posts: 3,201
Sep 19, 2014, 5:58 am
#44
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: DEN
Programs: UA MM Plat; AA MM Gold; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 15,866
It's actually more accurately termed "B-" (as in Business minus). The whole idea of CO's "BusinessFirst" was to create an experience that was better than "Business" but not up to FC standards (or price). That said, you are correct in putting the 8-across 772 B- at the bottom of the premium-cabin barrel. No privacy, no storage, narrow...yuck.