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Major Reliability Issue UA895 (ORD > HKG)....is it a safe bet to book?
This could go into the forum about sUA 747s being taken from ORD beginning in April, but I wanted to start a new forum as I need a serious answer. Over the past few months, 895 (ORD-HKG) has been cancelled more than its ever been cancelled in the past. It was cancelled today and has been cancelled over a dozen times since September which is just unheard of considering how crucial this flight is considering that a) there are very few other flights that an 895 passenger can be put on to get to HKG by the same time and b) the majority of passengers are counting on this flight to then connect onto other SE Asia destinations. The vast majority of these cancellations are mechanical, for example today, the fuel gauge was broken and ORD apparently does not have any spare 747 fuel gauges. My question is- if I am scheduled on this in a few weeks, is it worth hedging my bets and even though I am ORD based- going through EWR or SFO? Both these flights are significantly more reliable than 895, and I know that if there is a mechanical problem in SFO, there is a much better chance of getting repaired. Overall, is 895 no longer a safe bet to book on? Look forward to hearing responses.
If one absolutely has to be in HKG or other final destination at a specific date, then play it safe and book via SFO or EWR, In such a case the risk it just too great that something goes sideways. Otherwise resort to the CX nonstop.
The vast majority of these cancellations are mechanical, for example today, the fuel gauge was broken and ORD apparently does not have any spare 747 fuel gauges.
This is a prime example of one of the simple, basic things that is so terribly wrong with UA right now. What a joke. A (presumably) relatively simple fix and the part isn't in house at a station that sees plenty of 747 traffic.
I would never fly on this flight if I needed to be sure I would get there on the day scheduled. Then again I would say that for most of UA's 747 operated flights. Just not a reliable operation right now.
Then again I would say that for most of UA's 747 operated flights. Just not a reliable operation right now.
Could not share that observation. Have been flying on dozens of UA 747s (probably 100+ over the last 5 -6 years) and do recall 2 extended delays and no cancellations, albeit most were from/to SFO routings.
Any chance of GS switching me for this reason? Or do you think they'll require the fare difference
If it were me and I was a GS and this flight had all these prior issues I'd use my "Get Out of Jail" card that all you GS's have and call and explain your concerns. It probably depends upon whether you actually get through to a real live GS agent and they are somewhat understanding, and appreciate your business and concern's about the reliability of this aircraft! Also if you are just wanting a rerouting and are not trying to scramble the entire itinerary they should probably go for your request. Certainly won't hurt to ask!
Give em a call!!! Good luck!
To the OP I feel your pain. I've been cancelled twice in the last 6 weeks. First time was before I left my house to connect through ORD to HKG. Called the GS desk and told them to put me on CX direct. It leaves 1/2 later than UA. Second time rerouted through NRT in F connected on CX as the UA connection was too tight! If you're doing this trip often enough for work then I'd take CX. You won't be disappointed in the service either.
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FlightAware doesn't show 747s falling apart
Looking at FlightAware, I only find three cancellations since July 14th of this year. Checking other 747 flights, like 900/901, just one or two cancellations in the same period. 976/977, a 777 long-distance flight (IAD-DXB) has been cancelled more often. 78/79 EWR-NRT, a 777, is rarely cancelled. 863/870, 747s flying SFO-SYD, weren't cancelled even once in that time frame. Could be you guys have just been terribly unlucky.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Jacoubowsky
Looking at FlightAware [...] 863/870, 747s flying SFO-SYD, weren't cancelled even once in that time frame. Could be you guys have just been terribly unlucky.
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If you're willing to fly via SFO, may I suggest you take the direct SQ flight? Better airlines for all the known reasons but I find the timing of the flight far superior to UA. It leaves late at night and arrives early in the morning. Easy onward connections or lands in time to start the day in HKG. I used to dread the ORD-HKG-ORD flights because of the timing and sleep patterns, etc.
Looking at FlightAware, I only find three cancellations since July 14th of this year. Checking other 747 flights, like 900/901, just one or two cancellations in the same period. 976/977, a 777 long-distance flight (IAD-DXB) has been cancelled more often. 78/79 EWR-NRT, a 777, is rarely cancelled. 863/870, 747s flying SFO-SYD, weren't cancelled even once in that time frame. Could be you guys have just been terribly unlucky.
Whoa Mike, FightAware is completely and utterly inaccurate, in addition to Docbert's link there have been a multitude of cancellations and delays of 840/870/839/863 in the timeframe you quote. Here is a sample of my own recent "fun" experiences with this hopelessly unreliable UA 747 route Consolidated "United SYD/MEL Flight Delays or Cancellations" Thread [2012]
Not sure of everyone's timestamps -but the Thursday, Nov 14 departure of 895 was indeed cancelled. I'm waiting on an inbound in HK and apparently that was supposed to be for the Friday Nov 16 HK 11:10a departure. They're showing an aircraft supposed to leave ORD at 7:15 am on the 15th to service our outbound, albeit 3:15 delayed (or more, but that's the current).
someone has posted the 747 from ORD-HKG is going to be replaced with a 777 next year. So longer term this might solve some problems. However the flight is now going to be load limited on a 777 unless UA uses a CO 777.
The CO 777 has a better range than the UA 777.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Jacoubowsky
Looking at FlightAware, I only find three cancellations since July 14th of this year. Checking other 747 flights, like 900/901, just one or two cancellations in the same period. 976/977, a 777 long-distance flight (IAD-DXB) has been cancelled more often. 78/79 EWR-NRT, a 777, is rarely cancelled. 863/870, 747s flying SFO-SYD, weren't cancelled even once in that time frame. Could be you guys have just been terribly unlucky.
I agree. The problems started with this regime. I've flown continuously on UA 747 routes for > 10 years and did not experience one single delay or cancellation on them. I have much less opportunity to fly them now because so many of our widebody jets are being downguaged.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cesco.g
...then play it safe and book via SFO or EWR, In such a case the risk it just too great that something goes sideways.
haha. don't get me wrong, i'm with ya and agree that UA 117 is more reliable (and if flying BF i honestly think the food is much better too) than UA 895...
...i just never thought i'd say that an sCO flight ex-EWR is the "more reliable" option.
