YYZ to PEK through IAD or ORD

[farooqm]

Do either of these flights (UA851 or UA897) have any advantage over the other? Both seem to show 777 as the equip. Assume both will be new configs with lie-flats?

Thanks!

[rgrobins]

1st vote - whichever one runs CO business in 2-2-2 vs UA business 2-4-2. The latter is awful.

2nd vote - If it's the winter, IAD. I avoid ORD from Jan to March, but global warming seems to be easing that pain.

[farooqm]

Originally Posted by rgrobins

1st vote - whichever one runs CO business in 2-2-2 vs UA business 2-4-2. The latter is awful.

2nd vote - If it's the winter, IAD. I avoid ORD from Jan to March, but global warming seems to be easing that pain.

Thanks for the info! How can I tell which one is running on each route?

[Yoshi212]

Personally I say avoid IAD as much as possible. I dislike with enthusiasm that airport. Timing isn't much different via either airport.
ORD has more mainline flights
IAD has lots of ERJ/Q-400

Both flights are operated by PMUA 777-200 which are 2-4-2.

Definitely consider the PMCO 777-200 which is 2-2-2 definitely flatbed via EWR or the 744 via SFO.

[rgrobins]

Look at UA's booking site. SeatGuru has all of the 777 configs mixed up.

If you choose the 744, don't go top deck. They are 3" shorter beds. Doesn't sound like much, but I'm 5'11 and it made a difference.

You can't do the flight on AC via YVR? AC 767 is 100x better than United. 1-1-1 herringbone is by far the best C, followed by LX 340 1-2-2

[JeffS]

I've done both YYZ and ORD and the AC 777 is nice; it is also herringbone with two in the middle section. I also think the UA 777 is fine if you are in aisle seat on the sides, not the middle section.

[FriendlySkies]

Originally Posted by rgrobins

1st vote - whichever one runs CO business in 2-2-2 vs UA business 2-4-2. The latter is awful.

2nd vote - If it's the winter, IAD. I avoid ORD from Jan to March, but global warming seems to be easing that pain.

That's a bit over-dramatic, IMO. Have you flown the refurbed 777 in C?

[rankourabu]

a) which ever is a CR7 or E170 on the shorthaul with a front cabin, avoid the dinky E145.
b) IAD for more miles earned if paid (but I assume this is an award)

[NA-Flyer]

Originally Posted by rgrobins

I avoid ORD from Jan to March, but global warming seems to be easing that pain.

It's mid Jan and we haven't seen snow yet in ORD

[worldtrav]

Depending on when you are going you can also fly YYZ-SFO-PEK but the YYZ-SFO route is getting canned.

[rankourabu]

Originally Posted by worldtrav

YYZ-SFO route is getting canned.

do tell?

[emcampbe]

Originally Posted by worldtrav

Depending on when you are going you can also fly YYZ-SFO-PEK but the YYZ-SFO route is getting canned.

Again? Really?

Even so, could probably still do AC on a YYZ-SFO, then connect.

Edit: where do you see YYZ-SFO is cancelled. Still on the schedule through Dec, and tried dummy bookings in May/Nov and the 1x UA-operated non-stop is still bookable.

[rwsteelers]

Unless you are angling for GS - I would just book on Air Canada direct (AC031), you can still accrue *A points on UA, business class product on AC 777 superior to UA - almost as good as UA GF, and you get a direct flight

[Mistered]

I'm with rwsteelers on this. I'm based at IAD and have taken Air Canada from YYZ to PEK & PGV more than once for a far better product. I avoid UAX to/from YYZ as well and opt for Air Canada out of DCA for the short legs. Again, the ER-170 on AC way better than a CR7 or RJ on United via IAD.

When you fly IAD-PEK (or if you could, IAD-PGV), you fly almost right over Toronto anyway. And the lounge at YYZ is far superior to any UCC (United Crackers Club).

[rankourabu]

If one is redeeming Aeroplan points - Air Canada charges hundreds of dollars for flights on AC. This is a very good reason to use UA for AC awards, no YQ