I arrived at SFO at 4:30 am for a 6:00 flight. I checked in online, so I dropped my bag off curbside. I went right to security, where I waited in a queue for 10 minutes.
I had breakfast in the terminal, and went to the gate. I find the domestic terminal at SFO to be less efficient than the International Ternminal.
10 minutes after the scheduled boarding time, an announcement was made, saying that we did not have enough flight attendants for the flight to depart. 15 minutes later, boarding commenced, or so we thought. 2 minutes into boarding, it was announced that there were technical problems with the aircraft, a 757. At 6:00, we all got on the plane and waited. I asked about getting off, but they said that due to security and luggage reasons, I couldn't. They offered me a beverage, so I took a diet coke. They gave me the full can. An interesting note, I asked the F/A how old the plane was, and she replied "very old." I think that United Airlines needs to do a fleet update. After one hour, they announced that they didn't have the necessary part to fix the problem with the control panel. After this announcement, people were permitted to deplane, and wait in the boarding area. I waited there until 7:30, when we finally got on the plane and took off.
I am seated in 11F, which is UA's Y+, with more legroom. Overall, the seats are comfortable, and there is enough room. Beverage service commenced about 40 minutes after reaching cruising altitude (FL 350). At the same time as the beverage service, another F/A was selling the BOB food. (Buy-On Board.)
I took a snack pack, which had all kinds of processed crap in it.
After the beverage service, I was able to get a drink whenever I want. Again, I am given full cans of soda whenever i ask for one.
Due to the delays and mechanical errors, I don't think that I'll fly united anytime soon.