Thanks again for posting this report, Andy. Having not flown in UA First since the merger with CO, it looks like almost nothing has changed with UA and I'll be sticking with AA. The seat itself looks nicer, but appearance aside, it's the same old chair and service.

The best flights I had with UA in years (and YEARS) past, whether it was F or J, Trans-Atlantic or Trans-Pacific, inter-Asia, whichever, was always due to the FAs and you definitely didn't get much from them on this trip. The last long haul I did with them, earlier in the year from DOH-DXB-IAD and back in J was particularly poor showing on their part. Middle seat and FAs who couldn't be bothered with any-thing beyond their 'People' magazine and/or novel. Upgrade to F was offered on the way out, but not on the return. Glad I didn't take them up on it.

Lastly, while UA does do a lot of upgrading and non-revs for F, I do think that they sell enough of the seats to maintain the cabin, especially over to the Pacific and ME. Otherwise, they would have eliminated it a long time ago.

Happy holidays!