Originally Posted by
sfo789
Business (lieflats) >>> (domestic) first with recliners (though, confusingly, "First" on SFO-HNL is lieflat).
Yeah, it's kind of silly. Using the old pre-Polaris nomenclature...
United Global First > United BusinessFirst > United Business* >= United First
*United Business is the same service as United First, but offered on short-haul international routes (Canada, Mexico, Central America) and so comes with lounge access.
And the above only holds true "normally" - UA can sub international aircraft on any route which will not change the name of the cabin but does provide a hugely different experience. Now it's probably
United Polaris first > United Polaris business > United Business (EWR-SFO/LAX p.s. service) > United Business (short-haul int'l) >= United First
Originally Posted by
sfo789
If your fare is expensive enough, it might be changeable/flexible, so there's a chance of snagging a routing through EWR and SFO or LAX for little/no cost. For example I see 2 seats in P on RDU-EWR-LAX-HNL (1849->1295->1232, 7:20a-9:40p), and 2 in A/P/Z on RDU-EWR-SFO-HNL getting in 2:30 earlier.
That said, the extra layover and journey time might not be worth your while just for lounge access; I've always found the morning RDU-SFO to have great crews, and SFO-HNL in lieflats should be a nice ride.
At $2,000 rt per pax, it's a pretty cheap fare (probably P) and almost certainly not flexible.
While some things might have been better in hindsight (like just flying RDU-EWR/IAD-HNL), it's not that bad as booked. SFO is an extremely pleasant airport to wander around in even without access to a lounge. Head down to E pier for decent chairs, the end of F1 for great runway views, or G pier for a nice airy hall.