For me, I would say I'm generally neutral to disappointed when I fly United internationally. I generally try very hard to avoid UA for international flights when I can. Here's my thought:

1. Lounge: While the ORD Polaris lounge is nice - its often overcrowded at peak times and some of the "perks" are limited when crowded. Other carriers are at least as good. Lounges at other airports (I mostly fly through IAH, IAD) are nothing really to write home about. Food, while improved, is often hit or miss.

2. Boarding: This is where United fails hard. If you've paid extra for First or Business international - I'd like to get one, not get pushed around while getting settled in. The old UA way - First, Business and GS first and then starting other boarding groups after was way better.

3. Meals: Very hit or miss and more often pathetic. Again, you can get the same or better on other carriers for the same price.

4. Seats: While the lie flat is great, UA's product is increasingly less competitive for the same price. Most others have 1-2-1 with all aisle access - again for the same price. Having aisle access makes the flight much smoother and easier. I've specifically chosen 1-2-1 over 2-2-2 or 2-4-2 on UA as typically you can get that for the same or similar pricing. Sadly, UA is continuing to take orders of 787 with 2-2-2 where nearly all other airlines have all aisle access. There is ZERO plan to change that. The pace for rolling out true Polaris seats is far to glacial. Again - competators at similar prices available.

5. Service: Rarely am I impressed with UA service. Borders from frosty to meh. Rarely friendly. I'm constantly amazing how some friendly conversation makes me feel more welcome on most other carriers.

6. Arrival: Similar to most carriers except that almost universally the Priority tags are far from the first off the plane.

So, for me, flying UA is only done if its significantly cheaper (rarely the case) or more convenient. Lots of room for improvement - much would not require much cost to UA.