Thank you guys for all the replies!
Originally Posted by
cfischer
which TATL route and which planes? BOS-ZRH is getting the brand new LX 359 in a few days - that should be a great ride. Non-stop on ITA vs. connecting on UA? Both non-stop? Does PQP matter? Can you book ITA on 016 ticket stock?
Mix and match? Outbound LX and return on UA or vice versa?
Originally Posted by
Kacee
It would be helpful to know where you're flying from. That said, Polaris seat is better than the Vantage seat on most LX aircraft. With LX there may be an option to purchase an upgrade to F, which is a different level experience. And ZRH is my favorite connection point on the continent.
I suspect ITA will overall be a much better in-flight experience than UA (haven't flown long haul, but love them for short haul). And FCO is an underrated airport - certainly better than LHR, CDG, etc. The issues are (1) your MP earnings will suck if you're flying from the west coast on an ITA issued ticket, and (2) IRROPS would be a hassle, given one daily flight.
I have a conference in Florence in Spring, and I am combining it with some days of vacation. Will need to fly out of SEA to any European city, then back to SEA from Florence. I'm thinking flying into Rome is best since I can see both the Italian capital and the Vatican in one go.
Google flights keeps giving me the less than one hour connection through DEN on the outbound, but from then on it is a nonstop to Rome. I believe DEN-Rome is 789. On the way back, the default option, is either the 744 via YVR or the A343 FRA-SEA.
If I "force" a connection through SFO, my options for the outbound would be a UA 777, ITA A339, LX 77W, or the LH 748. The 748 is on my bucket list, but I am willing to wait til they refit it. I flew on the 744 a year ago just to be in the nose section. Loved the location but absolutely abhorred the seat.
I feel like I would get "better" sleep from a SFO flight than from ORD/ EWR/ IAD. And DEN may not be so bad??? But no Polaris lounge, and that 55 minute connecting time is tight?
Originally Posted by
hirohito888
I flew UA 767 J and LX A330 J back to back, both out of ZRH, last month.
In terms of seat and hard product, UA is much better than LX. LX seats are narrow, no privacy at all, and IFE screen is tiny. Even in the true window seat, which I was in, it didn't feel comfortable or private. Also, the bedding on UA is nicer, with mattress pad and slippers.
Food is better on LX as is service. LX has a rather large pre-order meal selection. Service is also better on LX. They have a pretty good system where the FA serving drinks will put your order in their iPad. Then a second FA brings out the dish.
Other stuff: Amenity kit on LX is not as good as UA, just a flimpsy Victorinox nylon bag. And wifi on LX is extremely expensive, 34.99 CHF for 4 hours on LX vs. 14.99 USD for full flight on UA.
As noted above, the only reason to go with LX is if you wanted to upgrade to F. But that's a gamble depending on the route, availability, and price.
I know the 787 Polaris is narrower than the 777 seats. But how about the 767?
Originally Posted by
marks88
Re: LX, seats can be cramped on some planes. Same with LH 748, albeit upper deck J can be fun the first few times. Ditto above comments about quality of food & service on LH/LX > UA - matters most for westbound flights (ex Europe to US).
I'm hunting down being on the upper deck of the 748, although I may just wait until they replace those seats. I travel alone and I feel too 'close' to the person next to me for such a long flight.