woodway, nice comparison between UA and NH services. As I'm NRT-based (formerly SEA-based) I've taken NH a few times in the past year, so I'll throw in a few comments.
Originally Posted by
woodway
Lounge:
There has already been a lot of posts on the NH lounge vs. NRT RCC. I had never used the NH lounge before and decided that I might as well go for the full experience. The NH lounge is nice and my take is that if you want natural light, lame snacks and the beer machine, take the RCC. If you want decent food, take the NH lounge. I did not use the showers in the NH lounge, so I cannot comment on them. Advantage: Even (NH if you are hungry)
You can actually have both! Natural light, good snacks, and the beer machine. Head to the NH lounge up in the 50s gates -- unlike the one out by gate 46, the NH lounge there is above the gates and has a great view of the airfield plus all the amenities of NH lounge (mmm, Fauchon ice cream). Highly recommend it regardless of where your gate is -- there's a quick little tunnel that no one uses to dump you by 46 in about 5 minutes walk if you need it.
Originally Posted by
woodway
I often received courtesy upgrades on 881 as well, which I will never get on NH.
Don't bet on this. I've been op-up'd as a UA *G on NH before -- Y to C (skipping Y+) on GMP-HND. Now, that was on a Sunday night and the config on the plane really had too many premium seats (772 in NH's 3-class config with long-haul J) but it definitely
can happen, at least.
As an ex-SEA flier I'd definitely agree that coming across on 875 is better than going down to SFO. Only downside in the new setup is that you'll lose the RDM bonus and may only get 70% EQMs on NH going forward, especially if you're not in Y.
Oh -- one other thing. NH has a bunch of nice new 763s with PTV and bigger 777-style bins. I've flown them down to HKG and over to PEK. Not sure how they determine what flights get these nicer birds, but if you get one, I'd rate it as just as nice as UA. Try for the exit row as well -- it's got great legroom and a bulkhead in front of it so quite nice overall.
hamburgler