IAH-NRT options
Jan 16, 2011, 3:16 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: MEXICO
Programs: CO GOLD
Posts: 187
IAH-NRT options
Hi, I'm currently CO One pass Plat, but will be downgraded to Gold this year in a few weeks.
I'm flying from Texas to Asia for Easter vacation, and was faced with some interesting options when booking a paid ticket:
I can fly via the east coast, west coast, chicago on UAL. Ignoring the pipedream of an trans-pac op-up, I figured that my best options are betting on upgrades to the west coast and minimizing the time spent on the trans-pac? Also, seems like United E+ seating trumps all CO options?
I ended up picking IAH-LAX-NRT. I am flying on a Saturday, and always have had good luck on EUA's from IAH-So Cal on Saturdays. IF I was SURE to be upgraded from IAH-SEA on the outbound, that probably would have been optimal, as it shaves an hour off the west coast-NRT flight time? But if I don't get the EUA?
UAL's trans-pac in Y sounds far superior to CO's HNL-GUM-NRT options. A 777 with E+ and free booze sounds better than a 767 without?
A last thought, I also picked LAX over SFO, ORD, IAD and SEA oh, and LOL, IAH!) due to more partner options in possible irrops situations? Plus I can always stay with family in So Cal vs. unknowns in the hinterlands...
Any thoughts about this?
I'm flying from Texas to Asia for Easter vacation, and was faced with some interesting options when booking a paid ticket:
I can fly via the east coast, west coast, chicago on UAL. Ignoring the pipedream of an trans-pac op-up, I figured that my best options are betting on upgrades to the west coast and minimizing the time spent on the trans-pac? Also, seems like United E+ seating trumps all CO options?
I ended up picking IAH-LAX-NRT. I am flying on a Saturday, and always have had good luck on EUA's from IAH-So Cal on Saturdays. IF I was SURE to be upgraded from IAH-SEA on the outbound, that probably would have been optimal, as it shaves an hour off the west coast-NRT flight time? But if I don't get the EUA?
UAL's trans-pac in Y sounds far superior to CO's HNL-GUM-NRT options. A 777 with E+ and free booze sounds better than a 767 without?
A last thought, I also picked LAX over SFO, ORD, IAD and SEA oh, and LOL, IAH!) due to more partner options in possible irrops situations? Plus I can always stay with family in So Cal vs. unknowns in the hinterlands...
Any thoughts about this?
Jan 16, 2011, 3:21 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Los Angeles, CA; Philadelphia, PA
Programs: OZ Diamond
Posts: 6,134
Maybe it's a seasonal thing, but I thought LAX-NRT is operated by an UA B747. I supposed if your tix says B777, then it is unless there is a last minute aircraft swap. If you care about legroom, E+ is really your best bet, unless you can secure exit rows on CO or other carriers you could have chosen from.
LAX
LAX
Jan 16, 2011, 3:30 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: MEXICO
Programs: CO GOLD
Posts: 187
Maybe it's a seasonal thing, but I thought LAX-NRT is operated by an UA B747. I supposed if your tix says B777, then it is unless there is a last minute aircraft swap. If you care about legroom, E+ is really your best bet, unless you can secure exit rows on CO or other carriers you could have chosen from.
LAX
LAX
Jan 16, 2011, 3:44 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Washington DC / Geneva
Programs: UA Premier Platinum
Posts: 60
tradeoffs
UAL's 747 are a miserable experience if you want in flight entertainment, as there is only the big screen in economy. Admittedly, E+ is nicer, though, and if you get a bulkhead seat on UAL E+, it can be almost "pleasant".
Jan 16, 2011, 3:54 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: HKG
Programs: Priority Club Plat
Posts: 12,311
UA E+ won't be better than non-stop on CO, that's for sure. Even if you get upgraded to FC for a domestic connection. Unless the price for CO's non-stop is significantly higher or if you really need to get those extra miles, no reason to take UA.
And for westbound to Asia, since the flight flies a very northerly route, going through west coast does not save flight time. For example, IAH->ORD is scheduled for 2:30 and ORD->NRT is 13, for total scheduled times of 15:30, not including connection. In contrast, IAH->LAX is 3:40, and LAX->NRT is 12:00, for total about 15:40.
And for westbound to Asia, since the flight flies a very northerly route, going through west coast does not save flight time. For example, IAH->ORD is scheduled for 2:30 and ORD->NRT is 13, for total scheduled times of 15:30, not including connection. In contrast, IAH->LAX is 3:40, and LAX->NRT is 12:00, for total about 15:40.
Last edited by rkkwan; Jan 16, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Jan 16, 2011, 5:16 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
I agree with rkkwan. The non-stop IAH-NRT option (with an exit row) would actually be the best thing to do IMHO.
Jan 16, 2011, 6:50 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: HNL, TYO, & Many Places in the Sky
Programs: Too Many
Posts: 397
I think it comes down to what matters most to you. The E+ on UA is preferable for seating on a long flight, but doing an IAH-NRT is also nice in that you lessen your chances for any issues in connecting.
Jan 16, 2011, 7:18 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: MEXICO
Programs: CO GOLD
Posts: 187
IF IAH comp upgrade clears, that's 3 hours of good stuff, food, relaxation, IFE... I'm ASSUMING UAL E+ 777 service with free booze for 11+ hours is superior to CO IAH-NRT transpac with at best "crying baby row" and no free booze.
Yeah, IAH is direct routing, but if ANYTHING goes wrong, what's the alternative? Flying out of EWR or IAH 18-24 hours later? LAX has tons of partner flights?
Jan 16, 2011, 9:46 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: EWR, PHL
Programs: UA1k 3MM, AA Plt, peasant on everybody else, elite something or other at a bunch of hotels.
Posts: 4,637
If OP is willing to part with some cash, UA often sells upgrades into C for about $600 for a TPAC (IIRC). If interested, ask at UA RCC and again at LAX gate to see if they are offering them.
In the past few years, LAX-NRT has been a 744 in the summer season and 777 in the winter. This year, they seem to be stretching the 777 season a little longer.
In the past few years, LAX-NRT has been a 744 in the summer season and 777 in the winter. This year, they seem to be stretching the 777 season a little longer.
Jan 16, 2011, 10:52 pm
#10
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,032
IMO (as a CO elite), you're better off taking UA metal on non-EUA (or UDU) flights. Chances of an op-up are very slim, so you're much better off with E+, all other things being equal. It's up to you, though, to determine if "everything else is equal" (including things you mentioned like flight time, schedule, IFE, cost, etc).
That really depends on everyone's situation. I know lots of folks that would much prefer to break a long flight (> 4 or 5 hours) into multiple segments. They like to get off the plane and walk around before completing the journey. Can't say I agree (unless it nets lots more miles) but there's some logic to it.
That really depends on everyone's situation. I know lots of folks that would much prefer to break a long flight (> 4 or 5 hours) into multiple segments. They like to get off the plane and walk around before completing the journey. Can't say I agree (unless it nets lots more miles) but there's some logic to it.
Jan 17, 2011, 8:25 am
#13
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: United Premier 1K 1MM; AA Plat Pro; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Platinum; Avis President's Club
Posts: 2,529
Exit row on CO 777 isn't bad at all. However, if I were the OP I would fly to LAX or SFO for the E+ and free booze. Also, some flights out of SFO to NRT will allow someone in E+ to choose a "premium meal" which is basically a biz class meal in E+. Just something to look into...