First/Biz class ORD to KIX
 

Planning to take a trip to KIX in October. Looked and can get first class on united both ways for about 62k miles each way. Would be on the 747-400 sfo-kix. I have never gone international so no idea what to expect but trying to figure out if there is a better product that I should look into. I have Amex , UR, SPG, and United miles I can use. I can do all the research into dates and amounts and all but being a complete noob at international travel I figured I might as well look into taking the best I can take at a reasonable point usage.

The 747-400 first class suite seems pretty nice but just having not ever taken anything like that (i travel exclusively domestic for work), I just figured I should look into the best.

Sorry if this isn't posted in the right spot - i have no idea where to start and if a similar question has been asked i tried to search the forums and didn't see it but very much appreciate any advice you all can provide!!!

I would suggest looking into options operated by Asian carriers as the service will be much better. With United miles you could take either ANA through Tokyo or Asiana through Seoul, and either would be a downright amazing experience in first class (or even business class). United's service tends to leave much to be desired, even up front on long international flights.

If you have loads of time and really want to enjoy the flying experience you could try Lufthansa through Frankfurt and enjoy their first class terminal during the layover.

The UA SFO-KIX is the only non-stop from NA. The F "suite" is a big seat. That's about it. Last time I flew the route the F cabin was full... of staff and a couple upgrades.

Service was awful, so was the food (that's out of KIX, it can only be worse for the reverse). KIX lounge was also very basic Japanese lounge.

On the other hand, ANA was so much better in every aspect. Even the lavatory is bigger so you have room to change into the complimentary PJs. Made-up bed, Krug champagne, caviar, gourmet dining (none of the above with UA food court dining ).

NH F cabin had only a couple other passengers, so I always had a separate bed made up.

Also flying out of NRT instead of KIX, you have real first class lounge.

There is also CI JFK-KIX and DL SEA-KIX, as well as JL/DL HNL-KIX if you count HNL as North America. Of those I think the CI flight is the only one that offers F class.

....And it looks like Thai will start flying LAX-KIX with the A380 as of October 28. That would be the best flight, and bookable with UA miles no less, though I guess it starts up too late for the OP.

This is good to know about! Thanks Joe!

Wonder if it's bookable with UA miles yet...

KIX-LAX is scheduled to be operated by TG's new 2-class 77W, so no F on this route for now.

Ouch!

But staggered seats in business, so not too bad!

I'm not sure this is even bookable yet, even though they have released the schedule. I've been trying to book this as I'm currently booked on NH/OZ LAX - HND - ICN and am trying to do TG/OZ (or NH) LAX - KIX - ICN (or GMP) so that I have full lie flats instead of the angled ones on NH 1005.

Take an Asian carrier, even if you have to go via NRT.

If you're flying out of ORD, you'll have to make a stop anyway to go via UA. Go ORD-NRT on ANA, then take a domestic flight to KIX (or to ITM if your destination really is Osaka and not one of the nearby cities, such as Kyoto.)

Once you've taken an Asian airline, you'll understand why many of us greatly prefer them.