Long-haul J Comparison: AC vs. UA vs. NH
Sep 22, 2018, 10:11 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Long-haul J Comparison: AC vs. UA vs. NH
First time flying UA's 'Polaris' J product today (UA837 SFO-NRT operated by the 77W), and wanted to provide a quick comparison to AC's 'Signature' offering.
(1) On the Ground: UA's Polaris Lounge at SFO is excellent, much better than any United Club or Maple Leaf Lounge (obviously). It's enormous, aesthetically pleasing, and had an ample breakfast spread featuring hot and cold items. There is also a sit-down restaurant with a tempting menu that I decided to pass on. I've not yet had a chance to experience the Signature Suite at YYZ so can't compare.
(2) In the Air: UA's 'Polaris' J seat is fantastic. Compared to AC's 'Signature' J seat, it offers more privacy and storage space, and there is zero risk of deflategate. I had the Japanese kaiseki option for lunch and an omelette for breakfast. Taste and quality were comparable to AC's J meals. The cabin crew was polite and efficient if not particularly friendly. As an SE member, I've gotten used to that slight 'special treatment' on AC flights, which I obviously did not receive here. Inflight wifi was welcome (I got a lot of work done on this flight and am writing from the air now), but for US$33.99, the reliability left one wanting.
After a short layover, I'll be flying NH's 'Inspiration of Japan' J product (NH801 NRT-SIN operated by the 789) and can provide another comparison point. If past experience is any indication, I expect both service and food will be superior to either UA or AC.
(1) On the Ground: UA's Polaris Lounge at SFO is excellent, much better than any United Club or Maple Leaf Lounge (obviously). It's enormous, aesthetically pleasing, and had an ample breakfast spread featuring hot and cold items. There is also a sit-down restaurant with a tempting menu that I decided to pass on. I've not yet had a chance to experience the Signature Suite at YYZ so can't compare.
(2) In the Air: UA's 'Polaris' J seat is fantastic. Compared to AC's 'Signature' J seat, it offers more privacy and storage space, and there is zero risk of deflategate. I had the Japanese kaiseki option for lunch and an omelette for breakfast. Taste and quality were comparable to AC's J meals. The cabin crew was polite and efficient if not particularly friendly. As an SE member, I've gotten used to that slight 'special treatment' on AC flights, which I obviously did not receive here. Inflight wifi was welcome (I got a lot of work done on this flight and am writing from the air now), but for US$33.99, the reliability left one wanting.
After a short layover, I'll be flying NH's 'Inspiration of Japan' J product (NH801 NRT-SIN operated by the 789) and can provide another comparison point. If past experience is any indication, I expect both service and food will be superior to either UA or AC.
Sep 22, 2018, 10:34 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Sep 23, 2018, 8:36 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: AC 100K, Alaska MVP Gold 75K, Marriott/SPG (Bonvoy?) Gold Elite/HHonors Gold
Posts: 337
But NH has boarding music! 
+1 on Polaris Lounge in SFO. Way better food than a normal RCC or MLL - no comparison really.
The restaurant, while slow service, had pretty good food. Maybe not quite Signature Suite level (based on pics I’ve seen), but a good place to chill, and the lounge has lots of showers.
Only one main bar area, but a relatively good amount of proper wine.
It would be nice to see a few more AC Signature Suites be rolled out, especially in YVR.
While I wasn’t a fan of the old J seat on the UA 787 (no real privacy, and felt really close to my neighbor, it didn’t deflate!
+1 on Polaris Lounge in SFO. Way better food than a normal RCC or MLL - no comparison really.
The restaurant, while slow service, had pretty good food. Maybe not quite Signature Suite level (based on pics I’ve seen), but a good place to chill, and the lounge has lots of showers.
Only one main bar area, but a relatively good amount of proper wine.
It would be nice to see a few more AC Signature Suites be rolled out, especially in YVR.
While I wasn’t a fan of the old J seat on the UA 787 (no real privacy, and felt really close to my neighbor, it didn’t deflate!
Sep 23, 2018, 8:38 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Sep 23, 2018, 4:10 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: YYC
Programs: A3, AC
Posts: 140
Watch the seat map like a hawk for NH801. From reading around, NH LOVES to do equipment swaps which I experienced myself. Seat map from 3 months to departure to T-48 said that I was getting the LH J pods, next thing I know I'm sitting next to someone in their 2x2 regional J config. Never even got a notice that there was a seat/equipment swap either, and I had my email address registered with NH. There's a huge difference and IMO the regional J config is pretty bad. +1 to whoever said dress light, they do have hot cabins. I'd argue bring a pillow too, the ones they give in J are basically toilet paper in a fancy knitted wrapper. I've had more substantial pillows in AC Y.
Sep 23, 2018, 5:26 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,231
Watch the seat map like a hawk for NH801. From reading around, NH LOVES to do equipment swaps which I experienced myself. Seat map from 3 months to departure to T-48 said that I was getting the LH J pods, next thing I know I'm sitting next to someone in their 2x2 regional J config. Never even got a notice that there was a seat/equipment swap either, and I had my email address registered with NH. There's a huge difference and IMO the regional J config is pretty bad.
Not sure what your options would be here.
Sep 23, 2018, 7:38 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: YYC
Programs: A3, AC
Posts: 140
You’re right, not a whole lot can be done. Basically if they’re travelling solo, then they might appreciate having direct aisle access which may not be guaranteed with an equipment swap.
Sep 23, 2018, 7:54 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,231
Here's hoping they don't swap out the 789 on my upcoming trip to HND.
Sep 23, 2018, 8:23 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
Last two times my flights got changed I rang up and in the first case was moved back to my original flight and in the second case moved from a 39 min connection to a 4h one. Now sure neither was an equipment change, but there are always options. Even if it’s just picking a less offensive seat.
Sep 23, 2018, 10:14 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Luckily wasn't an issue yesterday, but boy am I aware...
Sep 23, 2018, 10:20 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2012
Location: BKK/SIN/YYZ/YUL
Programs: DL, AC, Bonvoy, Accor, Hilton
Posts: 2,920
EVA has its own Evergreen Orchestra.
Anyway, in respect to the comments on the NH 2X2, I had a little chuckle as Polaris on many TPACs is still 2X4X2 . Unacceptable. Not much privacy when one is lying sandwiched between a few snoring slobs or a flatulent Felicia.
Anyway, in respect to the comments on the NH 2X2, I had a little chuckle as Polaris on many TPACs is still 2X4X2 . Unacceptable. Not much privacy when one is lying sandwiched between a few snoring slobs or a flatulent Felicia.
Sep 24, 2018, 7:11 am
#15
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,261
First time flying UA's 'Polaris' J product today (UA837 SFO-NRT operated by the 77W), and wanted to provide a quick comparison to AC's 'Signature' offering.
(2) In the Air: UA's 'Polaris' J seat is fantastic. Compared to AC's 'Signature' J seat, it offers more privacy and storage space, and there is zero risk of deflategate.
(2) In the Air: UA's 'Polaris' J seat is fantastic. Compared to AC's 'Signature' J seat, it offers more privacy and storage space, and there is zero risk of deflategate.