I agree that this is the Trip Report forum and there are other places for this discussion, so mod feel free to delete my posts if you wish, but I want to add that I have no problem with employees sitting in First if the seat would otherwise go unoccupied. If OP was #1 on the UG list and there were no other paying pax eligible or requesting UGs, then he and his 4 fellow employees had every right to sit in First.

UA really needs to work on its food, as shown in these photos.
 

I am a huge fan of UA--one of its biggest proponents--and it is my favorite airline, no question.

However, they really need to fire their caterer. When I look at other TR's of patrons who fly AA or CO, it just puts UA's food to shame. This TR here showing an international F product speaks volumes. The food, although acceptable, is not international first class caliber. The main course, with its runny sauce, the appetizer which looks unrecognizeable and is sloppily plated, and the "safe" & standard ice cream (i.e. unimaginative or creative) are things which you would not expect from a world class international F product. In addition, this route, ORD-BRU, is a new route for UA. You would think that UA would want to "showcase" this route with great food and service. Instead, they have the same catering service which--plainly and simply--sucks. Certainly, if you had seen the above menu on SQ or Emirates, you'd think, "What happened? I paid thousands of dollars for this?"

Even if you look at AA or CO, their international C/F product is simply better food-wise. Their food looks appetizing and delicious. UA's food looks barely edible, and not super-delicious. UA's seat, safety, route network, and 1k service are up to par with international standards. The major flaw of UA's product line, however, is their sub-par food.

He said he was #1 in his wonderful trip report.

The caterer prepares what the airline orders. Often, the same kitchens who put inedible gloop in a cup for one airline may make some delectable gourmet selection for another. It is more like "they really need to pay their caterer."

The premium food product on UA is not only a shadow of its former self, but it is pretty sad and sorry, with often uninspired service. (On the other hand, when you end up with a great crew, flying UA is more fun than just about any other airline.)

These days, I am flying mostly an airline that doesn't have an F cabin anymore. I am glad that, even though I rarely take UA on an international trip, I'm still glad there's a real F cabin on all widebody international flights.

Yes, SQ is well known for filling its F cabin with awards tickets. They never sell full fare F.:rolleyes:

How on earth would you personally know who in the cabin is on an award ticket anyway?

Your statement is not based in reality.

There shouldn't be an issue for an Airline Employee sitting in FC. Remember folks, each industry has it's perks. Being a nurse, I have connection at local Emergency Departments, which means, I don't have to wait in the lobby with the other folks. Airline Employee's have free to almost free air travel. As long as the airline employee is dressed according to policy, it shouldn't be a big issue.

I don't see anything wrong in employees getting LEFTOVER F seats.
I have flown F and had airline employees sitting next to me. SO WHAT?

By the way very nice report. When I was your age I used to fly a lot on B707s in F. You should have seen what we got in the 1970s compared to now. Unbelievable progress.

Thanks for the nice pictures.

Nothing is wrong with that EXCEPT a couple of things:

1. It's not uncommon that a NRSA (non-revenue) knows a GA and thus work together to blatantly confirm NRSA in F while let revenue customers who pay full business get stuck in business. I have personally sat next to NRSAs who spilled the beans to me (not sure why) in F while I saw there were a handful of revenue waitlisted.

2. Some of the employees' behaviors degrade the premium cabin. For example, FAs often chat with their NRSA friends in the galley the WHOLE flight not only making it uncomfortable for nearby passengers, but the FAs disappears into the galley to chat as soon as meal service is finished. On Delta, you get some very interesting NRSAs out of ATL. 'nuff said.

That's what.

Yes, I agree with above post 100%. It has happened to me on IAD-PEK route.

Great TR! New UA F looks good, but certainly can't compare with BA/JL/QF/LH/LX/CX/etc.


Non-rev benefits are non-contractual and can be amended, revoked, withdrawn, suspended at any time. As you pointed out many UA employees work at the company for the perks. Some of your peers at other carriers are only permitted to ride in economy class, and only receive a limited number of passes, yet are also paid less to begin with, but they still report for work. People on FT may recall the thread AFA views of unlimited upgrades from last November. It's quite unfriendly to the customer and sends the wrong message. I have had several bad experiences on DL in BusinessElite involving NRSAs, and also in the DL SkyClubs (as they DO permit NRSA access through paid daypass, membership, or Amex Plat unlike other carriers). It doesn't surprise me that others have reported upgrade injustices from UA GAs.

I agree that this isn't the place to discuss employee travel in F. Great report ODTheATC!

Id love to see all F Class seats be sold at cheaper rates and not given away....of course, it benefits me the most this way :D

Back on topic... great trip report!....looks like those full seat belts play hell with trying to keep your clothes pressed and neat looking

UA does not give out PJs even in F?

First, great report ODTheATC! I rarely see a TR from YVR (your other thread)! Thanks for taking the time writing this and I enjoy your photos!

+1 with Bliss especially with #2 and with Delta. You get some very interesting NRSAs out of HKG too in Y. I was on DL 296 HKG-NRT (now DL 639 I believe) earlier this year in Y with 2 NRSAs roaming around the Y cabin, switching seats even before the door even closes (they obviously know which seats were empty), jamming their legs into the seat in front (lucky I was not sitting near them, but still annoyed), talking loudly with the FA multiple times, don't want to stay in their seats with seatbelt sign on, FA even invited them to sit in C (no.. not crew rest) after flight levels and they return to Y very close to touch down.

Just by watching this almost turn me away from DL for long.

Thank you everyone! Have been recovering from jet-lag the last few days. Regarding GA's assigning seats to SA's without first going through the upgrade list, I have never had this happen. I have watched dependents who are 18+ be sent to economy because they didn't have the employee with them, and the F cabin left with open seats. The EasyInfo didn't show a list for upgrades to First, only 3 upgrades to Business which were all processed. If there were pending upgrades to F, they would obviously be processed. As to the behavior of some NRSA's, I can't talk for them, but I always act to the most mature, professional standards. I sit down, pack my stuff, use "please" and "thank you" for every sentence I use, and thank the crew after the flight for putting up with me :).

OD

another nice report. i am very impressed with the food....

as to the perk...it certainly is a nice one and i never get others moaning about the same....in my occupation, i get free legal services....each job has its perks....:D