Flight: UA 5493 Operated by SkyWest
Aircraft: CR7
Seat: 2A
Class: First
SLC-ORD
Depart: 7:23 AM Arrive 11:26 AM
On a recent trip I flew United first to Chicago. Normally I use DL, AA or WN (for shorter flights). I had not traveled in F on United Express so I thought that I would check it out (also DL and AA did not fit into my schedule). I set my expectations low since I have not heard anything too positive regarding first class on flights operated by UA's regional affiliates.
Check in, security and boarding:
I printed my boarding pass at home and bypassed UA's long check in line at SLC. The premium security lane had a short line and I got through security quickly. Boarding also started on time and a PDB was offered.
The seat:
I found the seat to be more or less comprable to DL and AA's regional first class seat (although I think UA might have another version that is not as good, I cannot confirm that as I only vaguely remember from a flight quite a while back. Please correct me if I am wrong.
IMG_1983 by zgscl, on Flickr
Flight departed on time. Shortly after take off, the FA took drink orders and served beverages and UA's snack mix bags. Beverages were served in plastic cups.
IMG_1985 by zgscl, on Flickr
IMG_1984 by zgscl, on Flickr
In Flight Service:
The flight attendant was very pleasant. After handing out beverages and snack mixes he came around offering snack boxes. Throughout the flight he refreshed beverages regularly.
IMG_1986 by zgscl, on Flickr
Arrival:
FA cleared the cabin and we landed on time. Bags were returned quickly on the jet bridge.
Overall the regional experience is okay for a 3 hour flight. My primary issue with UA's regional product on longer flights is that IME it is more expensive than DL and AA for first class, and the service is subpar. Although the FA was great, both DL and AA serve continental breakfasts on their equivalent of this flight (also operated by regional aircraft). Depending on the time of day they will do a lunch or dinner service as well. Regardless of the departure time UA only offers snack boxes on their longer regional flights.
In the future I will plan on DL or AA if possible as you seem to get more for less (See trip reports that will be coming out soon). I have also heard that United Express flights operated by Sky West are better than some other regional affiliates.
Thanks for reading, happy travels!
Aircraft: CR7
Seat: 2A
Class: First
SLC-ORD
Depart: 7:23 AM Arrive 11:26 AM
On a recent trip I flew United first to Chicago. Normally I use DL, AA or WN (for shorter flights). I had not traveled in F on United Express so I thought that I would check it out (also DL and AA did not fit into my schedule). I set my expectations low since I have not heard anything too positive regarding first class on flights operated by UA's regional affiliates.
Check in, security and boarding:
I printed my boarding pass at home and bypassed UA's long check in line at SLC. The premium security lane had a short line and I got through security quickly. Boarding also started on time and a PDB was offered.
The seat:
I found the seat to be more or less comprable to DL and AA's regional first class seat (although I think UA might have another version that is not as good, I cannot confirm that as I only vaguely remember from a flight quite a while back. Please correct me if I am wrong.
IMG_1983 by zgscl, on Flickr
Flight departed on time. Shortly after take off, the FA took drink orders and served beverages and UA's snack mix bags. Beverages were served in plastic cups.
IMG_1985 by zgscl, on Flickr
IMG_1984 by zgscl, on Flickr
In Flight Service:
The flight attendant was very pleasant. After handing out beverages and snack mixes he came around offering snack boxes. Throughout the flight he refreshed beverages regularly.
IMG_1986 by zgscl, on Flickr
Arrival:
FA cleared the cabin and we landed on time. Bags were returned quickly on the jet bridge.
Overall the regional experience is okay for a 3 hour flight. My primary issue with UA's regional product on longer flights is that IME it is more expensive than DL and AA for first class, and the service is subpar. Although the FA was great, both DL and AA serve continental breakfasts on their equivalent of this flight (also operated by regional aircraft). Depending on the time of day they will do a lunch or dinner service as well. Regardless of the departure time UA only offers snack boxes on their longer regional flights.
In the future I will plan on DL or AA if possible as you seem to get more for less (See trip reports that will be coming out soon). I have also heard that United Express flights operated by Sky West are better than some other regional affiliates.
Thanks for reading, happy travels!