A380 First Class Marathon... 48 hours of Qatar, Emirates and Etihad
Sep 18, 2017, 9:21 am
#122
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,913
SFO777 Thanks for sharing.
How would you compare the Flagship dining to the United Polaris Lounge at ORD? Also, if you fly business class on Qatar Airways can you gain access to this lounge at JFK?
How would you compare the Flagship dining to the United Polaris Lounge at ORD? Also, if you fly business class on Qatar Airways can you gain access to this lounge at JFK?
Last edited by ASUDan130; Sep 18, 2017 at 11:05 am
Sep 18, 2017, 9:31 am
#123
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Sep 18, 2017, 10:17 pm
#124
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
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An enjoyable read SFO777, thanks as always.
Aside from TBIT, LAX is generally a poor experience. The older terminals just weren’t built for the number of passengers travelling through the facilities these days, and there’s very little space to expand. The best solution would be demolish and rebuild, but that’s hard in a capacity constrained environment.
I have to laugh when reading the DL literature which states ‘all of us have good planes’. Aside from the fact they’re aircraft and not ‘planes’, I’m note sure the person being quoted has travelled QR and had the opportunity to compare it to a US-based carrier. Whilst there are issues that need to be addressed with the ME3, it’s certainly hard to fault their onboard service.
I wondered initially why you stopped off at the Amex lounge in SFO T3 as it doesn’t look anything amazing, but then I realised that UA haven’t opened their Polaris lounge at SFO yet and you had to suffer the bland Club.
It amazes me that UA took delivery of their 787-9s without the Polaris hard product fitted. The existing B/E Aerospace Diamond product is the same as that on AA’s transcontinental A321s in J. I find that seat quite constrained and not very private, although window seats are slightly more spacious.
I thought UA had improved their soft product with the Polaris launch, but with the exception of the bedding products, it all looks fairly ordinary. Chocolates with the PDB is an odd touch, and why is the PDB still in a plastic glass? The blue table cloth and general setup looks pretty dated, and the food is definitely a ‘meh’ from the photos.
The Star Alliance lounge at CDG looks quite claustrophobic because of the low ceiling, small areas and lack of natural light. It seems the QR lounge shares the same low space, but they have made use of the space better; it’s quite an elegant space - I like the dining area in particular, and the semi-private seating along the windows.
I’m slightly surprised that QR don’t escort F pax to the gate (and EY for that matter). I love the understated elegance of the QR cabins; so much nicer than EK, although EY’s cabins are also pretty understated. It looks like QR have some common food options between J and F, as I recognise one of the main courses from a J flight last year; perhaps the presentation is different, though.
I think your description of the Al Safwa lounge is spot on; just like the Al Mourjan lounge, the space is almost too large to feel comfortable.
The Premium lounge at CAN looks like it was once a Plaza Premium lounge judging by the interior design, although the branding appears to have been removed from the entrance.
I’ve said it before, but the EK cabin designs in F and J are too blingy for my taste, although the shower on the A380 is a good feature that I’m keen to try.
I love the design of the EY Apartment. For me, the Residence is unnecessary when the ‘basic’ F product is so good. I suppose the Residence caters more for the private jet market.
I think AA made a mistake opening up the Flagship lounge to J pax, but particularly oneworld Sapphires. I noted some of your images are from a previous trip where the buffet hadn’t been finished. It has to be said however that AA have done pretty well with the Flagship First Dining.
An impressive trip without a hotel stay!
Aside from TBIT, LAX is generally a poor experience. The older terminals just weren’t built for the number of passengers travelling through the facilities these days, and there’s very little space to expand. The best solution would be demolish and rebuild, but that’s hard in a capacity constrained environment.
I have to laugh when reading the DL literature which states ‘all of us have good planes’. Aside from the fact they’re aircraft and not ‘planes’, I’m note sure the person being quoted has travelled QR and had the opportunity to compare it to a US-based carrier. Whilst there are issues that need to be addressed with the ME3, it’s certainly hard to fault their onboard service.
I wondered initially why you stopped off at the Amex lounge in SFO T3 as it doesn’t look anything amazing, but then I realised that UA haven’t opened their Polaris lounge at SFO yet and you had to suffer the bland Club.
It amazes me that UA took delivery of their 787-9s without the Polaris hard product fitted. The existing B/E Aerospace Diamond product is the same as that on AA’s transcontinental A321s in J. I find that seat quite constrained and not very private, although window seats are slightly more spacious.
I thought UA had improved their soft product with the Polaris launch, but with the exception of the bedding products, it all looks fairly ordinary. Chocolates with the PDB is an odd touch, and why is the PDB still in a plastic glass? The blue table cloth and general setup looks pretty dated, and the food is definitely a ‘meh’ from the photos.
The Star Alliance lounge at CDG looks quite claustrophobic because of the low ceiling, small areas and lack of natural light. It seems the QR lounge shares the same low space, but they have made use of the space better; it’s quite an elegant space - I like the dining area in particular, and the semi-private seating along the windows.
I’m slightly surprised that QR don’t escort F pax to the gate (and EY for that matter). I love the understated elegance of the QR cabins; so much nicer than EK, although EY’s cabins are also pretty understated. It looks like QR have some common food options between J and F, as I recognise one of the main courses from a J flight last year; perhaps the presentation is different, though.
I think your description of the Al Safwa lounge is spot on; just like the Al Mourjan lounge, the space is almost too large to feel comfortable.
The Premium lounge at CAN looks like it was once a Plaza Premium lounge judging by the interior design, although the branding appears to have been removed from the entrance.
I’ve said it before, but the EK cabin designs in F and J are too blingy for my taste, although the shower on the A380 is a good feature that I’m keen to try.
I love the design of the EY Apartment. For me, the Residence is unnecessary when the ‘basic’ F product is so good. I suppose the Residence caters more for the private jet market.
I think AA made a mistake opening up the Flagship lounge to J pax, but particularly oneworld Sapphires. I noted some of your images are from a previous trip where the buffet hadn’t been finished. It has to be said however that AA have done pretty well with the Flagship First Dining.
An impressive trip without a hotel stay!
Sep 23, 2017, 5:53 pm
#127
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Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Wow - finally catching up and what a great report! Looks like even your United experience was better than average and acceptable!
I've repeatedly had very subpar experiences with all the ME3 in first, especially on QR on a dreadful flight from SYD-DOH where the crew spoke extremely limited english and the other 7 seats in the cabin were filled with what appears to be opups and "friends of the airline" who made the 80F cabin their own personal party zone. But...if there's one person's opinion I trust it's yours so I'm going to have to give it another go!
I've repeatedly had very subpar experiences with all the ME3 in first, especially on QR on a dreadful flight from SYD-DOH where the crew spoke extremely limited english and the other 7 seats in the cabin were filled with what appears to be opups and "friends of the airline" who made the 80F cabin their own personal party zone. But...if there's one person's opinion I trust it's yours so I'm going to have to give it another go!
I've had a couple dozen ME3 First flights and can't recall a single one that was not less than excellent.
Hi SFO777,
Another great report. I had a chance to try the "Apartment" last September (EY103, 4A). Eventhough it was an AA award, I still got a ride from my hotel in Abu Dhabi. I also rate the hard product very highly, however, I found the bed to be a bit hard - maybe a better duvet is required, like the tempur pedic ones JAL uses. A better ground experience is really needed, (something more seamless) but once the new midfield terminal (and I assume with a new FC lounge) is available, this could improve.
Another great report. I had a chance to try the "Apartment" last September (EY103, 4A). Eventhough it was an AA award, I still got a ride from my hotel in Abu Dhabi. I also rate the hard product very highly, however, I found the bed to be a bit hard - maybe a better duvet is required, like the tempur pedic ones JAL uses. A better ground experience is really needed, (something more seamless) but once the new midfield terminal (and I assume with a new FC lounge) is available, this could improve.
An enjoyable read SFO777, thanks as always. Aside from TBIT, LAX is generally a poor experience. The older terminals just weren’t built for the number of passengers travelling through the facilities these days, and there’s very little space to expand. The best solution would be demolish and rebuild, but that’s hard in a capacity constrained environment.
It amazes me that UA took delivery of their 787-9s without the Polaris hard product fitted. The existing B/E Aerospace Diamond product is the same as that on AA’s transcontinental A321s in J. I find that seat quite constrained and not very private, although window seats are slightly more spacious.
I thought UA had improved their soft product with the Polaris launch, but with the exception of the bedding products, it all looks fairly ordinary. Chocolates with the PDB is an odd touch, and why is the PDB still in a plastic glass? The blue table cloth and general setup looks pretty dated, and the food is definitely a ‘meh’ from the photos.
I thought UA had improved their soft product with the Polaris launch, but with the exception of the bedding products, it all looks fairly ordinary. Chocolates with the PDB is an odd touch, and why is the PDB still in a plastic glass? The blue table cloth and general setup looks pretty dated, and the food is definitely a ‘meh’ from the photos.
I’m slightly surprised that QR don’t escort F pax to the gate (and EY for that matter). I love the understated elegance of the QR cabins; so much nicer than EK, although EY’s cabins are also pretty understated. It looks like QR have some common food options between J and F, as I recognise one of the main courses from a J flight last year; perhaps the presentation is different, though.
I think AA made a mistake opening up the Flagship lounge to J pax, but particularly oneworld Sapphires. I noted some of your images are from a previous trip where the buffet hadn’t been finished. It has to be said however that AA have done pretty well with the Flagship First Dining.
1. Air France (1)
2. Garuda Indonesia (2)
3. Qatar (4)
4. Emirates (5)
5. Etihad (3)
6. Lufthansa (6)
7. Cathay Pacific (7)
8. Singapore (8)
9. Swiss (9)
10. ANA (10)
11. JAL (14)
12. Qantas (11)
13. Korean (12)
14. Malaysia (13)
15. Asiana (--)
16. Thai (15)
17. American (20)
18. British (16)
19. Air China (17)
20. United (19)
Thanks helvetic. I agree. The new T7 United Club is quite nice.
Sep 25, 2017, 7:01 pm
#128
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And the last leg back to LA.
Heading over to Gate 34.
Apparently enough people make this mistake that AA felt compelled to install a sign.
Meanwhile at Gate 34, still not ready to board.
New York JFK to LAX
American AA 28
A321T
7:00p-10:30p (sked)
7:50p-10:30p (actual)
August 24, 2017
Seat 3F
For domestic travel, AA's 1-1 First Class cabin is about as good as it gets, after jetBlue's single seat closed door suite.
Not that I was hungry, but tonight's menu.
And AA's weak wine list.
A nice night to fly west.
On the final leg room, I decided to start to dry out and went with Diet Coke or water.
Showtime, AA style.
I was stuffed from my First Dining meal but tried a few bites of AA's dinner service. The Spicy crab starter was quite nice.
As was the chicken, which was actually real chicken compared to the mystery "chicken" on regular domestic AA flights.
The sundae was not very good or attractive. Wasn't offered any toppings so no idea whether they were available. One bite and I was done. I wasn't really tired and watched 3 movies on the way to the west coast.
Despite the late departure from JFK, we arrived on time at LAX and I was home less than an hour after we pulled up to Gate 46A. What a great and fun 3 and 1/2 day trip on some great airlines, UA and AA excluded. Thanks for following my report.
Heading over to Gate 34.
Apparently enough people make this mistake that AA felt compelled to install a sign.
Meanwhile at Gate 34, still not ready to board.
New York JFK to LAX
American AA 28
A321T
7:00p-10:30p (sked)
7:50p-10:30p (actual)
August 24, 2017
Seat 3F
For domestic travel, AA's 1-1 First Class cabin is about as good as it gets, after jetBlue's single seat closed door suite.
Not that I was hungry, but tonight's menu.
And AA's weak wine list.
A nice night to fly west.
On the final leg room, I decided to start to dry out and went with Diet Coke or water.
Showtime, AA style.
I was stuffed from my First Dining meal but tried a few bites of AA's dinner service. The Spicy crab starter was quite nice.
As was the chicken, which was actually real chicken compared to the mystery "chicken" on regular domestic AA flights.
The sundae was not very good or attractive. Wasn't offered any toppings so no idea whether they were available. One bite and I was done. I wasn't really tired and watched 3 movies on the way to the west coast.
Despite the late departure from JFK, we arrived on time at LAX and I was home less than an hour after we pulled up to Gate 46A. What a great and fun 3 and 1/2 day trip on some great airlines, UA and AA excluded.
Thanks for following my report.
Sep 29, 2017, 9:07 pm
#129
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA GLD, Marriott PLT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,900
One heck of a trip! Can't believe you did it all with no night in a hotel.
I am not so sure about this United Polaris. 2-2-2 on a 787 ? A PAPER cup for the sundae? Even American Airlines served my sundae in a glass on my LHR-DFW flight the other week in what I still think is a really great J seat on the 77W.
I am not so sure about this United Polaris. 2-2-2 on a 787 ? A PAPER cup for the sundae? Even American Airlines served my sundae in a glass on my LHR-DFW flight the other week in what I still think is a really great J seat on the 77W.
Oct 2, 2017, 11:15 pm
#131
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Awesome trip and report as always, SFO777! Interestingly, the older I get, the less time I seem to want to spend on the internet. Even FlyerTalk. That said, this report provides all the more incentive to visit this forum more often - if only to check out the latest installment on your amazing travels. I recently returned home in First aboard a Qantas A380 - pleasant to be sure but nowhere near as opulent as the 3 Middle Eastern operators. Thanks again for a stellar report! :-::-::-::-::-: