Last edit by: ssh
From SAT Lawyer's First Post:
Please also see: http://seatexpert.com/seatmap/320/Un..._First_&_Biz)/ and http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Uni...747-400_B.php]
What follows is my assessment of where to sit on the 744, which I sampled on a recent flight from SYD-SFO. I sat in E+ for three hours before a flight cancellation on Tuesday and in 15K in the upper deck in business for 13 hours the following day, so I feel sufficiently well-informed to dispense advice for those cabins. I cannot, however, make a recommendation for business class seating on the lower deck or the E- minus cabin, so with that caveat, here is my feedback on the upper deck . . .
Where should I sit in the upper deck? Any seats better than others?
Unlike the old configuration of the upper deck where certain seats – especially the exit row seats in row 15 – are appreciably better, on the new configuration, there is not really much to distinguish between the upper deck seats except for the limited caveats noted below.
What seats should I try to avoid?
There are only five seats that are nominally less attractive than the rest. 12 J & K are close to the forward lavatories and the flight deck so you can expect increased foot traffic and noise during the flight. The shell for 14K protrudes backward into the exit door area and partially overlaps with the exit door causing a nominal reduction in the view and a possible cold spot due to airflow penetrating the door seal. 17 J & K lose a good deal of privacy because they are visible from the top of the stairs and suffer from increased noise and light from the galley and traffic to and from the galley.
Window or aisle?
Window, definitely. And I say this as someone who is typically an aisle guy. You get the side bins for storage, the view, a little more peace and privacy being further removed from the aisle, and avoid the possibility of being disrupted by a seatmate climbing over you. Climbing over a seatmate in the aisle seat who is in the sleeping configuration requires a little bit of dexterity, but certainly is not terribly difficult for anyone who is at least 6 feet tall. Those who are substantially shorter than 6 feet may want to avoid the window, however.
Forward or backward?
Doesn’t really matter. Due to the pitch of the aircraft, those facing backwards will have their feet slightly below their heads in the sleeping configuration, but we are really splitting hairs here. Personally, I prefer the backward-facing view from the upper deck because you can see the wing and the engines.
What if I’m traveling with more than two people?
You will not be able to see or converse with the passengers whose feet oppose yours behind the wall adjoining the foot pocket and video panel. In other words, to give one example, the passengers in 15 J & K are fully walled-off from the passengers in 16 J & K. The shell of the seat also provides full privacy from behind. So, if you want to keep an eye on travel companions, you should try to sit diagonally across the aisle from one other. Passengers in 15 J & K, for example, will have a good view of passengers in 16 A & B, and vice versa. Actually, if you are travelling in a group of more than two and being able to chat is important to you, you'll probably want to sit in the middle section of the lower deck.
What happened to the exit row?
For all intents and purposes, it doesn’t exist. The seats in both rows 14 and 15 both back up to the exit area creating something more akin to an exit corridor. No extra legroom or particular advantage to these seats.
How is the seat for sleeping?
It’s a true, parallel-to-the-ground lie-flat seat, which is the big improvement. The arm rests on both sides can be manually lowered so that they don’t extend above the seat in bed configuration, which further increases arm and shoulder room. Unfortunately, for window seaters, there will be a healthy gap between the lowered arm rest and the side bins which means that the extra room on one side isn’t particularly useful since if you stick your arm far enough off the seat, it will essentially drop off a cliff with nothing to prop it up. As a 6-footer, my left foot was a little bit cramped due to the curvature of the foot-pocket, although this was not terribly bothersome. Both my seatmate and I felt that the seat lacked sufficient padding in the lumbar region of the back so we both woke up with sore lower backs.
What is the audio and video on-demand like?
For United and in comparison to the old configuration, great. The video screens are positively huge. There aren’t as many movies as one may find on airlines like Singapore, but still, there should be enough features to keep all but the most demanding and fickle passengers entertained.
As for the E+ cabin . . .
Seat pitch seems indistinguishable throughout, the bulkhead row 19 excepted. I don't care for the seats in row 19 myself because the hard bulkhead without cutouts effectively prevents all but the shortest traveler from stretching out his or her feet. This is true of both the outside seats as well as the middle section.
I would strongly advise against any D seat -- the aisle seats on the port side of the middle section -- because the audio boxes are beneath those seats and inhibit leg room for the left foot. There still should be enough room to place both feet, but only at a fairly sharp and uncomfortable angle.
As an aisle guy, I would go with one of the G seats. No audio box inhibiting leg room and landlocked middle seat passengers can access the aisle in either direction cutting in half your chance of getting bumped or bothered while you are trying to sleep.
There are still no individual seat-back video screens, unfortunately, so you are stuck with whatever programming UA runs on the main screens. Fortunately, the main screens have been upgraded to LCD screens. Sit at least a few rows back from row 19 to avoid being uncomfortably close to the screens.
Everything You Want to Know About Where to Sit on a United 747
#2536
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
I'd say go for the 747! Back when I did my time in E-, I enjoyed rows 58 - 60 way in the back. They're two seat rows with lots of extra room by the windows. You can really feel the plane's motion back there when there's 'tailwag'.
#2537
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: DEN
Programs: UA MM Plat; AA MM Gold; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 15,866
IMO the 747 is only special if you fly upstairs in C (most carriers) or F.
#2538
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,645
Just looking for your opinions here, I'll give you the contributing info and you guys can go hog wild
Flying to MNL...outbound will be ANA (who I have some experience with in Y/J and older/newer aircrafts, service is great, AVOD can be good/bad but either way leaves something to be desired).
Return, I have a few options, ANA 777, CA 777...or UA 747! Now, before everyone shoots for ANA, here's my dilemma.
Price is basically a non-factor (not cuz I'm rich, but they're basically the same and the miles are as well) I have elite status with AC so no preferred seats will be paid for on any flights (AC is pricier on the dates so I'm not really gonna go for that).
I'm an AV geek like many of you may be, I've never flown a 747 before and I've always wanted to. The UA 747s appear to be the worst, but this may be one of my only shots at flying one since I don't forsee flying LH anywhere and most of the other operators don't apply to me as I won't have a reason/chance to fly them.
So for someone trying to cross something off a bit of a bucket list, is it worth the pain of flying E- on a 747 just once? It'd be NRT-SFO if that makes any difference and I'll be travelling solo. Or is it SOOOO bad, that I should wait/look for another opportunity another time?
Flying to MNL...outbound will be ANA (who I have some experience with in Y/J and older/newer aircrafts, service is great, AVOD can be good/bad but either way leaves something to be desired).
Return, I have a few options, ANA 777, CA 777...or UA 747! Now, before everyone shoots for ANA, here's my dilemma.
Price is basically a non-factor (not cuz I'm rich, but they're basically the same and the miles are as well) I have elite status with AC so no preferred seats will be paid for on any flights (AC is pricier on the dates so I'm not really gonna go for that).
I'm an AV geek like many of you may be, I've never flown a 747 before and I've always wanted to. The UA 747s appear to be the worst, but this may be one of my only shots at flying one since I don't forsee flying LH anywhere and most of the other operators don't apply to me as I won't have a reason/chance to fly them.
So for someone trying to cross something off a bit of a bucket list, is it worth the pain of flying E- on a 747 just once? It'd be NRT-SFO if that makes any difference and I'll be travelling solo. Or is it SOOOO bad, that I should wait/look for another opportunity another time?
I love sitting in J in the bubble in the top of a 747. If you had the chance to do that, I'd highly recommend it. That's the best flying experience I've ever had and something I'm really going to miss as 747s get phased out. Besides that, I don't see any reason to seek flying in a 747.
You don't seem to say where you're flying but it sounds like you might be flying MNL SFO. Have you looked at Air Philippines? They have a seasonal direct flight from MNL to SFO and flying that route directly is orders of magnitude better than changing in any airport to the west of MNL. And, I think they fly some 747s.
#2539
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: OZ Diamond, Jiffypark Manhattan Gold
Posts: 4,485
There is absolutely nothing beneficial about flying in an ancient United Airlines 747 aircraft in E-. In fact, the reliability of these birds has been frighteningly bad the past few years.
You don't seem to say where you're flying but it sounds like you might be flying MNL SFO. Have you looked at Air Philippines? They have a seasonal direct flight from MNL to SFO and flying that route directly is orders of magnitude better than changing in any airport to the west of MNL. And, I think they fly some 747s.
You don't seem to say where you're flying but it sounds like you might be flying MNL SFO. Have you looked at Air Philippines? They have a seasonal direct flight from MNL to SFO and flying that route directly is orders of magnitude better than changing in any airport to the west of MNL. And, I think they fly some 747s.
Thanks for the replies guys, I wanted to be as specific as possible and it worked. Thanks to the mod for the title change too, it does make more sense this way.
#2540
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
It's on my bucket list too OP. Just go for it.
#2541
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
First Class - yes ^^^
main cabin business -- some seats ^
E+ -- some seats OK - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ted-747-a.html
E- -- best to avoid or look for a better opportunity, the 747s will be available for at least a couple more years. At least consider buyup to E+.
#2542
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: SFO/CDG
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 211
I just did FRA-SFO (11.5 hours) in e- due to UA IT glitch that cost me an e+ seat. Its very cramped but the seat cushion is still decent. The streaming video content is actually decent when its working. For me it was impossible to do much other than watch movies on my Ipad or read a book. There is no room for an open laptop if the person in front of you reclines or for that matter even if they don't.
#2543
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
I'm all about the bucket list, so go for it!. FWIW DL operates domestic 744 with relative frequency - maybe you need to go to ATL some time too
#2544
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,417
Return, I have a few options, ANA 777, CA 777...or UA 747! Now, before everyone shoots for ANA, here's my dilemma.
So for someone trying to cross something off a bit of a bucket list, is it worth the pain of flying E- on a 747 just once? It'd be NRT-SFO if that makes any difference and I'll be travelling solo. Or is it SOOOO bad, that I should wait/look for another opportunity another time?
So for someone trying to cross something off a bit of a bucket list, is it worth the pain of flying E- on a 747 just once? It'd be NRT-SFO if that makes any difference and I'll be travelling solo. Or is it SOOOO bad, that I should wait/look for another opportunity another time?
Having said that, if you're intending to head all the way back home, have you considered BR? It looks like they fly a 744 between YVR and TPE four times a week.
OZ normally has competitive fares as well. They don't fly the 747 to the US or Canada, AFAIK, but they do fly the A380 to LAX. MNL/ICN/LAX/(SFO or YVR) is definitely going the long way around, but...
You don't seem to say where you're flying but it sounds like you might be flying MNL SFO. Have you looked at Air Philippines? They have a seasonal direct flight from MNL to SFO and flying that route directly is orders of magnitude better than changing in any airport to the west of MNL. And, I think they fly some 747s.
I flew LAX/MNL on a PR 747 once. They made an announcement in the lounge that they got favorable winds, so they'd be able to eliminate the fuel stop in HNL and we'd arrive four hours early. (And you thought only UA planned fuel stops! They're not an airline I'd recommend to anybody, but they do fly MNL/YVR nonstop, so there's that.
Two other options you may not have considered, depending upon where you're going in the Philippines. OZ serves CRK, about 80 km north of Manila (and a much less crowded airport to boot). Also, PR just announced a CEB/LAX non-stop, if you happen to be going to Cebu and want to fly PR.
Good luck!
#2545
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: SFO/JFK/MGA
Programs: UA 1P MM, AA-PP, AS, DL, HH G, SPG Gold, TA nada
Posts: 2,043
Sounds cool, I could totally feel that on the ground working in the pits of 737s on windy days. As far as those rows, I was looking at those since getting through customs wouldn't be a big rush. Seatguru seems to say 60 window is really tight, but I've read other reviews that 58/59 window have lots of extra space. What would you side with? I'm usually an aisle seat guy but I could be persuaded...follow up question would be, is it SO much space to the wall that you can't lean into the wall?
#2546
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
Sounds cool, I could totally feel that on the ground working in the pits of 737s on windy days. As far as those rows, I was looking at those since getting through customs wouldn't be a big rush. Seatguru seems to say 60 window is really tight, but I've read other reviews that 58/59 window have lots of extra space. What would you side with? I'm usually an aisle seat guy but I could be persuaded...follow up question would be, is it SO much space to the wall that you can't lean into the wall?
....
#2547
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: OZ Diamond, Jiffypark Manhattan Gold
Posts: 4,485
I just did FRA-SFO (11.5 hours) in e- due to UA IT glitch that cost me an e+ seat. Its very cramped but the seat cushion is still decent. The streaming video content is actually decent when its working. For me it was impossible to do much other than watch movies on my Ipad or read a book. There is no room for an open laptop if the person in front of you reclines or for that matter even if they don't.
UD -- yes ^^^
First Class - yes ^^^
main cabin business -- some seats ^
E+ -- some seats OK - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ted-747-a.html
E- -- best to avoid or look for a better opportunity, the 747s will be available for at least a couple more years. At least consider buyup to E+.
First Class - yes ^^^
main cabin business -- some seats ^
E+ -- some seats OK - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ted-747-a.html
E- -- best to avoid or look for a better opportunity, the 747s will be available for at least a couple more years. At least consider buyup to E+.
The 747 appears unlikely to make a major comeback for TPAC routes, given the better range and fuel efficiency of the 777/787. So, as you say, this may be your best chance. Your other options are likely to be more comfortable, but if flying the 747 is a goal of yours, it may be worth it.
Having said that, if you're intending to head all the way back home, have you considered BR? It looks like they fly a 744 between YVR and TPE four times a week.
OZ normally has competitive fares as well. They don't fly the 747 to the US or Canada, AFAIK, but they do fly the A380 to LAX. MNL/ICN/LAX/(SFO or YVR) is definitely going the long way around, but...
Having said that, if you're intending to head all the way back home, have you considered BR? It looks like they fly a 744 between YVR and TPE four times a week.
OZ normally has competitive fares as well. They don't fly the 747 to the US or Canada, AFAIK, but they do fly the A380 to LAX. MNL/ICN/LAX/(SFO or YVR) is definitely going the long way around, but...
I'm always open to the longer route, I need segments and I get a kick out of big busy (new to me) airports. So NRT is a BIT of a bucket lister too...I've flown in/out of HND already.
#2548
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
Yea, I def wanna fly the 380 at some point too, that's gonna be a tough one as well. I'm only actually going to MNL cuz it's cheap on those dates and I wanna go SOMEWHERE. BR flies the 747 off/on to YVR, sometimes it's 777, but their fares don't seem to be cheap on the days I've ever looked, I'm sure it comes up, but never for me.
Beware they have some discount Y buckets that don't earn much mileage on United, if that's a concern.
I flew their Premium economy, which does earn 100% miles, and isn't much more than what it would cost you to buy E+ on UA TPAC. BR's Prem Y is a whole different ballgame - muc more value for a bit more $.
#2549
Join Date: May 2008
Location: BOI (formerly ORD)
Programs: UA 1K 1.4MM; AA PLT 2.5MM; Hilton Diamond; Starwood Gold; Hyatt Platinum; Amex MR; Chase UR, et al
Posts: 465
Also, also, there are quite a few LH flights still on the 744, including from DEN, IAD, SEA (in Oct at least); not to mention the many 747-8 flights on LH from ORD, IAD and others. And, it looks like in Oct (maybe other times), YVR-FRA is a 744. Not that I recommend the LH 744 economy experience...
Otherwise, I agree with others that you should go ahead and do it if it is on your bucket list.
#2550
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Programs: United, Hilton
Posts: 691
Quote from drvannostren:
"I tried searching for the price, could you even ballpark the price range? I have a real problem paying like $59USD (when the CAD is so brutal) for IAH-YVR so I can only assume NRT-SFO it would start at $100USD which kinda ruins the overall price for me."
To answer the price question, on the 9/8 NRT-SFO 747, E+ is $199 for middle and $223 for aisle/window. Not a cheap option.
"I tried searching for the price, could you even ballpark the price range? I have a real problem paying like $59USD (when the CAD is so brutal) for IAH-YVR so I can only assume NRT-SFO it would start at $100USD which kinda ruins the overall price for me."
To answer the price question, on the 9/8 NRT-SFO 747, E+ is $199 for middle and $223 for aisle/window. Not a cheap option.