UA vs. LH - Biz vs. First
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 129
UA vs. LH - Biz vs. First
I'm looking to take my family to England next year using award miles and am ready to book if something comes up that works for my schedule. I have enough miles for First both ways for all travelers using Saver award miles provided there is availability, but would be ok with most other options other than economy both ways (would really prefer First or Business outbound to arrive a bit more rested).
Looks like some current options outbound are:
1. UA Business on a 777 IAD-LHR
2. LH Business on a A330 via Frankfurt
Is one of these options vastly superior? Or should I keep waiting for the possibility of First on either UA or LH.
I flew UA First to LHR about 7 years ago and really appreciated the expedited customs and the arrival lounge to take a shower, so am leaning towards waiting on UA First, but maybe someone would say that is a long-shot and advise otherwise.
Thanks!
Cheers,
HalfSwede
Looks like some current options outbound are:
1. UA Business on a 777 IAD-LHR
2. LH Business on a A330 via Frankfurt
Is one of these options vastly superior? Or should I keep waiting for the possibility of First on either UA or LH.
I flew UA First to LHR about 7 years ago and really appreciated the expedited customs and the arrival lounge to take a shower, so am leaning towards waiting on UA First, but maybe someone would say that is a long-shot and advise otherwise.
Thanks!
Cheers,
HalfSwede
Last edited by halfswede; Jul 28, 2012 at 3:55 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,425
I don't think any FRA-based A330s have the new business class cabin yet, so in my view UA is a winner in C based on seat. There are those who object to UA's 2-4-2 arrangement aboard the 3-cabin 777, but I will take flat over angled any day of the week, and twice on Sunday, especially for an overnight transatlantic leg. On a daylight trip, food, beverage, connectivity and entertainment are more important for me, so LH becomes more competitive in that regard.
LH First is miles ahead of United in almost all measures, but you probably won't find O inventory until <2 weeks from your flight, despite what united.com tries to tell (or sell) you! I don't think East Coast-EU is a good value for F awards, but if you choose to go that route, book a UA flight as a placeholder and make change closer-in when Lufthansa availability is better. Also, consider a C out/F return combined award for better value and inflight experience.
LH First is miles ahead of United in almost all measures, but you probably won't find O inventory until <2 weeks from your flight, despite what united.com tries to tell (or sell) you! I don't think East Coast-EU is a good value for F awards, but if you choose to go that route, book a UA flight as a placeholder and make change closer-in when Lufthansa availability is better. Also, consider a C out/F return combined award for better value and inflight experience.
Last edited by EWR764; Jul 28, 2012 at 3:47 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
I don't think any FRA-based A330s have the new business class cabin yet, so in my view UA is a winner in C based on seat. There are those who object to UA's 2-4-2 arrangement aboard the 3-cabin 777, but I will take flat over angled any day of the week, and twice on Sunday, especially for an overnight transatlantic leg. On a daylight trip, food, beverage, connectivity and entertainment become more important for me, so LH becomes more competitive in that regard.
LH First is miles ahead of United in almost all measures, but you probably won't find O inventory until <2 weeks from your flight, despite what united.com tries to tell (or sell) you! I don't think East Coast-EU is a good value for F awards, but if you choose to go that route, book a UA flight as a placeholder and make change closer-in when availability is better.
LH First is miles ahead of United in almost all measures, but you probably won't find O inventory until <2 weeks from your flight, despite what united.com tries to tell (or sell) you! I don't think East Coast-EU is a good value for F awards, but if you choose to go that route, book a UA flight as a placeholder and make change closer-in when availability is better.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 129
Similarly, if I book UA C now as a "placeholder" IAD-LHR, will there by any kind of change fee if I 'upgrade' to UA F?
Thanks for the reply!
Cheers,
HalfSwede
#6
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 29,501
For the last few months late afternoon IAD-FRA (LH419) has been operated by the brand new 748i with new F and new C seats 5/6 times a week. IAD-MUC has been operated by one of the A333s with new C most days.
However, next summer's schedule is not yet certain as it might depend on the delivery schedule of more 748i since LH is planning to fly the 748i to India and LAX as well.
However, next summer's schedule is not yet certain as it might depend on the delivery schedule of more 748i since LH is planning to fly the 748i to India and LAX as well.
#8
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,425
If I book UA flight now as a "placholder" and change to LH F, will there by any kind of change fee? Does that fact that UA IAD-LHR becomes LH IAD-FRA-LHR make any difference?
Similarly, if I book UA C now as a "placeholder" IAD-LHR, will there by any kind of change fee if I 'upgrade' to UA F?
Thanks for the reply!
Cheers,
HalfSwede
Similarly, if I book UA C now as a "placeholder" IAD-LHR, will there by any kind of change fee if I 'upgrade' to UA F?
Thanks for the reply!
Cheers,
HalfSwede
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,190
#11
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,425
In all other regards LH does a much better job, in my estimation. Aboard a reconfigured A330/340/744 or new 74H/A380, LH F is dramatically better.
#12
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: DEN, BOS, HKG, SYD, SFO
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Plat
Posts: 215
Check the reviews of the new catering - I have *zero* complaints with their product, minus occasionally indifferent crews.
That being said, the LHR based crews are my hands-down favorite in the network.
Cheers,
Adam
That being said, the LHR based crews are my hands-down favorite in the network.
Cheers,
Adam
#13
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: The Jersey Shore
Programs: UA *G MM, AA G MM
Posts: 1,866
#14
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 38,253
No. They are the same hard stools they have on all their birds. Just on the 748, they let it recline more.
The Airbus will have the old seats or a long time to come.
LH Biz food is worse than UA C food IMO but that is a matter of taste.
For the few minutes ride from IAD to LHR, I would not book F, no matter how cheap it is. I can hardly be regarded as a proper 'overnight' flight.
The Airbus will have the old seats or a long time to come.
LH Biz food is worse than UA C food IMO but that is a matter of taste.
For the few minutes ride from IAD to LHR, I would not book F, no matter how cheap it is. I can hardly be regarded as a proper 'overnight' flight.