Consolidated "I've Flown on UA's 787" Thread (Reports, Experiences, Etc.)
Nov 14, 2012, 11:10 pm
#166
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purpose of mirror in bins - didn't think of that
Nov 15, 2012, 1:47 am
#167
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 37
Unfortunately what you saw on NH's 787 will not be the same from now on, all domestic birds will be converted from 252 seats to 323 seats. The bar counter at door 2 where you enter the plane will be removed, Y will be adding one more seats per row changing from 2-4-2 to 3-3-3.
International however is a different story though.
International however is a different story though.
I found ANA's Y seats to be quite comfortable with pleasant cushions and acceptable seat width. United's are hip-tight and I'm not a heavy guy. I can't imagine how a heavy-set individual could comfortably shoe horn into those UA Y seats. And I wouldn't enjoy be crammed in next to that person. If UA at least had more comfortable cushions there would be less to dislike.
I'm resigned to Y class, but have had few complaints on the many aircraft I've flown on. The only Y seat I dislike more is Cathay Pacific's hard shell sliders used on their long haul 777-300ER. They're not narrow but the lack of padding and lack of recline makes them bad sleepers on long flights.
I realize airlines are in business to make money and need to pack 'em in. It's unfortunate that United's 787 Y seats are simply uncomfortable, a comment I heard more than once during my flight. Like the A380, I had hoped a 787 would be an aircraft I'd seek out. I certainly will avoid UA's 787's in the future.
Nov 22, 2012, 6:25 am
#168
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: IAH
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Had my first Dreamliner flight yesterday, EWR-IAH in E+ (17L). Some thoughts:
All-in-all a good ride. Long-haul economy is never an enjoyable experience, but once these things start doing international runs, there are still worse experiences in the fleet (the 744s, for example).
- She is noticably quieter, as has been previously mentioned.
- I didn't notice the altitude difference, but such things generally don't bother me one way or the other, so I wasn't necessarily expecting to.
- The dimmable windows are a really nice feature. I have heard people talk about how they don't feel like they are dark enough. I disagree. They are certainly not for the instant gratification crowd; I would guess it took 2-3 minutes my window to reach "full dark" after I turned it all the way down. When it did get there, however, very little light was entering the cabin and I was able to look directly into the sun through the filter.
- I didn't think I would notice the narrower seats in economy, but I did. I wasn't uncomfortable, but it felt a little tighter than usual.
- The AVOD interface is much improved; I hope they roll this out fleet-wide.
- As I passed through the BF cabin, I noticed how far the B and K seats jutted out into the aisle on the bulkhead rows. I don't think I would particularly enjoy sitting in those, as they don't look like they would feel as private as the other BF seats in the cabin.
- I didn't have any trouble locating the headphone jack; it is in the same place as it is in economy on the international 752's (your left armrest).
- The wing flex is fun to watch, but a little creepy. Row 17 is just aft of the engine spar, so you have a great view down the wing.
- The bin space is supreme. The inboard bins (over the middle section) cannot hold roll-aboards standing up on their narrow end, but the outboard ones certainly can.
- I think this has also been mentioned, but if you have broad shoulders, A and L seats might not be for you. I'm used to getting a couple extra inches when sitting up against the curve of the fuselage, but that doesn't necessarily happen here. If you manage to find a window to line up with your row just right you will have that extra space, otherwise you won't.
Nov 28, 2012, 8:13 pm
#169
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: IAD, DCA
Programs: A3 Gold (*A Gold), CC Gold
Posts: 92
I'm going on the 787 this weekend and am wondering if people think it's worth it to pay the 20k miles for an upgrade, since I'm not elite.
Nov 29, 2012, 12:38 am
#170
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 807
Needs a real first class with Suites and pajamas, without that just another flight. TV was good and seat OK in biz
Nov 29, 2012, 5:23 am
#172
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MCO, DCA, IAD
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Nov 29, 2012, 5:26 am
#173
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, CO
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Nov 29, 2012, 7:19 am
#174
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Denver, CO
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I see at DIA they have a huge area setup for the 787 that is arriving this morning, Screens setup all over a stage, Lighting, etc etc. Won't get to see it arrive as my flight to EWR leaves an hour before it arrives.
Nov 29, 2012, 7:37 am
#175
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ohio
Programs: HHonors Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Gold, United 1K
Posts: 190
I'm glad they're bringing 902 into service, since I've got an IAH-DEN flight next Friday on the 787!
Nov 29, 2012, 12:42 pm
#176
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: IAD, DCA
Programs: A3 Gold (*A Gold), CC Gold
Posts: 92
*edit* I'd be using miles from United, but getting miles on A3, so it's not like I'm losing that much really.
Last edited by LowlySpartan; Nov 29, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Nov 29, 2012, 4:07 pm
#177
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, CO
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It's actually a MR from SFO-IAH-IAD I found for around 200. Thinking it'd be a nice bonus to use miles and go FC, though I'd be waitlisted for other flights. If I only get upgraded on one, I'd still be out the 20k miles (and $75 fee), right?
*edit* I'd be using miles from United, but getting miles on A3, so it's not like I'm losing that much really.
*edit* I'd be using miles from United, but getting miles on A3, so it's not like I'm losing that much really.
Nov 29, 2012, 4:38 pm
#178
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http://www.9news.com/video/default.a...=1997832350001
http://www.9news.com/news/article/30...tential-fliers
Funny to hear the CO pilot say that the 787 is a huge competitive advantage, and will take a long time for the competitors to equal.. Perhaps overall, but there isn't that much of a benefit to flying this bird over a 777 or 767.
Nov 30, 2012, 8:51 am
#179
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 26
I got to ride the 787 on UA1653 this past Tuesday. I was in BF seat 2L. Overall, a nice plane but not really a "game-changer". The seats were comfortable and private enough. The video system was a bit flaky, and the FA announced not to hit the buttons too many times/too quickly of it would freeze and require a reset. Mine did (I froze it up before the announcement). It was quieter, perhaps a bit more evenly heated and cooled. I did like the bigger windows. The wing flex is indeed strange to see, and the engine intake at takeoff looks like a black hole sucking in everything around it. I only got a quick look into the E cabin. There were a LOT of seats back there. I'm not sure how great that would be. Not in any hurry to find out. At least in business, it is a better experience that some of the ancient planes in the fleet for sure, but not one that would have me change travel plans around.
Nov 30, 2012, 12:59 pm
#180
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