Given the choice, fly the 787/777/747 for Asia Travel?
Dec 15, 2012, 3:19 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: USA
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 328
Given the choice, fly the 787/777/747 for Asia Travel?
Which of the follwing aircraft would you fly going from the East Coast USA to SE Asia....Would it be the 787 or 777 or 747?
If Flying in E+ which of the above on that very long route is best?
Which of those has the better BF seat?
Which has the best chance on a W fare to have the SWU clear 8 months out?
Lastly which Gateway city should we fly thru for the best odds?
We would leave from EWR,JFK or PHL but could connect thru IAH / IAD/ORD/DEN/SFO etc to get a better BF product or increase our odds to win the SWU lottery on the W fare.
Thanks in advance for your insight ^
If Flying in E+ which of the above on that very long route is best?
Which of those has the better BF seat?
Which has the best chance on a W fare to have the SWU clear 8 months out?
Lastly which Gateway city should we fly thru for the best odds?
We would leave from EWR,JFK or PHL but could connect thru IAH / IAD/ORD/DEN/SFO etc to get a better BF product or increase our odds to win the SWU lottery on the W fare.
Thanks in advance for your insight ^
Last edited by DocTravel; Dec 15, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Dec 15, 2012, 3:25 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Aussie in ORD
Programs: Marriott Plat, Ua Gold, GE.. Sucker for punishment
Posts: 4,237
I am super curious to try the 787 for the big windows and the higher cabin pressure and humidity.. but that is the main reason..
Best BF seat? I was lucky enough to experience top deck on a 747 MEL-LAX.. Very nice product and both in e+ and BF I would highly recommend the 747.. in e+ grab a a bulkhead.. infinite leg room.
(my 2c)
Best BF seat? I was lucky enough to experience top deck on a 747 MEL-LAX.. Very nice product and both in e+ and BF I would highly recommend the 747.. in e+ grab a a bulkhead.. infinite leg room.
(my 2c)
Dec 15, 2012, 3:28 pm
#3
Moderator: United Airlines
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in general the 747 E+ is probably the weakest (least legspace) of the entire fleet. Exit rows on any of the planes (avoid windows) is better than average for the plane.
Dec 15, 2012, 3:54 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Maine
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Given your question OP, I would look for whatever upgradeable inventory is available to confirm immediately. If you're willing to play the lottery, I would play it with the 777 as it offers the best fallback E+ option.
Dec 15, 2012, 4:09 pm
#8
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Dec 15, 2012, 4:29 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: USA
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 328
We are also willing to route thru any UA hub to better the odds on the longhaul lottery as well. We are hoping to book before the end of the month to get the SWU put in the booking asap for summer travel.
Hopefully we are thinking and going about this the correct way?
Thanks for all the thoughts already !!
Dec 15, 2012, 4:39 pm
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
One seat on 7 Aug (~8 months out) for DEN-NRT. Also one on the 14th and 27th. Oh, and two on the 20th.
I agree that booking the flights currently available is the best option but don't assume there will not be any ever. I didn't check other gateways or the return, but it isn't hopeless.
I agree that booking the flights currently available is the best option but don't assume there will not be any ever. I didn't check other gateways or the return, but it isn't hopeless.
Dec 15, 2012, 4:40 pm
#11
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LAS - I'm All In!
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Posts: 3,639
Routing on the SEA-NRT 777 will probably be the best bet not knowing exact market factors 8 months out. Plus the 777 in E+ is probably going to be the best out of the 3 if the SWU doesn't clear.
Dec 15, 2012, 5:55 pm
#13
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Dec 15, 2012, 6:23 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: DEN
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Posts: 6,392
Based on the comments in this thread, it seems that $misek must really hope that the route network is enough to put UA over the top..... cause there aint much love for the 787!