Aug 17, 2013, 10:44 am
Last edit by: Bitterroot
Updates to Wiki as of 20 January 2014
Planned changes in aircraft by date and route:
SFO -- SYD: first 772 departs SFO 27 March; turns to 840 at SYD on 29 March
LAX -- SYD: first 772 departs LAX 29 March; turn off 840-29th.
NRT -- ORD: First 744 departs NRT 27 March (aircraft turn at ORD to PVG and FRA in succession the day following arrival from NRT)
ORD -- NRT: First 744 departs ORD 31 March
ORD -- PVG: First 744 departs ORD 28 March
PVG -- ORD: First 744 departs PVG 29 March
ORD -- FRA: First 744 departs ORD 29 March
FRA -- ORD: First 744 departs FRA 30 March
NRT -- SFO: 852 to operate with 772 27 March through 31 March inclusive (772 coming out of rotation)
Or, you can just go look at the good work here (note that info posted above differs from AIRLINEROUTE info dated 4 January 2014 and before):
http://airlineroute.net/2013/08/17/ua-s14update1/
Or, straight to the source if you want to do your own research:
http://www.oag.com/Global
Planned changes in aircraft by date and route:
SFO -- SYD: first 772 departs SFO 27 March; turns to 840 at SYD on 29 March
LAX -- SYD: first 772 departs LAX 29 March; turn off 840-29th.
NRT -- ORD: First 744 departs NRT 27 March (aircraft turn at ORD to PVG and FRA in succession the day following arrival from NRT)
ORD -- NRT: First 744 departs ORD 31 March
ORD -- PVG: First 744 departs ORD 28 March
PVG -- ORD: First 744 departs PVG 29 March
ORD -- FRA: First 744 departs ORD 29 March
FRA -- ORD: First 744 departs FRA 30 March
NRT -- SFO: 852 to operate with 772 27 March through 31 March inclusive (772 coming out of rotation)
Or, you can just go look at the good work here (note that info posted above differs from AIRLINEROUTE info dated 4 January 2014 and before):
http://airlineroute.net/2013/08/17/ua-s14update1/
Or, straight to the source if you want to do your own research:
http://www.oag.com/Global
[Confirmed] SYD going UA 3 Cabin 777 in 2014 [and other 747 route changes]
Aug 21, 2013, 6:36 am
#406
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: EWR - Jersey Shore
Programs: UA Gold, *A Gold, HH Dia, Hertz #1 5*
Posts: 630
I am being affected by this switch for UA 840 from a 744 to a 772. In April 14, I lost my 14B on the upper deck for the SYD-LAX flight. Now in 6J. Heading to NZ in J, UA 79 EWR-NRT, pmCO 772, then NZ 90 NRT-AKL, currently in J on their 772. Then NZ 123 AKL-MEL connecting to UA 840 MEL-SYD, spending 4 days in SYD.
Last edited by JerseySlime; Aug 21, 2013 at 6:47 am
Aug 25, 2013, 12:53 am
#407
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Programs: United 1MM
Posts: 318
I haven't seen much discussion on this (specifically the # 210), but there will be 210 less seats per day by going from the 747 to the 777. That's 105 per flight.
This will make flights very crowded and prices will definitely increase. Can the market withstand this reduction? Or maybe UA will add a third service a few days per week to compensate for this. Perhaps at key peak travel times like when they used to have a MEL-LAX nonstop in addition to the two US departures from SYD.
This will make flights very crowded and prices will definitely increase. Can the market withstand this reduction? Or maybe UA will add a third service a few days per week to compensate for this. Perhaps at key peak travel times like when they used to have a MEL-LAX nonstop in addition to the two US departures from SYD.
Aug 25, 2013, 3:44 am
#408
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Syd
Programs: UA 1k 1MM, VA G
Posts: 886
I haven't seen much discussion on this (specifically the # 210), but there will be 210 less seats per day by going from the 747 to the 777. That's 105 per flight.
This will make flights very crowded and prices will definitely increase. Can the market withstand this reduction? Or maybe UA will add a third service a few days per week to compensate for this. Perhaps at key peak travel times like when they used to have a MEL-LAX nonstop in addition to the two US departures from SYD.
This will make flights very crowded and prices will definitely increase. Can the market withstand this reduction? Or maybe UA will add a third service a few days per week to compensate for this. Perhaps at key peak travel times like when they used to have a MEL-LAX nonstop in addition to the two US departures from SYD.
(Fri-Sunday is still pretty full)
My personal hope is that this becomes a seasonal thing and they add in a 3rd service during the Peak season for Mel-sfo
I'm also really surprised that they haven't just flown over one of the PS birds to do the Syd-Mel flight
I've never seen more then 20 in j/f and 100 in y going either way on the flight
They could save a great deal on fuel and cycle costs doing the flight
I think the days of $1200 returns from Syd-iad are done for me though with this change
Aug 25, 2013, 6:05 am
#409
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: MEL
Programs: OZ Diamond, QF, VA
Posts: 235
During the offseason there is a total gluttony of supply to AUS from the USA on most days
(Fri-Sunday is still pretty full)
My personal hope is that this becomes a seasonal thing and they add in a 3rd service during the Peak season for Mel-sfo
I'm also really surprised that they haven't just flown over one of the PS birds to do the Syd-Mel flight
I've never seen more then 20 in j/f and 100 in y going either way on the flight
They could save a great deal on fuel and cycle costs doing the flight
I think the days of $1200 returns from Syd-iad are done for me though with this change
(Fri-Sunday is still pretty full)
My personal hope is that this becomes a seasonal thing and they add in a 3rd service during the Peak season for Mel-sfo
I'm also really surprised that they haven't just flown over one of the PS birds to do the Syd-Mel flight
I've never seen more then 20 in j/f and 100 in y going either way on the flight
They could save a great deal on fuel and cycle costs doing the flight
I think the days of $1200 returns from Syd-iad are done for me though with this change
Like you, I'm sure my cheap MEL-ORD returns are gone.
As for the SYD-MEL tag, I've seen that be empty like you describe, as well as being close to full. Not to mention it would be a waste to park a PS bird for 21 hours a day so you can fly two 439 mile flights.
Aug 25, 2013, 8:38 pm
#410
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Programs: United 1MM
Posts: 318
While I'm also hoping for a third service, I'm not sure we'll see it. I think UA will be happy for fares to increase.
Like you, I'm sure my cheap MEL-ORD returns are gone.
As for the SYD-MEL tag, I've seen that be empty like you describe, as well as being close to full. Not to mention it would be a waste to park a PS bird for 21 hours a day so you can fly two 439 mile flights.
Like you, I'm sure my cheap MEL-ORD returns are gone.
As for the SYD-MEL tag, I've seen that be empty like you describe, as well as being close to full. Not to mention it would be a waste to park a PS bird for 21 hours a day so you can fly two 439 mile flights.
I think the reason they don't use a more fuel efficient, smaller place for SYD-MEL is that there's only 2 flights per day. That's low use of a jet, and they could make more money flying it more. Hence, they use less planes but more inefficiently.
Aug 25, 2013, 9:04 pm
#411
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Based on gcmap.com, SFO-LHR or SFO-HKG are both within range of ETOPS 90 (ie, never more than 90 minutes from a suitable landing site).
Here's an example of the southerly routing: http://flightaware.com/live/flight/U...330Z/VHHH/KSFO.
I was just googling some stuff about 747s and Australia and I came across this article.
http://www.ausbt.com.au/united-conti...an-747-service
Talk about broken promises, pretty sure progress on this is zero, guess they decided to wait for the a350s after all
http://www.ausbt.com.au/united-conti...an-747-service
Talk about broken promises, pretty sure progress on this is zero, guess they decided to wait for the a350s after all
Aug 25, 2013, 10:00 pm
#412
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: MEL
Programs: OZ Diamond, QF, VA
Posts: 235
I priced out a few fares in April for MEL-NYC and got AUD $1550 return. Not too bad though. I'm guessing the cheap $1200 flights will go to about $1500 or $1600. Hopefully not near $2000 for off-peak.
I think the reason they don't use a more fuel efficient, smaller place for SYD-MEL is that there's only 2 flights per day. That's low use of a jet, and they could make more money flying it more. Hence, they use less planes but more inefficiently.
I think the reason they don't use a more fuel efficient, smaller place for SYD-MEL is that there's only 2 flights per day. That's low use of a jet, and they could make more money flying it more. Hence, they use less planes but more inefficiently.
Aug 26, 2013, 5:35 am
#413
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: EWR - Jersey Shore
Programs: UA Gold, *A Gold, HH Dia, Hertz #1 5*
Posts: 630
I priced out a few fares in April for MEL-NYC and got AUD $1550 return. Not too bad though. I'm guessing the cheap $1200 flights will go to about $1500 or $1600. Hopefully not near $2000 for off-peak.
I think the reason they don't use a more fuel efficient, smaller place for SYD-MEL is that there's only 2 flights per day. That's low use of a jet, and they could make more money flying it more. Hence, they use less planes but more inefficiently.
I think the reason they don't use a more fuel efficient, smaller place for SYD-MEL is that there's only 2 flights per day. That's low use of a jet, and they could make more money flying it more. Hence, they use less planes but more inefficiently.
Aug 26, 2013, 6:13 am
#414
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Syd
Programs: UA 1k 1MM, VA G
Posts: 886
Most days (not all but most)
NZ has a flat bed 777 doing SYD->AKL and back
they also have a 767 with the recliners doing much the same
NZ is doing this to capture the premium traffic off virgin and QF as why pay $1k each way to fly in a domestic seat when you could be in a flat bed
(side note... for the 6am departure out of AKL the 777 flat bed makes it so nice to get in the extra nap before heading into sydney for a full day at work)
NZ previously having a SYD->SFO route from memory
Last edited by iluv2fly; Aug 26, 2013 at 6:20 am Reason: merge
Aug 26, 2013, 7:00 am
#415
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: EWR - Jersey Shore
Programs: UA Gold, *A Gold, HH Dia, Hertz #1 5*
Posts: 630
???
Most days (not all but most)
NZ has a flat bed 777 doing SYD->AKL and back
they also have a 767 with the recliners doing much the same
NZ is doing this to capture the premium traffic off virgin and QF as why pay $1k each way to fly in a domestic seat when you could be in a flat bed
(side note... for the 6am departure out of AKL the 777 flat bed makes it so nice to get in the extra nap before heading into sydney for a full day at work)
Ua made a deal with NZ eons ago to trade exclusive access to syd direct from the USA in trade for dropping ua direct flights to NZ
NZ previously having a SYD->SFO route from memory
Most days (not all but most)
NZ has a flat bed 777 doing SYD->AKL and back
they also have a 767 with the recliners doing much the same
NZ is doing this to capture the premium traffic off virgin and QF as why pay $1k each way to fly in a domestic seat when you could be in a flat bed
(side note... for the 6am departure out of AKL the 777 flat bed makes it so nice to get in the extra nap before heading into sydney for a full day at work)
Ua made a deal with NZ eons ago to trade exclusive access to syd direct from the USA in trade for dropping ua direct flights to NZ
NZ previously having a SYD->SFO route from memory
And that's part of the problem. UA and NZ may have that agreement, but when is the last time you saw a premium seat out of AKL to SFO/LAX on NZ? It seems the agreement has become one way in favor of NZ.
One thing I do miss with the merger is the ability to use my CO miles on QF to get on the old QF25/26 flights.
Aug 26, 2013, 7:57 am
#416
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: MEL
Programs: OZ Diamond, QF, VA
Posts: 235
It's too bad NZ couldn't run one of their dated 763's (barcoloungers in J) on a couple of Trans-Tasman loops (AKL-SYD-MEL-AKL-MEL-SYD-AKL). This would give all the *A pax that ability to get to and from those locations. UA could add a 3rd Trans-Pac flight (maybe a 788) either LAX or SFO to AKL.
Aug 26, 2013, 10:39 am
#418
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,170
Aug 26, 2013, 6:22 pm
#419
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Syd
Programs: UA 1k 1MM, VA G
Posts: 886
It's IMHO already to much capacity on most days
If the sUA 767-300er had the range to do it I would say that it might work out ok as a route but still it would be a fight with NZ for the limited business on the route
Aug 27, 2013, 1:40 am
#420
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Taunton, UK
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Silver
Posts: 1,158
SFO-LHR 777-200 changes October 2013
777-200 showing now for the following:
UA901 SFO-LHR from Saturday 5th to Monday 14th October.
UA900 LHR-SFO from Sunday 6th to Tuesday 15th October.
UA930/931 remains 747-400.
However, from Sunday 27th October UA900/901 vanishes and UA930/931 goes to a 777-200.
It might be UA website screwing with me as no fare classes are showing for these flights and it's overnight in the US, but would they really condense 2 x 747 flights into 1 x 777 during the winter, and even if they did, it seems crazy to kill off the earlier options in both directions?
The seat map for my UA900 has also changed to a 772 on the 8th October, so glad I checked as I had lost my seat reservations!
UA901 SFO-LHR from Saturday 5th to Monday 14th October.
UA900 LHR-SFO from Sunday 6th to Tuesday 15th October.
UA930/931 remains 747-400.
However, from Sunday 27th October UA900/901 vanishes and UA930/931 goes to a 777-200.
It might be UA website screwing with me as no fare classes are showing for these flights and it's overnight in the US, but would they really condense 2 x 747 flights into 1 x 777 during the winter, and even if they did, it seems crazy to kill off the earlier options in both directions?
The seat map for my UA900 has also changed to a 772 on the 8th October, so glad I checked as I had lost my seat reservations!