IADDCA

I've always been a fan of sitting in the upstairs area on a 747. It always seems like the service is a little more person. I also don't feel nearly as guilty about the suffering that 310 persons in the back of the plane are experiencing.

But my question is... how much difference is there between the pitch upstairs and downstairs? I understand that there is a difference. If you're 5'10", do your feet end up down in the footwell? I know that is the case upstairs. But if that's the only thing upstairs that I have to complain about, I can easily live with it.

UA-NYC

IIRC it's 3" difference? I have an inch on you, and in the UD I've never had any issues w/seat length.

love_to_travel

After one EWR-HNL in coach, any BF is infinitely better, so I don't hate the BF product at all, either sCO or the new UA.

LilAbner

I totally agree, and if "Everyone Hated" BF there wouldn't be any g/a's to "Hate"
once the upgrade listed cleared and all the "Mad Haters" are still parked in steerage!

convert

Since I believe the majority who come to FT upgrade their flights instead of purchasing the seats, united J seats are the best. It is flat, implemented throughout the fleet and with with adequate planning, relatively available. Fewer seats with isle access to all would be a disaster. The complaints of failed upgrades here would go through the roof. Be careful what you which for.

For those who pay for Business, unless there is a cheaper fare, I am not sure why they would chose UA. Maybe it is to get status to upgrade later, which would return to my original premise.

redtailshark

Thanks for the responses - it's most interesting how people feel on these issues and it's clear that even when the objective product evaluation is widely shared by all flyers (narrower footwells in sCO BF, for example, vs sUA BF) the value of the tradeoffs differs.

I'd like to point out that my thread title was changed, for no reason that I can see (I didn't call it :-: best in class :-: for example which seems to provoke mod reaction even though this phrase is not mine).

"Why does everybody hate ON the UA BF product" - which was what I asked - is not the same question as "why does everybody HATE the UA BF product"?

In the internet age, to HATE ON, means to criticize vociferously on internet boards such as this.

To HATE means to dislike very strongly.

I doubt that many people very strongly dislike UA J in a vacuum and my question was meant to mean, why do so many UA (and other) flyers HATE ON (criticize UA J so much) but yet show appreciation of and use the product (evidence: they fly UA to become 1K or GS when they could presumably choose other product at least some of the time)?

Kacee

"The food here is terrible. And such small portions." Woody Allen.

cricketer

Quality review of an sUA 747 trip using photos of an sCO 767 cabin...

Xyzzy

Mea culpa -- I'd never heard that and sincerely thought the original title contained a typo. It'll be fixed by the time yu read this... I guess I need to get out more often

USHPNWDLUA

Two reasons:
1. employer has negotiated contract with UA and Star Alliance for J fares
2. it's the route. From SFO to all over the world - PEK, PVG, HKG, NRT, PAR, LON - can get there nonstop.

uanj

I think you need to sit in a real Y seat a couple of times and come back and report to us again!

omg THANK YOU for reminding me- need to check my upcoming NRT-EWR flight!

I can sleep comfortably in either seat, but there are many aspects that could be designed better. I have a slight preference for the pmCO seat but still find the padding on a pmUA flight better for sleeping.

What really sets a particular flight apart? The attitude of the FA's. When they are happy, flying is a joy. When they decide to impart their bad day on you, you hate the airline. Here I find both pmCO and pmUA are doing better this year compared to last and I sure hope it continues.

5khours

A few comments.

1. We did poll on the UA forum just a short time back. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...pmua-pmco.html

48% preferred the sCO J seat, 45% preferred the sUA J seat, 7% were indifferent so clearly the definitive statements by some posters about a particular seat being better or inferior are off base. It's largely a matter or personal preference.

2. Both AA and DL are a long way from having full flat bed across their entire fleet. UA was miles ahead of the competition on putting in flat bed seats.

3. Direct aisle access is nice, but a lot of people will prefer a more comfortable seat over having direct aisle access. I'm sure if we did a poll, many people would prefer sUA seats to competitors like DL,NH,TG, LH, etc.

rankourabu

Before the merger, CO fanboys would argue until they were blue in the face that it was a "hybrid" product. One of the most ridiculous arguments ever.

AC is worse tho, they call their mediocre business class "executive first"


I agree with the upgrade comments, BF is fine if it's an upgrade from Y, but if you are paying (especially your own) money for it where options exist, you need your head examined

goodeats21

The name also causes confusion among customers. Traveling internationally in the BusinessFirst cabin does not allow access to GlobalFirst lounges, etc.

"But I am traveling First Class...."

5khours

1. Because if you're tall/wide, it's one of the most comfortable seat/beds out there.

2. If you traveling with someone, you can actually see and talk to your companion.

3. UGs to GF

4. Award tickets in UA GF

5. Award tickets in international F on many *A carriers.

6. Good award availability.

7. Routes.

8. Get to watch JSMI videos....NOT

Honestly, when these seats came out everybody thought they were the greatest thing since sliced bread.... and IMHO they still are one of the best seats around especially if you're planning on sleeping.