Is dealing with LHR worth it for an almost all-787 itin ?
Nov 21, 2014, 11:07 pm
#31
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: BWI, MNL
Programs: UA*G, 1MM
Posts: 172
I did a LHR-IAD hop in September and T2 is worlds apart from the old terminal UA used to occupy. And the United Club is probably the best I've been to in the system.
Flew the 788 NRT-DEN about three weeks ago. I've been looking forward to flying the 787 since it was announced ten years ago. On UA it was kinda "meh." Nothing like I was hoping. Thin seats that were comfortable enough (our flight was pretty full and I'm a big, chubby guy), the dimmable windows were cool (I sat in the center 3) and I think I felt better (fresher) because of the lower pressurization, but kinda disappointing after all the hype.
I suspect that the 787 is better on better carriers such as NH.
Flew the 788 NRT-DEN about three weeks ago. I've been looking forward to flying the 787 since it was announced ten years ago. On UA it was kinda "meh." Nothing like I was hoping. Thin seats that were comfortable enough (our flight was pretty full and I'm a big, chubby guy), the dimmable windows were cool (I sat in the center 3) and I think I felt better (fresher) because of the lower pressurization, but kinda disappointing after all the hype.
I suspect that the 787 is better on better carriers such as NH.
Nov 21, 2014, 11:56 pm
#32
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: UA AU (ex 10+ year 1k) 1.5MM, AS Newbie, HH ex Dia
Posts: 337
I'm not sure that I'd rank T2 above FRA for EU-US or US-EU transits, but both are significantly better today than their 2012 versions.
Nov 22, 2014, 12:25 am
#33
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: UA PP, AA, DL, BA, CX, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 2,002
More importantly, T2 is worlds apart from the terminals that *A used to occupy. Many of my least favorite travel memories are from T1-T3 (right terminals? I try to forget nightmares) connections at LHR. *A transits at T2 are a dream in comparison.
I'm not sure that I'd rank T2 above FRA for EU-US or US-EU transits, but both are significantly better today than their 2012 versions.
I'm not sure that I'd rank T2 above FRA for EU-US or US-EU transits, but both are significantly better today than their 2012 versions.
MUC
LHR T2
ZRH
FRA
VIE
Nov 22, 2014, 1:15 am
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,222
Agreed with that order but the complication comes from the airframe and route choices. In terms of airframes in E+:
UA777
UA767
UA757
UA787
LH380 (no E+)
In terms of routes, avoid the short flight from the East Coast - terrible for sleep and jet lag.
UA777
UA767
UA757
UA787
LH380 (no E+)
In terms of routes, avoid the short flight from the East Coast - terrible for sleep and jet lag.
Nov 22, 2014, 4:33 am
#36
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: LIS/ATL/other
Programs: UA 1K, Avis PC, Hertz PC, Sixt Plat, Marriott Gold, HH Silver
Posts: 1,983
Nov 22, 2014, 7:34 am
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
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Posts: 10,222
Nov 22, 2014, 9:07 am
#38
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Suburban Philadelphia
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,392
Oh I suppose if ypu really wanted to, you could run SFO-FRA-MUC-FRA-DUS-FRA-ZRH-FRA-STR-FRA-HAM lol...of course you have to watch the fare class on the LH flights or risk zero credit....haha
Nov 24, 2014, 11:55 am
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA Mileage Plus Premier Gold 1MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,467
So, in the end I passed.
I booked SFO->EWR->HAM last night, going back HAM->AMS->IAH->SFO, all UA code-shared(that was tough. .bomb *REALLY* wants you to take a 4U flight).
It was an intriguing idea but the EWR->HAM flight would put me there first thing on the 27th vs 14:00 going through LHR. I'm going to HAM for a conference and would miss the 1st half-day. The fees for flying into LHR also took more of a chunk out of the PQDs than I was willing to give up.
I'll do the 787 on KIX or MEL sometime next year.
Thanks for chiming in!
I booked SFO->EWR->HAM last night, going back HAM->AMS->IAH->SFO, all UA code-shared(that was tough. .bomb *REALLY* wants you to take a 4U flight).
It was an intriguing idea but the EWR->HAM flight would put me there first thing on the 27th vs 14:00 going through LHR. I'm going to HAM for a conference and would miss the 1st half-day. The fees for flying into LHR also took more of a chunk out of the PQDs than I was willing to give up.
I'll do the 787 on KIX or MEL sometime next year.
Thanks for chiming in!
Nov 24, 2014, 12:51 pm
#40
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: near to SFO and LHR
Programs: BA Gold, B6 Mosiac, VS, AA, DL (and a legacy UA 2MM)
Posts: 2,274
Still, quieter is not always better: Sort of the like riding the Eurostar train London to Paris: it's so quiet that you can hear every little noise (like snoring!) quite well. I always carry good quality earplugs for sleep
Nov 24, 2014, 2:40 pm
#41
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NYC/Northern NJ
Programs: 1K - UAL, Platinum DL, Marriott, Hilton, SPG
Posts: 1,815
So, in the end I passed.
I booked SFO->EWR->HAM last night, going back HAM->AMS->IAH->SFO, all UA code-shared(that was tough. .bomb *REALLY* wants you to take a 4U flight).
It was an intriguing idea but the EWR->HAM flight would put me there first thing on the 27th vs 14:00 going through LHR. I'm going to HAM for a conference and would miss the 1st half-day. The fees for flying into LHR also took more of a chunk out of the PQDs than I was willing to give up.
I'll do the 787 on KIX or MEL sometime next year.
Thanks for chiming in!
I booked SFO->EWR->HAM last night, going back HAM->AMS->IAH->SFO, all UA code-shared(that was tough. .bomb *REALLY* wants you to take a 4U flight).
It was an intriguing idea but the EWR->HAM flight would put me there first thing on the 27th vs 14:00 going through LHR. I'm going to HAM for a conference and would miss the 1st half-day. The fees for flying into LHR also took more of a chunk out of the PQDs than I was willing to give up.
I'll do the 787 on KIX or MEL sometime next year.
Thanks for chiming in!
Nov 24, 2014, 2:48 pm
#42
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,893
Just a quick plug for Miniatur Wunderland. An amazing use of an hour or two while you're in Hamburg. Beautiful model railroad layouts spread across several floors. The technically minded appreciate the trains; aviation enthusiasts will like their outstanding model airport.
It's in an interesting part of town, not far from the spooky tunnel under the Elbe. Usually open late on weekends.
It's in an interesting part of town, not far from the spooky tunnel under the Elbe. Usually open late on weekends.
Nov 24, 2014, 3:24 pm
#43
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: UA, Bonvoy, Amex Plat
Posts: 1,582
Looks like OP made up his mind. No qualms with his decision. To the OP regarding the 787: I've flown it on UA, AI and AC, and I generally do not love this aircraft. That said, the first time I flew her, I routed through DEN en route to MNL just so that I could fly the 787 in E+ on the DEN-NRT segment. Like others here, my experience was miserable, and I now avoid the 787 if at all possible unless I know I'll have a seat in C waiting for me.
However, I also understand that YMMV, and it's usually understandable to route in a roundabout manner to snag new aircraft types. I've done it many times. I think the suggestion for the 787 is for you to perhaps try it on a short segment at some point, just to get a feel. If you like it...onward and upward!
Of the three airlines on which I've flown the 787, only AC got it "right" IMHO.
However, I also understand that YMMV, and it's usually understandable to route in a roundabout manner to snag new aircraft types. I've done it many times. I think the suggestion for the 787 is for you to perhaps try it on a short segment at some point, just to get a feel. If you like it...onward and upward!
Of the three airlines on which I've flown the 787, only AC got it "right" IMHO.