United GlobalFirst / Polaris First or Lufthansa Business Class
Jul 31, 2015, 1:39 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 13
United GlobalFirst / Polaris First or Lufthansa Business Class
I am looking at various options for transit through Europe to SE Asia. Right now I am booked on United Global First to CDG, and then TG F (a380) to BKK.
Alternatively, I can book LH J (a330) with new business class seats to MUC, then take TG F (747) to BKK.
Thoughts on what is the better choice?
I know LH doesn't release F availability to partners until closer to departure, and I will be stalking that like a hawk, but is it better just to get on that J product now, and then switch again later if F opens up? Or risk it and wait to see if I can get LH F later, keeping my current UA GlobalFirst seats?
Thanks!
Alternatively, I can book LH J (a330) with new business class seats to MUC, then take TG F (747) to BKK.
Thoughts on what is the better choice?
I know LH doesn't release F availability to partners until closer to departure, and I will be stalking that like a hawk, but is it better just to get on that J product now, and then switch again later if F opens up? Or risk it and wait to see if I can get LH F later, keeping my current UA GlobalFirst seats?
Thanks!
Jul 31, 2015, 1:46 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: DL Plat
Posts: 197
Given UA's poor on time record lately on long haul flights, I would take LH just for the reliability factor connecting between 2 long haul flights. Any considerable delay/cancelation on the first leg could potentially jeopardize your TG F experience on the second leg.
Jul 31, 2015, 1:54 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA 1k/1mm+, National EE, IC Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,605
Given UA's poor on time record lately on long haul flights, I would take LH just for the reliability factor connecting between 2 long haul flights. Any considerable delay/cancelation on the first leg could potentially jeopardize your TG F experience on the second leg.
Jul 31, 2015, 2:30 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: WAS/ BOM
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,567
I am looking at various options for transit through Europe to SE Asia. Right now I am booked on United Global First to CDG, and then TG F (a380) to BKK.
Alternatively, I can book LH J (a330) with new business class seats to MUC, then take TG F (747) to BKK.
Thoughts on what is the better choice?
I know LH doesn't release F availability to partners until closer to departure, and I will be stalking that like a hawk, but is it better just to get on that J product now, and then switch again later if F opens up? Or risk it and wait to see if I can get LH F later, keeping my current UA GlobalFirst seats?
Thanks!
Alternatively, I can book LH J (a330) with new business class seats to MUC, then take TG F (747) to BKK.
Thoughts on what is the better choice?
I know LH doesn't release F availability to partners until closer to departure, and I will be stalking that like a hawk, but is it better just to get on that J product now, and then switch again later if F opens up? Or risk it and wait to see if I can get LH F later, keeping my current UA GlobalFirst seats?
Thanks!
Jul 31, 2015, 2:38 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: DL Plat, UA Plat 1MM, AS MVP, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis Presidents Club, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 3,938
I would take UA GF and transit at CDG. The UA->TG transit is extremely easy and quick. The Star Alliance lounge is decent. If you appear to have a delay, they can re-route you (in F since you are ticketed in F) before you get on the CDG flight.
Also, I like the A380 F experience.
Also, I like the A380 F experience.
Jul 31, 2015, 2:49 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: DSM
Programs: AA Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Fairmont Platinum, United Silver, National Exec
Posts: 1,035
I just flew both UA Global First and LH New Business. I found the seat to be marginally--very marginally--better on UA. For service, timeliness and food, I found LH superior in every way.
Jul 31, 2015, 2:50 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM, Hertz PC, Marriott Platinum/Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,657
Jul 31, 2015, 2:52 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,302
Unfortunately this is quite accurate - I'd take LH over UA on this route every day....
Jul 31, 2015, 3:48 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil,
Posts: 4,552
As much as I dislike CDG, I'd take UA in F then TG in F on the 380. The CDG transit is easy although the security re-check lines are often very slow even with fast track. I wouldn't take TG's 747 because of the risk of getting one of their unrefurbished F cabins.
Jul 31, 2015, 3:50 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
Definitely avoid the TG 744 MUC-BKK!!!! See Thailand TR below, if you get old F that is a long uncomfortable night.
UA GF is F...period, take it to CDG, get on the TG A380 enjoy and don't look back
Jul 31, 2015, 4:50 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sacramento
Programs: UA 2MM/GS; SPG Lifetime Plat; MHC Lifetime; Tar Heel forever; and I "Dig the Pig" at Piggly Wiggly
Posts: 12,152
What is important to you???
I am a big fan on the seat in GF. When I am on an international flight, I want to sleep, and that's what I like about GF.
Other than that, UA sucks in F....catering, attitude, etc....compared to other airlines.
I am a big fan on the seat in GF. When I am on an international flight, I want to sleep, and that's what I like about GF.
Other than that, UA sucks in F....catering, attitude, etc....compared to other airlines.
Jul 31, 2015, 4:54 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern Calif./Eastern Ida.
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 20,633
this is an award booking, no? if so, i'd book LH to secure the TG F space from MUC to BKK, then hope that you can eventually change from LH J to LH F. depending on where you are starting, this is a really good possibility to pan out for you within 14 days of departure.
Sep 13, 2015, 9:59 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,256
I would lean toward LH Biz:
You get an actual wine list with good wines (rather than "we have a red AND a white"). You get good gourmet food and a real dessert instead of the @#$@#$~!! low-class DQ sundae. You get great professional service from young enthusiastic FAs. And the upper deck is gorgeous -- much nicer than the 747-400.
I would only go for UA GF if:
1) You're tall. LH seats are definitely smaller.
2) You are GS and flying out of FRA (and can therefore use the LH First Class Lounge)
You get an actual wine list with good wines (rather than "we have a red AND a white"). You get good gourmet food and a real dessert instead of the @#$@#$~!! low-class DQ sundae. You get great professional service from young enthusiastic FAs. And the upper deck is gorgeous -- much nicer than the 747-400.
I would only go for UA GF if:
1) You're tall. LH seats are definitely smaller.
2) You are GS and flying out of FRA (and can therefore use the LH First Class Lounge)