zoegksf

They tend to do this when planes aren't flying international segments over the holidays. There was a 773 on the SFO-HNL run over Thanksgiving.

Repooc17

UA provides 78J (787-10) daily service through at least the next few months.

goalie

risenmyth

First time flying round-trip transcontinental Business Class (P) from EWR-LAX with no United status at all.
757-200 (2B) to and 787-10 (1A) return (both Polaris? not too sure).

1) What should I expect from this being my first time and all?
2) Is the meal (lunch) on 757-200 going to be something to look forward to? I usually buy airport food and eat it on the flight.
3) Will service be different if I'm in Business with no United status than someone with United status?

Thanks so much!

findark

Neither is marketed as United Polaris, but the 787-10 will have the new Polaris seat.

It's a slightly toned-down version of the international Business service. United Club access in EWR and LAX, four course meal (appetizer, salad, main, dessert of ice cream with toppings). Arrival service of some sort (I think it's wraps now?). Seats are guaranteed lie-flat.

No. Not to say that it's bad per se, but I wouldn't "look forward" to it, either. Most food on UA is acceptable, but not remarkable.

Not meaningfully, no. It is possible you might not get your first choice of main meal, but that's about it.

trust77

I was on the 787-10 flights between flying EWR-LAX-EWR last week and was served a meal in economy (well I sat in Premium Plus, but I know it's economy regardless). We were offered meals on both flights and not food for purchase. EWR-LAX I had the general something chicken, and LAX-EWR I had the eggs and potatoes option. Is this route usually food for purchase?

risenmyth

Thank you so much for the answer.
So they won't have full Polaris service, even for the 787-10? That's a bit unfortunate but can't be helped. Would it matter that I say that the flight would be early July? Would the 5-6 months make a difference between the service?

A few more questions:
1) For the first choice of main meal, is it possible that I just request it beforehand and hope for the best?
2) What are the drink (alcohol) etiquette? Am I allowed to ask for multiple drinks or is it frowned upon or depends on the attendant?
3) I have read that the EWR United Club is pretty mediocre and the LAX one is decidedly the best. Is it even worth visiting the EWR one or just arrive later than planned and head straight to the gate?
4) I would have business check-in (if necessary) when I arrive at the United terminal, right?

Thank you again!

bdw1120

1) Can't pre-order meal on United. Meal preferences are prioritized for GS/1K, then usually from front to back (YMMV). If you have dietary restrictions, you can order special meal in advance, or tell the FA (e.g. you're vegetarian, you are allergic to seafood, etc.)
2) Multiple - yes, but usually max. two at a time so as not to make it too awkward... Most FAs disappear mid-flight, but you can go to the galley to request more drinks
3) EWR clubs have bars at least, but agree not worth planning extra time just to be there. Terminal C is much nicer.
4) You can use the premier access check-in (on a different floor than economy)

WineCountryUA

E+ on the Premium Trans fights " receive a complimentary hot entrée, fruit and dessert, as well as their choice of free alcoholic beverages, including our featured cocktail and more. " I think the food is downsized for redeyes.

No, what in particular are you concerned about. It is a 5-ish hour flight.

Probaby the most significant missing item is Polaris Lounge access but UC access is included.

findark

No. UA has no intention of offering full Polaris service on domestic routes -- as WineCountryUA asked, is there a particular aspect you want to experience?

You can't pre-order meals on UA. However, sitting as far forward in the cabin as you are, I would not really worry about it. The odds of not getting your first choice are pretty small. Only 1K and GS get priority; all other status pax are treated equally to you.

As noted, having more than two drinks at once is probably too many If you intend to partake heavily, the rate-limiting factor is usually how often an FA comes by and makes eye contact with you. Some (a minority IME) figure out which pax want their glass perpetually full and take care of it. Many others spend an hour or more in the galley between service rounds. Like everything else on UA, it's consistently inconsistent.

I've never been to a lounge anywhere in the world that I would deliberately get to the airport early to experience (a second) time. (Okay, there are some that are worth planning out your first & only stop, and I would e.g. show up for dinner in the Polaris Lounge before attempting EWR-LHR, but those are exceptions.)

Lounges are great when the unpredictability of how long it takes to get to EWR means you have 40 minutes to kill airside; I would never make a plan with the purpose of getting additional UC time.

Yes, "Premier Access" as it's called on United.

risenmyth

Not so much concerned! But I just want to know what I can expect to receive and if there will be any changes since it's still 6 months away.

Ah no pre-orders, I see. I have really front seats (2B and 1A) on both legs. So I shouldn't worry too much.
I do have a United Explorer Card as well, so I'd love to go once or twice to experience what they have to offer. But my business flight comes with free United Club entrance, so I'd save those 2 free passes for some other time. Is there any

1) Is it often odd or weird to walk up to the galley? or is it encouraged when you want something? As opposed to ringing a FA signal light
2) Is it ever recommended to check-in at the counter as opposed to online (when I don't need to check-in any luggage)?
3) What group will I board as with a business seat? My United Explorer card says that I'm allowed at Group 2, but does my business boarding ticket allow Group 1?

WineCountryUA

no significant difference if you are not waitlisted for an upgrade.
IMO, checking in online is easier and faster. Don't see a reason to do at the airport when you have no checked luggage.
You will be BG1 -- but GS and 1Ks can board earlier along with those needing extra time/assistance and families with under 2-year-olds.

Phil Level

Special meals can be pre-ordered by telephone. My wife is Gluten-free so she usually orders one.

https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...g/special.html

That said, she usually picks at it (eats very little) and brings her own food anyway.
I bring my own food or find something to eat in the terminal.
At EWR, I like Classified, if you get an invitation to dine there.

cesco.g

So, is mine

findark

Opinions vary, but I've never felt much of a difference between the two. Just don't do it too often or you'll probably annoy them.

Real (cardstock) BPs