SPN Lifer

That is exactly how it was at NRT in mid-April 2021 (SFO-NRT-GUM).

nexus7556

I think it depends on travel direction. In December 2021 SFO -NRT-BKK required no additional security but BKK-NRT-SFO did require the extra screening

Winkdaddy

Hey All,

I am trying to construct a work trip in September for the following: ORD-BKK, BKK-SGN, SGN-ORD. My company will likely pay for Premium Economy but not Business.

I am toying with the idea of flying UA for ORD-SFO-SIN...then take Singapore Air from SIN to BKK.. (local airlines between BKK-SGN) .and also Singapore Air for SGN back to SIN...and then UA metal from SIN-SFO-ORD

In this scenario I can try to use my Plus points to upgrade from Premium Economy to Business on SFO-SIN both ways. But how likely is that really on that route? Decent chance or total pipe dream?

I can also fly Singapore Air from a few USA cities to SIN...in Premium Economy but no chance of upgrade. (I didnt see any great options to fly to BKK directly, so using SIN seemed like a better option)

How would you guys construct such a trip if you can only buy up to Premium Economy on any airline but also had 360 Plus Points?

thaitraveller

Dear Wise Flyers:
Due to flight schedule cancellations, we have to change routing for a business class ticket from SFO to CGK in Dec.
Would there be a big difference of these:
1. SFO to SIN UA Polaris and SIN to CGK on SIA in COACH; OR
2. SFO to TPE EVA Biz and TPE to CGK on EVA in Biz.

Option 1 is a bit shorter / more efficient / better timed (SFO to TPE is at midnight vs SFO to SIN at 10.30 pm)
But, the reviews of Polaris, even on a long 17+ hour flight seem dreadful with bad food, bad service, limited amenities, etc. Can it really truly be that bad?
Normally I would always favor fastest under the theory that 'any business class should really be good enough.' But UA Polaris / Fauxlaris seems to be changing that unfortunately.
Flight on SIA SFO to SIN not an option.

goodeats21

if connection in TPE is reasonable and/or overall timing of the EVA is comparable, I think that would be the way to go. I don't have any experience with them post-COVID, but their service standards were always MUCH higher than United.

It also eliminates the short flight in coach altogether, which would be important to me.

yogibearla

One consideration is that TPE is still closed to international transit. Though the situation could change by the end of the year.

mduell

EVA Biz, assuming you think you'll be eligible for TPE transit at the time.

thaitraveller

If TPE ends up being closed to transit, what would response of UAL do we think? These are mileage tickets.
Would UA accommodate? I have heard of mixed responses.
Maybe safer to take the service hit and keep the SIN routing.

WineCountryUA

First if TPE is no transit, that would not be a covered reason for a free change. It has been that way always and by all airlines.
Second, UA can not force space on partners, so a change is only possible if partner space is available (and UA metal goes to that destination)

Partner Award tickets are very proclamation on schedule changes.

thaitraveller

Thank you for very valuable input.
Sounds like best to sit tight for now on UA metal in a place more likely to be open.

Boraxo

I have no idea what reviews are referenced nor can I rate service post-2019.

however pre-covid I never had any issues with the SIN flight and found the routing most efficient for connections to CGK. The UA Polaris beds are quite comfortable for both sleeping and mid-recline. If you are looking for some kind of gourmet meal then you should be flying SQ.
cannot comment on Taipei or EVA

prestonh

If TPE is available for transit EVA wins hands down.

restlessinRNO

This would be my clear advice too. I would risk booking Eva Air and wait. Taiwan may allow transit in a few months.

ryman554

Not travel direction. Point of origin.

USA (sfo) is "clean" with respect to incoming travelers to japan.
Thailand (bkk) is "unclean", so needs to be re-processed for security.

The same is true landing in Germany. USA usually goes directly into non-schengen transfer. BKK must reclear security.

Not sure why the lack of love for Thailand visitors -- their security visibly seems on-par with everyone else.

goodeats21

I have been looking at BKK options from USA in Business Class for late 2022 / early 2023. I can't seem to get United to offer an option thru TYO with the ANA leg in Business Class. It always comes back with that segment in economy. (Both HND and NRT).
I don't want to spend 7 hours in an economy seat. I would think this would be their preferred routing, but can't seem to get them to offer it.

Anyone else seeing this and/or have a workaround? Tried using Google Flights, same result.