Who is on the First Polaris International Flight SFO-HKG on March 25?
Mar 26, 2017, 10:00 am
#121
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA MM, Marriott lifetime Platinum
Posts: 384
So they have a much awaited and much hyped inaugural flight and they staff it with an FA crew that has has never seen that aircraft type from the inside before? Or even a simulator? Did they at least put them up at the SFO Holiday Inn Express the night before the flight?
Also, there was a 11:59pm SFO-ORD redeye on Saturday night 3/25. Is this due to the fact that with the 77W coming online for intercontinental routes they are putting them back on domestic runs as well or was this a weird one off during spring break?
Mar 26, 2017, 10:05 am
#123
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 504
I'm curious on the thoughts of everyone who was on the flight, I saw some reviews about food and seats, but is this a game changer for UA (on their intl product)?
Is it only a game changer for J (since Y seems to be sardined)?
Is it only a game changer for J (since Y seems to be sardined)?
Mar 26, 2017, 10:07 am
#124
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Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 11,164
Whether it is 12 or 13, is that sufficient to provide good service? My observation is that the biggest factor influence service is the passenger load - another word, staffing level to a large extent.
Oops, did not see this. I guess here is the answer.
Oops, did not see this. I guess here is the answer.
Mar 26, 2017, 10:59 am
#125
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Is it a game changer for J? I am not so sure based on my frequent travel on other *A carriers. Seats are definitely better with more privacy. Although the soft products are have improved since December 1st, 2016, it is still fair average as compared to other reputable airlines.
Overall，huge improvement! Game changer- not sure yet.
Mar 26, 2017, 11:12 am
#126
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Location: HH Diamond, Marriott, IHG, Hyatt something
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Nice pictures! I booked this flight ex HKG in F for next week long before I knew that it would be changing. I flew it last year on the 747, so guess I'll get to compare the two. Hopefully they'll have all the kinks worked out of the flights.
It was going to be my daughters first 747 and F flight, but hopefully as a 4 year old, she won't be disappointed.
It was going to be my daughters first 747 and F flight, but hopefully as a 4 year old, she won't be disappointed.
Mar 26, 2017, 12:45 pm
#127
Join Date: May 2006
Location: PMD
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Elsewhere on the island of Chek Lap Kok, after 862 the last 747-400 departed, and before 869 the first 777-300 arrived, Mrs. Carrie Lam won "777" votes (out of 1194) to become the next Chief Executive of the HKSAR (2017-07-01 to 2022-06-30).
Mar 26, 2017, 1:04 pm
#128
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 756
So what is the point of doing the domestic runs for familiarity if the crew had never been in the aircraft before? Or were these familiarity runs more for ground crew?
Also, there was a 11:59pm SFO-ORD redeye on Saturday night 3/25. Is this due to the fact that with the 77W coming online for intercontinental routes they are putting them back on domestic runs as well or was this a weird one off during spring break?
Also, there was a 11:59pm SFO-ORD redeye on Saturday night 3/25. Is this due to the fact that with the 77W coming online for intercontinental routes they are putting them back on domestic runs as well or was this a weird one off during spring break?
Even still, the seats are the only thing different. Polaris service has been around for 3 months now that this crew probably has had a fair amount of experience already with meal prep.
Mar 26, 2017, 1:07 pm
#129
Join Date: May 2015
Programs: All the programs!
Posts: 1,007
Did you get a refund for equipment swap and no more F cabin?
Mar 26, 2017, 1:27 pm
#130
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,592
So what is the point of doing the domestic runs for familiarity if the crew had never been in the aircraft before? Or were these familiarity runs more for ground crew?
Also, there was a 11:59pm SFO-ORD redeye on Saturday night 3/25. Is this due to the fact that with the 77W coming online for intercontinental routes they are putting them back on domestic runs as well or was this a weird one off during spring break?
Also, there was a 11:59pm SFO-ORD redeye on Saturday night 3/25. Is this due to the fact that with the 77W coming online for intercontinental routes they are putting them back on domestic runs as well or was this a weird one off during spring break?
Mar 26, 2017, 3:30 pm
#131
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After sat/slept in 9G for 14 hours on the inaugural flight, here are a few things I have issues with the seat (this won't prevent me not flying United and the new seats are big improvement):
1. Yes, I agree with the prior comment on everything needs have two more inches.
2. There is little arm space (right arm for E seats and left arms for G seats on the odd number rows). I find my self looking for place to rest my left arm and triggered the switch on the divider multiple times (luckily I was flying with a colleague)
3. Overhead lights above the seats behind you shine on my face when I am in lie flat position or in a lounge chair position to watch the IFE.
4. Row 9 is still too close to the restroom. It was not a problem on a transcon flight, but on long haul, it became a problem with galley activities and frequent use of the restrooms and crew storage areas nearby.
5. Tray table not wide enough if I am using a mouse with my laptop.
6. Sat in 2E a couple of weeks ago and the angle is awkward and I was bothered by the aisle traffic and passenger activities across the aisle. It was bearable on a 5-hour transcon flight, but I'd choose a different seat from the aisle facing window and aisle face center seats. Basically, ignore even number rows if you are looking for a quieter flight.
Again, just some minior points to note. I do think the new seats and cabin are excellent improvements made by United. They are better than the current s/UA and s/CO business seats/cabins. I am looking to fly the 77W again next week.
1. Yes, I agree with the prior comment on everything needs have two more inches.
2. There is little arm space (right arm for E seats and left arms for G seats on the odd number rows). I find my self looking for place to rest my left arm and triggered the switch on the divider multiple times (luckily I was flying with a colleague)
3. Overhead lights above the seats behind you shine on my face when I am in lie flat position or in a lounge chair position to watch the IFE.
4. Row 9 is still too close to the restroom. It was not a problem on a transcon flight, but on long haul, it became a problem with galley activities and frequent use of the restrooms and crew storage areas nearby.
5. Tray table not wide enough if I am using a mouse with my laptop.
6. Sat in 2E a couple of weeks ago and the angle is awkward and I was bothered by the aisle traffic and passenger activities across the aisle. It was bearable on a 5-hour transcon flight, but I'd choose a different seat from the aisle facing window and aisle face center seats. Basically, ignore even number rows if you are looking for a quieter flight.
Again, just some minior points to note. I do think the new seats and cabin are excellent improvements made by United. They are better than the current s/UA and s/CO business seats/cabins. I am looking to fly the 77W again next week.
Mar 26, 2017, 4:00 pm
#132
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Mar 26, 2017, 7:50 pm
#133
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
But is the new hard product good enough to compete for the next dozen years? Probably not. I also found my right arm falling asleep. And the soft product especially the food. Definitely not. We had a great HKG Asia based crew who were all working hard and being attentive. What can we say about that? And that avod. I would have thought there would be outreach to all the pax. Seeing a hour glass for hours on end with no preview pic content loaded. Fails.
I thought Oscar looked tight in those initial photos and noticed he never put his shoulders back into the Polaris seat. Either us guys needs two inches off our width or UA could put two inches into those seats. UA should start working on that. 
After sat/slept in 9G for 14 hours on the inaugural flight, here are a few things I have issues with the seat (this won't prevent me not flying United and the new seats are big improvement):
1. Yes, I agree with the prior comment on everything needs have two more inches.
2. There is little arm space (right arm for E seats and left arms for G seats on the odd number rows). I find my self looking for place to rest my left arm and triggered the switch on the divider multiple times (luckily I was flying with a colleague)
3. Overhead lights above the seats behind you shine on my face when I am in lie flat position or in a lounge chair position to watch the IFE.
4. Row 9 is still too close to the restroom. It was not a problem on a transcon flight, but on long haul, it became a problem with galley activities and frequent use of the restrooms and crew storage areas nearby.
5. Tray table not wide enough if I am using a mouse with my laptop.
6. Sat in 2E a couple of weeks ago and the angle is awkward and I was bothered by the aisle traffic and passenger activities across the aisle. It was bearable on a 5-hour transcon flight, but I'd choose a different seat from the aisle facing window and aisle face center seats. Basically, ignore even number rows if you are looking for a quieter flight.
Again, just some minior points to note. I do think the new seats and cabin are excellent improvements made by United. They are better than the current s/UA and s/CO business seats/cabins. I am looking to fly the 77W again next week.
1. Yes, I agree with the prior comment on everything needs have two more inches.
2. There is little arm space (right arm for E seats and left arms for G seats on the odd number rows). I find my self looking for place to rest my left arm and triggered the switch on the divider multiple times (luckily I was flying with a colleague)
3. Overhead lights above the seats behind you shine on my face when I am in lie flat position or in a lounge chair position to watch the IFE.
4. Row 9 is still too close to the restroom. It was not a problem on a transcon flight, but on long haul, it became a problem with galley activities and frequent use of the restrooms and crew storage areas nearby.
5. Tray table not wide enough if I am using a mouse with my laptop.
6. Sat in 2E a couple of weeks ago and the angle is awkward and I was bothered by the aisle traffic and passenger activities across the aisle. It was bearable on a 5-hour transcon flight, but I'd choose a different seat from the aisle facing window and aisle face center seats. Basically, ignore even number rows if you are looking for a quieter flight.
Again, just some minior points to note. I do think the new seats and cabin are excellent improvements made by United. They are better than the current s/UA and s/CO business seats/cabins. I am looking to fly the 77W again next week.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Mar 26, 2017 at 10:48 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member -- please use multi-quote
Mar 26, 2017, 8:15 pm
#134
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: New York / Hawaii
Programs: UA Global Services, HH Diamond
Posts: 5,189
Would be interesting to see if the economics warranted a return of an F cabin in 5-10 years or so.
I do think their Polaris lounges, or at least the one in Chicago, is a game-changer. Higher-end food/drink offerings and things like places to shower/nap in comfort will definitely get the other carriers to notice.
Mar 26, 2017, 8:30 pm
#135
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DPS
Programs: AS G100K, UA Silver
Posts: 1,799
Definitely not a game-changer. I think UA doing away with international first class is a game-changer. I think updating their business product is more of an evolution than some seismic shift.
Would be interesting to see if the economics warranted a return of an F cabin in 5-10 years or so.
I do think their Polaris lounges, or at least the one in Chicago, is a game-changer. Higher-end food/drink offerings and things like places to shower/nap in comfort will definitely get the other carriers to notice.
Would be interesting to see if the economics warranted a return of an F cabin in 5-10 years or so.
I do think their Polaris lounges, or at least the one in Chicago, is a game-changer. Higher-end food/drink offerings and things like places to shower/nap in comfort will definitely get the other carriers to notice.
At this point though, I'm not sure if that's a bad thing. We really don't know where J class will go from here. A decade ago it was "lie-flats", but since now everyone is all-aisle access, I don't know what the next step even is. The lounge however, really is different than anything else I've seen domestic. On par or above with some Asian carrier's offerings...