NRT & 777 or HND & 787? in economy from SFO
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
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NRT & 777 or HND & 787? in economy from SFO
Hi guys,
I've been away from frequent flying for several years, so I am really not up to date with a lot of information. Just have a question, I am redeeming miles for three award tickets from SFO to NGO in August and the United system shows availability with both the SFO-HND on 787 and SFO-NRT flight (on 777). Which flight do you guys recommend in terms of comfort? I will be flying Y class without Economy Plus.
Thanks!
I've been away from frequent flying for several years, so I am really not up to date with a lot of information. Just have a question, I am redeeming miles for three award tickets from SFO to NGO in August and the United system shows availability with both the SFO-HND on 787 and SFO-NRT flight (on 777). Which flight do you guys recommend in terms of comfort? I will be flying Y class without Economy Plus.
Thanks!
#2
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Portland OR
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Posts: 560
I’d go with the 787. The seat width (or narrowness) is about the same at 17” and smidgen more. But the 787 has 32” seat pitch over the 77W’s 31”, and IME thst extra inch legroom does make a difference. And however narrow the seat, a 3-3-3 configuration (787) beats 3-4-3 (77W) any time.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
That said -- whichever option you choose, pay close attention to whether or not you're going to have to schlep across Tokyo to make your connecting flight. UA will happily sell you SFO-NRT / HND-NGO or SFO-HND / NRT-NGO. It's obvious on the web -- "Please note your connection involves an airport change" but easy to miss if you're booking on the mobile site.
Some people may enjoy the idea of seeing some of the Tokyo countryside on the airport bus, or navigating the Tokyo train system with their luggage. Most people would probably rather just transfer at the same airport where they arrived.
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
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SFO-NRT is a 77W route, so it's either 3-4-3 or 787 3-3-3. Only issue with going to HND is that you have to change terminals to transit HND-NGO. At NRT, domestic and international flights are in the same terminal building.
#8
#9
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
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HND only has ANA two lounges, which are basically identical to the NRT ANA lounges. NRT also has the UA lounge, which has less food but more seating vs. the two ANA lounges at NRT. My impression is the HND lounges are crowded in the morning and the NRT lounges are crowded in the afternoon.
In order of preference at NRT, I prefer the ANA lounge by gate 45 > United Club > ANA lounge by gate 51
In order of preference at NRT, I prefer the ANA lounge by gate 45 > United Club > ANA lounge by gate 51
#10
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Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
HND only has ANA two lounges, which are basically identical to the NRT ANA lounges. NRT also has the UA lounge, which has less food but more seating vs. the two ANA lounges at NRT. My impression is the HND lounges are crowded in the morning and the NRT lounges are crowded in the afternoon.
There is a small lounge in the domestic waiting area at NRT, but, again, see point #1 . I assume there's a similar lounge in the domestic terminal at HND, but I've never been there.
#11
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
OP will not be able to access any of these lounges regardless. One, because the question was about a Y flight without E+, meaning no status. Two, even on the off chance that OP is a United Club member, because OP asked about flying SFO->NGO. OP will go through immigration and customs at NRT/HND without ever being able to get into the lounge.
There is a small lounge in the domestic waiting area at NRT, but, again, see point #1 . I assume there's a similar lounge in the domestic terminal at HND, but I've never been there.
There is a small lounge in the domestic waiting area at NRT, but, again, see point #1 . I assume there's a similar lounge in the domestic terminal at HND, but I've never been there.
-James
#12
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Platinum Elite, National Executive, United Gold
Posts: 1,181
I don't see why my answer to @j2simpso's question is relevant to the OP and your response. I'm fully aware of the relevant *A rules concerning lounge entry.
OP will not be able to access any of these lounges regardless. One, because the question was about a Y flight without E+, meaning no status. Two, even on the off chance that OP is a United Club member, because OP asked about flying SFO->NGO. OP will go through immigration and customs at NRT/HND without ever being able to get into the lounge.
There is a small lounge in the domestic waiting area at NRT, but, again, see point #1 . I assume there's a similar lounge in the domestic terminal at HND, but I've never been there.
There is a small lounge in the domestic waiting area at NRT, but, again, see point #1 . I assume there's a similar lounge in the domestic terminal at HND, but I've never been there.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
I don't see why my answer to @j2simpso's question is relevant to the OP and your response. I'm fully aware of the relevant *A rules concerning lounge entry.
I now see I was mistaken about access, but the presence of the other clubs is still irrelevant to the OP on a SFO->NGO itinerary. OP will never be in the secure area of the international terminal where the lounges are. If OP is planning to return via TYO, that's a different story entirely.
#14
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
-James
#15
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,531
You don't mention the relationship between the 3 people. For example, if it's two parents and a younger child, the center section of 3 on 787 allows both parents to have aisle access with the kid in the middle. If it's you and your teenage son and his girlfriend, maybe fly the 77W and put them in the sweetheart seats in row 50 and seat yourself somewhere else. It all depends!