First flight with United (LHR -> EWR -> MCO) What to expect?
 

Hi all,

I have my first flight with United coming up on September 7. I'll be flying from LHR -> EWR -> MCO. International Polaris Business and then domestic First.

I have to change terminals at EWR, will I have to collect bags and re-check or will that be taken care of?

What is the lounge situation for United at LHR?

I'll be on a 767, how would you rate Polaris Business on that? I can't find many reviews for 767 Polaris Business online!

Thanks in advance, and apologies for any stupid questions!

You will land at either Terminal B or C. Probably B, but it really doesn't matter too much because you first have to clear immigration, then pick up your bags from the belt and then immediately recheck it as you leave the baggage hall (a fairly obvious recheck luggage desk is on your right). If you land in B you'll take the AirTrain to C. Go through security there. If you land in Terminal C you'll do security shortly after dropping off your bag.

Most of the 767s that operate LHR-EWR are fitted with the new Polaris seats, which are quite nice. I like the odd-numbered window seats. You may get one of the older configurations (2-1-2), so it's up to you whether you like window or aisle.

The LHR lounge is fantastic, one of the best in the UA network. BTW, there are many Polaris reviews in the United forum here in FT.

Thanks so much, that's all really useful!

Keep in mind that you're also eligible to access the Polaris lounge in EWR during the connection, assuming you have time.

https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...es/access.html

Good point. Worthwhile if you have the time simply for a shower and a cocktail.

These threads may help (especially the thread wikis)
Consolidated Connection time/logistics-Domestic & International at EWR

EWR Polaris lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ..

There are two 763 configurations UA uses today for LHR-EWR, by Sept 15, 2019, UA will be just the High-J version. On 7 Sept there may be a chance of the non-High-J
Everything You Want to Know About Where to Sit on 763 High J (46/22/43/56) Polaris+PP
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...aris-seat.html

Same business class seats, just more in the High-J

Perhaps a chance of https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...rnational.html -- this will show as orange seats on the seatmap.

Not sure if the OP flies regularly but this is the first time with UA, or whether flying long haul is an infrequent occurrence. If the former, then compared with BA, the UA lounge at LHR is much better, but not quite at the level of VS. On board, the seat will be much better than that of BA or VS, the food not so good and the cabin will be like a flying coffin. The domestic flight will feature a much better seat than BA short haul but much worse food. It will also be a flying coffin.

You should not have to recheck your bags at EWR. UA should tag them to MCO, allowing you to collect them just before Customs at EWR and simply leave them at the bag drop post Customs, rather than having to wait to recheck.

The information in this thread is invaluable! I wanted to reply yesterday but got struck by the five posts rule.

Thanks to LondonElite, sbm12, WineCountryUA, Often1!

Thank you also! I fly long haul a lot but typically with BA/AA.

Just to clarify, what do you mean by a flying coffin?

He means that the fashion in many business classes these days is to cram as many walled suites into a large business class cabin as possible. Looking at it when you enter the aircraft is like a bunch of coffins next to each other.

This semantic distinction (to recheck or not to recheck) is meaningless, given that the OP will have to physically pick up the bags at the bag claim and bring them to a drop-off place to hand to an airline employee (which is at a desk or conveyor belt that's often labeled "baggage recheck"). Even the Newark Airport itself refers to this action as "rechecking" your bag: