Aircraft changes to premium transcon flights; widebody to narrow or nonlayflat
May 7, 2020, 3:31 pm
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
May 11, 2020, 8:34 am
#77
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: NYC
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 66
I decided to use 20 plus points to upgrade BOS-SFO on an A320. I’m pleased with that decision despite it being very different from a normal premium transcon flight.
All of the concessions in Boston were closed. No PDB, but water bottle placed at my seat. No amenity kits, hot towel, warm nuts, or printed menus. As noted above, beer and wine only. No glassware. Meal was typical domestic first (served normally – no wrappers as was mentioned by other posters). Warm cookie prior to arrival. Was able to access the United club with BP on arrival.
All of the concessions in Boston were closed. No PDB, but water bottle placed at my seat. No amenity kits, hot towel, warm nuts, or printed menus. As noted above, beer and wine only. No glassware. Meal was typical domestic first (served normally – no wrappers as was mentioned by other posters). Warm cookie prior to arrival. Was able to access the United club with BP on arrival.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; May 11, 2020 at 10:19 am Reason: split post
May 11, 2020, 5:02 pm
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
I decided to use 20 plus points to upgrade BOS-SFO on an A320. I’m pleased with that decision despite it being very different from a normal premium transcon flight.
All of the concessions in Boston were closed. No PDB, but water bottle placed at my seat. No amenity kits, hot towel, warm nuts, or printed menus. As noted above, beer and wine only. No glassware. Meal was typical domestic first (served normally – no wrappers as was mentioned by other posters). Warm cookie prior to arrival. Was able to access the United club with BP on arrival.
All of the concessions in Boston were closed. No PDB, but water bottle placed at my seat. No amenity kits, hot towel, warm nuts, or printed menus. As noted above, beer and wine only. No glassware. Meal was typical domestic first (served normally – no wrappers as was mentioned by other posters). Warm cookie prior to arrival. Was able to access the United club with BP on arrival.
for the detailed feedback. Did you get to take a look at the wine selection? Domestic Y variety? What's the drink/snack spread at UC these days?
May 11, 2020, 6:03 pm
#79
Join Date: Apr 2008
Programs: UA, AA
Posts: 226
We had flatbed purchased in February for June travel IAD to SFO and HNL to IAD, with the annoying 737 link SFO to KOA. 4 days layover in SFO.
This weekend they finally rescheduled us, not just the Hawaii segment as expected but no more nonstops at all. Thru Chicago to SFO, via SFO to IAD., All segments were more than 6 hours delayed and on smaller planes. We are getting a refund, glad to get it.
This weekend they finally rescheduled us, not just the Hawaii segment as expected but no more nonstops at all. Thru Chicago to SFO, via SFO to IAD., All segments were more than 6 hours delayed and on smaller planes. We are getting a refund, glad to get it.
May 12, 2020, 4:02 am
#80
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
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763 now loaded to operate UA1871/UA1165 EWR-LAX-EWR daily starting June 4th. I believe this will be EWR's only scheduled 767 service for June.
-FlyerBeek
-FlyerBeek
May 12, 2020, 6:52 am
#81
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 64
It's not that the flatbeds have been removed, it is simply that the aircraft have been grounded and smaller aircraft have been subbed in. The -800 doesn't have flatbeds but has the reduced capacity to support the route.
Based on the investor advice given by all three legacy carriers yesterday about a "tough fall," it would not surprise me to see the smaller aircraft stay in place. It's unfortunate, but many are predicting 18-24 months before consumer demand returns.
Based on the investor advice given by all three legacy carriers yesterday about a "tough fall," it would not surprise me to see the smaller aircraft stay in place. It's unfortunate, but many are predicting 18-24 months before consumer demand returns.
May 12, 2020, 7:33 am
#82
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,442
UA filed some schedule changes over the weekend that bring more widebodies and flat beds to the premium transcons going forward. This is reflective of the dynamic, week-to-week changes of the schedule as demand appears to be creeping back (but still off by more than 90%). United is mostly operating on an EQV schedule within a given fleet type, so routes scheduled as certain equipment can be and often are swapped to different models of the same type.
In June, EWR-LAX-EWR is 3x, with morning 787-10, midday 737-800 and evening/redeye 767-300ER. That's currently scheduled as 76C, 30-seat J, which will show as the Diamond seat but actual configuration depends on which specific airframes are returned to service from temporary storage.
IAD-LAX gets a 767-300ER (76C, same deal) for the single daily flight, a morning eastbound and evening westbound.
EWR-SFO is still showing 2x 738 and 1x 787-10. I also see a 787-8 for ORD-SFO.
In June, EWR-LAX-EWR is 3x, with morning 787-10, midday 737-800 and evening/redeye 767-300ER. That's currently scheduled as 76C, 30-seat J, which will show as the Diamond seat but actual configuration depends on which specific airframes are returned to service from temporary storage.
IAD-LAX gets a 767-300ER (76C, same deal) for the single daily flight, a morning eastbound and evening westbound.
EWR-SFO is still showing 2x 738 and 1x 787-10. I also see a 787-8 for ORD-SFO.
Last edited by EWR764; May 12, 2020 at 7:46 am
May 12, 2020, 8:37 am
#83
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: NYC
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 66
UC felt normal other than the occupancy (I counted 6 customers), masks and hours (bar closed at 5pm and club at 5:30pm). The full bar was open – enjoyed glass of stag’s leap – and they had ~10 varieties of packaged snacks available (cheez its, oreos, cheese sticks, yogurt, etc.).
May 13, 2020, 12:02 am
#85
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
This is fine for the traveller that flies Y. I routinely do NYC - LA ( my last flight was last month) on AA, my fight was so empty it felt like my own personal jet. Was the only pax in business. F was full of non revs. I pay for business fares.
UA has some nerve charging the same as 787-10 for the 737 route, EWR-LAX in Business, it does not meet what they describe on the ps page ( does it even exist anymore). No flat bed and not exactly the most comfortable seat.
The 737 transcons remind me of the CO days….
I have fond memories of the ps JFK days and Larry Kellner, but you can't charge and expect people to pay business class fare for that 737. Some nerve….
What UA should do is be honest, and call the front section of the 737 transcons Premium Plus because thats what it is. And charge accordingly, Basically don't sell UA business on the 737 because you can't offer the product….
UA has some nerve charging the same as 787-10 for the 737 route, EWR-LAX in Business, it does not meet what they describe on the ps page ( does it even exist anymore). No flat bed and not exactly the most comfortable seat.
The 737 transcons remind me of the CO days….
I have fond memories of the ps JFK days and Larry Kellner, but you can't charge and expect people to pay business class fare for that 737. Some nerve….
What UA should do is be honest, and call the front section of the 737 transcons Premium Plus because thats what it is. And charge accordingly, Basically don't sell UA business on the 737 because you can't offer the product….
Last edited by OpenSky; May 13, 2020 at 12:12 am
May 13, 2020, 9:07 am
#87
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Calling it Premium Plus would actually lead to a lot of confusion. Purchasing or access to PP (in itself) does not provide lounge access and most people know there’s a difference between the seats.
May 13, 2020, 10:41 am
#88
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Location: Chicago
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You’re confusing multiple things here. UA routinely sells ‘Business’ tickets in 737s, mainly to international (Latin/South America, Canada, etc) pre-Covid and is basically domestic F service. The ‘Business’ designation allows for lounge access. UA’s EWR- SFO/LAX and SFO-BOS are marketed (pre-Covid) as Premium Transcontinental with a ‘Business’ label on the ticket. I don’t believe they are marketing it as Premium Transcon currently. The business designation does convey lounge access and same service as domestic F routes.
Calling it Premium Plus would actually lead to a lot of confusion. Purchasing or access to PP (in itself) does not provide lounge access and most people know there’s a difference between the seats.
Calling it Premium Plus would actually lead to a lot of confusion. Purchasing or access to PP (in itself) does not provide lounge access and most people know there’s a difference between the seats.
May 13, 2020, 10:42 am
#89
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
You’re confusing multiple things here. UA routinely sells ‘Business’ tickets in 737s, mainly to international (Latin/South America, Canada, etc) pre-Covid and is basically domestic F service. The ‘Business’ designation allows for lounge access. UA’s EWR- SFO/LAX and SFO-BOS are marketed (pre-Covid) as Premium Transcontinental with a ‘Business’ label on the ticket. I don’t believe they are marketing it as Premium Transcon currently. The business designation does convey lounge access and same service as domestic F routes.
Calling it Premium Plus would actually lead to a lot of confusion. Purchasing or access to PP (in itself) does not provide lounge access and most people know there’s a difference between the seats.
Calling it Premium Plus would actually lead to a lot of confusion. Purchasing or access to PP (in itself) does not provide lounge access and most people know there’s a difference between the seats.
For the same amount of money, often less - the flat bed seats can be had by going to JFK. Well I'm voting with my money and encourage others to do the same. Enough with the farce. ps service is poor service at premium prices.
The transcontinental routes never had service levels at the Domestic F level, and I personally won't pay for it when I can get the real thing across the river.
Last edited by OpenSky; May 13, 2020 at 10:50 am
May 13, 2020, 10:54 am
#90
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,442
Its fraud. UA thinks they can get away with this because Alaska is the only competition on the EWR-LAX/SFO routes, and they have the ex VX seats. If there is an argument that UA is TOO BIG at the EWR this is probably it.
For the same amount of money, often less - the flat bed seats can be had by going to JFK. Well I'm voting with my money and encourage others to do the same. Enough with the farce. ps service is poor service at premium prices.
The transcontinental routes never had service levels at the Domestic F level, and I personally won't pay for it when I can get the real thing across the river.
For the same amount of money, often less - the flat bed seats can be had by going to JFK. Well I'm voting with my money and encourage others to do the same. Enough with the farce. ps service is poor service at premium prices.
The transcontinental routes never had service levels at the Domestic F level, and I personally won't pay for it when I can get the real thing across the river.
The rest of your gripe rings pretty hollow in the current environment.