ExExpat

We currently have E+ seats in Y; upgrade waitlisted to C. If the upgrade doesn't clear, this will actually be my first time in Y on this route. In the past, I've benefited from early booking with confirmable NC space (that's the upgradable booking class) and FIFO....these days, the general consensus is that upgrades are just harder, often going down to the gate even for 1Ks. I had never had trouble on this route in the past.

That said, I have done UA in Y+ to Asia and don't find it to be that bad. Obviously you've got less space, but really the most annoying thing for me is paying for wine. Entertainment is the same; food is kind of mediocre no matter what class you're in. Additionally, the terminal at IAD is a madhouse and even though the RCCs there get a bad rap, I still prefer them to the craziness of the general terminal- so that's another upside to C.

Ajaks

thanks jsmathen
I have E+ and seat is 21B (2 seat)

not the middle 5 seater.should i choose the middle ones?

i have onward to India and have 2 hr difference to catch the EK...doable huh!

jsmathen

Originally I had those seats (2 seats) - lot of people moved around in the E+ cabin when I was traveling (Apr 1 - 7). Probably you will get lucky when you travel as well!

I had only 2h layover - since the flight reached there a little bit early, I went to the health club and took shower - there was plenty of time to board the next flight. You should be fine with your layover as well!

cohighcountry1k

Any experience of late upgrading C to F?

britinva79

I am flying to Dubai in October from IAD in C class and I was looking at various options. I know there's the non stop from DC but it's on the 777, so I was having second thoughts since it's the old C seat.

I was thinking that I might go instead via FRA or via ZRH. I am hoping to upgrade to F using an SWU on LH since it's a 744 to Dubai or try and use miles to upgrade on LX since it is their new 333 plane.

I would have a long layover in FRA if I want to fly on UA 767 (5 hrs) and a 4.5 hr layover in ZRH.

Am I crazy to do this just for a better seat?

IntlSalesGuy

If you're looking to experience something different (and better), I say go for it. Otherwise, it will be a long journey especially with the layover.

I've flown to DXB with a 5 hour layover in ZRH and that was painful enough. But I was in Y on LX, so that didn't help.

I've also flown to DXB direct on UA. It's nice not having a layover, but it is a long flight.

bosbiz

I've done the FRA route once to/from a talk in Cairo, and the BOS-IAD-DXB-various cities in India more often. Personally, I'd take the C in the 777 over the long layovers anyday. The lounge in FRA is often crowded, and security can be a pain.

The only time I've done a less direct route with stopovers that long is when I can get out of the airport to meet people or see/eat something unusual.

BigBossman

Is sitting in a lounge for 4-5 hours and being exposed to twice as much "high-quality" airplane food really worth two lie flat seats?

Also, if you have an SWU, just use it to go from C to F on the 777. The seat lies flat and you get to save an extra 8 hours of your life. IAD-Dubai may be long, but I slept for 8 straight hours in C no problem last time as it was a night flight. In F, would be even easier to suffer through!

anandrag

Am a novice UA flyer. Always end up taking other *-A carriers. Flying tonight from DXB to IAD in business.
Does this 777 have upgraded flat beds in business class?

SEA1K4EVR

No it doesn't. There are currently only 2 777's in the fleet that have the new seats...and they're not operating that route.

mecabq

I recently ventured into the new Terminal 3 for the first time. This is exclusively for Emirates, but is connected to the area from which UA operates via a long walk. The terminal has some nice amenities, including a French bistro and tapas bar at the far end of the terminal, so gives more options on a layover.

There's also a second branch of the hotel, as well as much more duty-free shopping of course, though the offerings seems the same as those in Terminal 1.

anandrag

How are current seats in C? How much recline? Seatguru shows that rows 8 and 9 are seperate cabin but less legroom. Worth sacrificing legroom for more quiet cabin?

SEA1K4EVR

I don't like rows 8 & 9 because I notice the reduced legroom, but some love that cabin. Actually I like it for shorter domestic flights but for a long haul I want max space. I usually go for one of the aisle seats in the center section in the back...12F is my favorite. If the flight isn't full there's a good shot of having the middle seat next to you open and then no one has to climb over you during the flight, you have 2 TV screens to yourself (one for the map and one for a movie), and a drink table built for 2.

lskohn

Recline is decent but not lie flat. I love rows 8 and 9, preferably 8 to be farther from the galley/lavs -- but I'm only 5'4", so legroom's not an issue. On my last flight on an old 777, a 6'3" guy pointed out that 8J and K (and therefore, I assume, 8A and C) have more legroom than the middle section of 8 and all of row 9. His preference - 8K.

adisneyfan2

I have the same question. I am currently booked J on both ways but the J to F is waitlisted. Anyone know the chances? GS I am sure will help.