United's IAD-DXB flights [Experiences, Questions, Etc.]
Aug 13, 2010, 3:54 pm
#91
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Lahaina, HI & Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,403
This is a tough one to call......could go either way. I was one of 12 GS on my last return flight from DXB-IAD in January. Fortunately, my upgrade from C to F cleared when I booked the flight in May of the prior year.
Aug 13, 2010, 9:09 pm
#92
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: UA-1K/GS, HHonors Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 106
Right now I am number 1 on both lists. I dont think anyone can bump me down given the GS and fare class is J. I will just hope for the best.
Sep 20, 2010, 8:42 am
#93
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: CLE
Programs: UA 1K MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 929
I'm curious if there's any consensus on this board as to whether a C-->J upgrade is worth it on the DXB-IAD route. I would be using my OnePass account, so the cost would be 60,000 miles.
I used to fly UA quite a bit 10 years or so ago and it seems like the hard product on the 777 used on this route is what I remember from back then -- recliner seats in C and a flat bed in F. A flat bed would be awful nice, I'm not convinced it's worth 60,000 miles.
I used to fly UA quite a bit 10 years or so ago and it seems like the hard product on the 777 used on this route is what I remember from back then -- recliner seats in C and a flat bed in F. A flat bed would be awful nice, I'm not convinced it's worth 60,000 miles.
Sep 20, 2010, 9:59 am
#94
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: between SFO & SJC
Programs: UA 1MM (and no longer flying much)
Posts: 777
Re: upgrading C->F....only you know what your miles are worth to you. You're correct that the plane has recliner C and flat F (unless you get lucky and get one of the few reconfigured 777s). I personally wouldn't burn 60k miles on this. But you may be on my flight in December, so I strongly encourage you to clear out of C, to increase my chances of upgrading Y->C.
Sep 27, 2010, 4:06 pm
#95
Join Date: May 2003
Location: RDU, NC, USA
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton something
Posts: 841
Dubai DXB premium cabin loads?
Am I reading these cabin loads correctly for the IAD-DXB run? I'm looking at a trip in early November, and the premium cabins look consistently empty. I would have thought this upgrade a little harder to score, but if the seat maps are right it should be pretty easy.
I normally make sure I'm booked into the "next-to-cheapest" SWU-able fare class, but if the loads are this light up front, I may save my corporate travel agent begging credits for something harder to upgrade.
Anyone done this run and have intel to share?
I normally make sure I'm booked into the "next-to-cheapest" SWU-able fare class, but if the loads are this light up front, I may save my corporate travel agent begging credits for something harder to upgrade.
Anyone done this run and have intel to share?
Sep 27, 2010, 4:14 pm
#96
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: NTTB
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 4,649
I've flown KWI-IAD and DXB-IAD and have always been on a full flight in all cabins. Many last minute tickets are purchased on these flights by government contractors and employees.
Sep 27, 2010, 4:22 pm
#97
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
My brother has cleared 3 of 4 Dubai segments this year with sponsored systemwides. The one he didn't clear was for a trip home on a Friday night back in May. It showed plenty of availability days out, but that all disappeared come departure day. His final trip last month he deliberately flew midweek to better his chances (it worked- he cleared).
Sep 27, 2010, 6:33 pm
#98
Join Date: May 2003
Location: RDU, NC, USA
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton something
Posts: 841
OK, thanks.. what status is your brother clearing with?
Sep 27, 2010, 6:42 pm
#99
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM, Hertz PC, Marriott Platinum/Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,657
Am I reading these cabin loads correctly for the IAD-DXB run? I'm looking at a trip in early November, and the premium cabins look consistently empty. I would have thought this upgrade a little harder to score, but if the seat maps are right it should be pretty easy.
I normally make sure I'm booked into the "next-to-cheapest" SWU-able fare class, but if the loads are this light up front, I may save my corporate travel agent begging credits for something harder to upgrade.
Anyone done this run and have intel to share?
I normally make sure I'm booked into the "next-to-cheapest" SWU-able fare class, but if the loads are this light up front, I may save my corporate travel agent begging credits for something harder to upgrade.
Anyone done this run and have intel to share?
Sep 27, 2010, 6:56 pm
#100
Join Date: May 2003
Location: RDU, NC, USA
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton something
Posts: 841
Watching the loads is better than no information at all, and has served me quite well with most european and asian destinations. If you have a better way of getting said information than:
"looking at the published seat availability"
and/or
"asking on Flyertalk for people who might know more"
I would love to hear it?
"looking at the published seat availability"
and/or
"asking on Flyertalk for people who might know more"
I would love to hear it?
Sep 27, 2010, 7:06 pm
#101
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: YVR SFO
Programs: UA G
Posts: 4,866
Does NC frequently open up on the IAD-DXB route? Not many reports on the UDUstats site and I'm thinking of taking this, even if it is on the old 777. (Sure beats Y on the 744 to FRA...)
Sep 27, 2010, 7:12 pm
#102
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 92
I've been doing some searches for the wife and I to go in Jan or Feb and it's showing new config seat maps. Alas finding nc space has been elusive. Singles here and there but not two.
Sep 27, 2010, 7:18 pm
#103
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Sep 27, 2010, 7:19 pm
#104
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: YVR SFO
Programs: UA G
Posts: 4,866
Singles at all is better than the SFO-FRA disaster. If I decide to do this, hopefully it clears before gate. I'm hoping to go in November.
Sep 27, 2010, 9:10 pm
#105
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 1,627
I think people are going to find it much harder to upgrade on international flights with the new config premium class seats, due to the reduced number of seats. I'm waiting to see how things go, but I'm guessing I'm going to strongly consider moving my mostly international travel to another carrier/alliance.