gregdane

It does seem to be happening with regularity- leaving from SFO this past March we were day late out due to a mechanical and returning to LAX three weeks later, we were a day late again due to a mechanical.

iflyfish

From the posts on this topic it seems to be happening more frequently the last few months. I've flown SFO-SYD/MEL almost 10 times in the past five years, but not since 2006 - one flight cancellation ex-Sydney during all those trips, due to a ramp agent damaging a cargo door as he closed it. All passengers were put up for the night in various hotels and we left 24 hours later after a new door was flown in and installed. I'll take safety over inconvenience any day, although I was anxious to get home after a long business trip.

Downunder girl

Agreed, however it sure can muck up all the prepaid travel plans

Out of interest, what hotels do they put you up in? Do you get a choice, ie if you are with SPG - you can choose Sheraton etc? Or is it cheap and nasty?

gregdane

It seems to depend on your status- we were put up at the Hyatt in San Francisco and when I looked at the CSR's list, it said "First and Business Only" in big bold letters. However, upon our return we ended up at La Quinta in LAX after being told it would be the Westin- too many folks missing connections, we were told. So... in our experience, it's about 50/50-

iflyfish

We were put up at the Sydney Airport Stamford Plaza with meal vouchers, along with other First, Business, and 1k passengers. Others on coach went to a different hotel but I don't know which one.
Stamford was nice, I'd say 3.5-4*

river_rower

I am 3 for 3 this year SFO/SYD for both clearing upgrades to C and no delays in either direction, pretty much the same thing last year (maybe 4 for 4). I read these horror stories and cringe, knock on wood, then rebook again for my next business trip.

However, the quality and appearance of the interior on the upper deck has been growing abysmal; panels swinging from the walls in the head, etc.

I don't mean to complain, since they were upgraded seats. But I cannot imagine paying $6000 for that same seat though, the food has been marginal, the service the same, and the interior just pathetic. I think that has to wear down the FA crew, working in that kind of environment.

satbeach

Last night's 839 was delayed until a ~2PM departure today due to aircraft servicing. I'm resigned to the likelihood I'll be delayed on Thursday when I take that flight.

ancienthills

We always get some drama on this yearly run. I dread the trip. I too am eagerly awaiting competition on this route. I am right on the boarder of defecting with my extended family of paying customers. Hubby actually tried Air NZ recently on this run and was much happier although it is less convenient with the layover in Aukland, he was really pleased overall and much preferred Air NZ seats, service, etc despite that. Heck, we could add a couple days either way and make an extra litlle vacation in NZ. I keep thinking of that saying "When life gives you lemons make lemonade".

If any FT'ers are stuck in Sdney - I am here just pm me!

Axey

SYD-SFO has been cancelled today as well. UA's pacific ops are in complete shambles.

Wombat18

I don't get it. Competition is on the way (Virgin, Tiger, maybe Hawaiian), so why is UA running this service into the ground? Does anyone think they might be aiming to sell their gates and rely on NZ and SQ for *A Pacific routes?

tom911

Is UA putting any of these passengers on Qantas, or are they rebooking on the SYD-LAX UA flight, or rebooking tomorrow on UA metal?

Aspen

Inbound 839 LAX-SYD showing a 9.55pm arrival in SYD tonight some 14 hours late.
With a 11pm curfew I doubt they could emply, unload, clean (LOL) load, re fuel and be out in an hour- I think it usually take 90 minutes to 2 hours to turn a 747 around
This would explain why 870 SYD-SFO is cnx Sept 10

840 SYD-LAX just flew the Sydney Harbour Bridge, close enough to being on time.

winovin

Out of many SYD/SFO flights, the only problem I have had was last year when the plane struck a bird during takeoff, then aborted.

I am pretty satisfied with the C service and find the trips to be enjoyable. I appreciate good service and fine dining (e.g. Bouley in NYC) but I take the flights for what they are - flights. I enjoy the food, booze and don't need to be pandered to during the flight.

My worst experiences have been on Qantas/American. Whenever there is a problem, they blame the other airline and shrug responsibility.

I have experience with European carriers on transatlantic routes, and don't feel that I would choose them over United in a transpacific setting. I feel that United does a great job at getting you on the plane and where you want to go.

jswong

I was on that May 14th flight (I assume it was the same one) but have also suffered a 4 hour delay out of SYD but all the rest have left pretty much on time. OTOH I find it's rare that the SFO-SYD flights leave on time due partly to the curfew but also mechanicals

Causes lots of disruption when cancellations occur

Jeff

winovin

jswong,

You remember the date better than I do!!

I understand the SFO/SYD delays, since flight conditions mean an earlier arrival than expected, which would be before the curfew - so they delay the flight. I have no problem with that.