Filler03

I have the options of US 330-300 or 330-200 or 767 vs UA 777 vs SK 330-300 for TATL.

How would everyone rank these as my options? I probably wont have access to Economy plus on the 777 as I have no status.

Biggie Fries

Unless it's empty, avoid the 767.

The US 330-200 is not bad in back. I suggest aisle left-hand side, as far to the front as you can.

Filler03

So I should go 330-200 over the 330-300? Also, any thoughts on SK's 330-300 or United's 777?

thomwithanh

The refurbished pmUA or pmCO 777 isn't terrible, 3-3-3 seating, respectable AVOD and decent legroom if you can swing economy plus. Its the unrefurbished pmUA 777's you have to watch out for: 2-5-2 in coach and IFE is the old looped tape system. Service is meh no matter which bird you're on.

I can't really comment on SK considering I've never flown an them, but as a general rule soft product and catering is usually better on the non-US based option. They have a modern fleet with all the usual amenities as well.

USFreak

Avoid the US 767's. I have been stuck on them in domestic routes lately and I wouldn't wish a ride on those planes except if it were the only feasible option.

Take the 330 or the 777. The 777 is a beautiful plane and a smooth ride!

burlax

Better yet, book J on US A333 or A332 - you'll love the Envoy Suites.

TPJ

As you are traveling in Coach:

SAS reached new low, when they started charging for SOFT DRINKS (IIRC other than water) between meals.

Source: http://boardingarea.com/blogs/onemil...onomy-sort-of/

Also, if your intra-Europe travel involves SAS, they charge for all drinks/food other than water (in Coach).

Avoid!

Superguy

You have to be careful with the UA 777s as there are at least 3 different configs flying out there.

You have the PMUA "new" cabins ... they're 3-3-3, have E+ and have new AVOD.

You have the PMUA "old" cabins ... they're 2-5-2, have E+ and don't have AVOD, but they have personal monitors with various entertainment choices.

You have the PMCO planes which are 2 class, supposedly have all been converted to add E+, but do have AVOD. I think they're 3-3-3. There are also power ports.

PMUA planes do not have power ports, even in the new config.

So on UA, it's important to know which plane you're getting on. Also, unless you have elite status on UA, you'll have to buy E+ unless you find a sympathetic GA willing to bend the rules.

geo1005

With no status on any of the mentioned airlines and in coach, I'd take the US A330 (-200 or -300) over UA's 777 any day. If Eco+ on the UA 777 is guaranteed, I'd take the 777 for the extra legroom. Avoid the US 767 in coach if possible. (I've never flown SK so I have zero valid opinion there).

DCdeacon

Now that the US A330-300s have been refurbished, I think they're identical in terms of AVOD, etc to the -200.

CLTRob

Prior to the new coach seats being installed in the US A330-300, I flew CLT to LGW and coach was a torture chamber. I stood for most of the trip - like being on a subway. I have flown the A330-200 several times from CLT to CDG and the space between the seats in coach was adequate. Lately, if unable to fly the A330-200, I have been flying Delta in Economy Comfort.

Do the refurbished A330-300 coach section now have the same pitch as the A330-200 since the new slimline seats have been installed? Or, did US add additional rows to the plane?

I am only 5' 10" but hate my knees rubbing the seat in front of me or someone's knees in my back. I am getting ready to book a trip from Charlotte to London. Would really like the nonstop on US Airways but am afraid to try the new coach without confirmation that it is much better than the old coach. Any comments will be appreciated!

ORDGUY747

Yes, completely agree that the A330-300s in economy were awful prior to the recently-completed refurbishment. Now they have new seats, new IFE, and reasonably good seat pitch that in my experience is equal to what is on the A330-200s.

Regarding the OP's question, I would prioritize the options as follows (strictly based on aircraft consideration):

1. UA reconfigured 777-200s in E+ (even if you pay for it...worth it for TATL). UA stated on its Q3 earnings call that all pmUA TATL 777-200s will have the refurbished cabins by February 2013, so the dreaded 2-5-2 aircraft will no longer be an issue.

2. US A330-200/300s. Perfectly adequate and above-average if you have a good crew.

3. UA reconfigured 777-200s in regular economy. Probably only a notch below the US A330-200/300s and same comment regarding crew.

4. US 767s. Outdated product that really is only competitive with a low load factor. On a full flight this would be a sub-par experience.