How does UA J MEL-LAX or SFO compare to VA or QF Y+?

[smit0847]

Hi all

Considering a trip to the US next year. Have the possibility of going through the USDM process to get there. That would most likely offer me MEL-SYD-LAX/SFO on United in J for around $2K return.

I've flown VA Y MEL-LAX and though they were excellent - yes it a normal economy seat but everything worked well - great planes, staff, food, IFE, flight times etc.

Given Y+ return on QF or VA would likely be around $2.5 - $3K (i.e. a bit more than USDM UA J), how would it compare? Would the UA seat be better because it would be flat, but everything else inferior to VA or QF? I think QF have arguably the best Y+ product in the world.

The other option of USDM would be to go SYD-ICN-SFO on OZ J which would obviously be a much, much better airline but would add a lot to the flight times.

 

[smit0847]

Re: US Dividend Miles - post your SUCCESSFUL award bookings here.

How does UA J compare to, say QF or VA Y+ on a SYD-LAX leg? Better seat (because its flat) but worse everything else?

 

[Alanslegal]

Re: US Dividend Miles - post your SUCCESSFUL award bookings here.

How does UA J compare to, say QF or VA Y+ on a SYD-LAX leg? Better seat (because its flat) but worse everything else?

Can't say as I haven't flown UA J, but wouldn't a flat seat trump a recliner Y+ seat any day. I'd happily fly in a flat seat without food or IFE (I could always BYO ) than having to fly 12+ hours sitting upright in Y+

 

[drron]

Re: US Dividend Miles - post your SUCCESSFUL award bookings here.

I agree with alanslegal-flat bed beats everything else.But then if you are lucky using USDM they may route you via SIN-longer in time but a better product.

 

[trooper]

Re: US Dividend Miles - post your SUCCESSFUL award bookings here.

There must have been some really negative exaggeration applied to UA J if this question is even being asked!!

UA (new) J for LESS than QF Y+ and it's hard to decide?

Not for me... I'd do UA like a shot instead of anyones Y+

I flew NRT-IAD in UA's OLD J... so no flat bed...

BUT.. the seat was wider than any Y+... the seat pitch was far more than any Y+... the seat reclines a LOT more than any Y+ and the service.. while "only" UA style.. WAS Business class...

The only problem I see for the OP is that ANY direct-ish transpac (UA,NZ,AC ) is difficult to find in C as a miles redemption...

 

[Deewhy]

Re: US Dividend Miles - post your SUCCESSFUL award bookings here.

I think you'll find it really difficult to find uA transpacific in J. Most likely have to use OZ. or have those points ready to burn at one year out.

 

[Globetrotter]

Hi all

Considering a trip to the US next year. Have the possibility of going through the USDM process to get there. That would most likely offer me MEL-SYD-LAX/SFO on United in J for around $2K return.

I've flown VA Y MEL-LAX and though they were excellent - yes it a normal economy seat but everything worked well - great planes, staff, food, IFE, flight times etc.

Given Y+ return on QF or VA would likely be around $2.5 - $3K (i.e. a bit more than USDM UA J), how would it compare? Would the UA seat be better because it would be flat, but everything else inferior to VA or QF? I think QF have arguably the best Y+ product in the world.

The other option of USDM would be to go SYD-ICN-SFO on OZ J which would obviously be a much, much better airline but would add a lot to the flight times.

I arrived home today from LA. I flew VA Y+ out and J back and I will never fly Y or Y+ again. Call me a snob but I'd rather stay home than go through that again. On the other hand, my J flight home was on VA's refurbed 77W and the updated J seat was very comfortable. I actually slept which I haven't done on 4 x previous J flight to LA with VA. Apparently the updated Y+ seats on this aircraft are fabric (as appose to slippy slidy leather which I had) and recline further and have more cushioning. Anyhow J VA is great.

 

[SYD]

For price quoted in the OP, UA J would be a good deal. The seat is better than ANY Y / Y+ product on ANY carrier and arguably better than Skybed MkI and any other angle J seat.

UA J should Not be confused with the back of the bus on UA, which really is unacceptable - based on many reports.

Since the CO / UA merger, I've actually noticed a lot more J reward availability between Oz and west coast US.

 

[trooper]

Another consideration...

While I love the service and food on OZ... the seat you will have from SYD to ICN is their old product AFAIK... and if you are unlucky like we were then the ICN-SFO/LAX flight will have an older aircraft substituted and you won't get a true lie flat there either.

If a TRUE flat bed is important to you (it is to me) then - at that price - UA J is a very good deal... Again however... you might find availability of reward seats a real issue!

 

[kpc]

redacted.....

 

[serfty]

This may assist: United Airlines - Boeing 747-400 (747)