Opinion on United

[kangarooflyer88]

Just another paid marketing service or a blogger getting some personal kickbacks.

Highly doubt that! If that was the case Delta would be ranked #1 given its close partnership with AmEx. Indeed, in terms of customer satisfaction Delta ranks #1, just ask AmEx!

 

[DeltaBega]

I've flown United plenty of times without issue. If the price and timings suit I'd use them.

Just to let everyone know, I didn't go ahead with the booking with United. I booked JAL to LA and Boston instead, going via Haneda with stopovers both ways. I came to the realization I'd be disappointed with United and I won't be disappointed with JAL. It cost a bit more but that's OK.

 

[stm1sydney]

If your final destination is Houston, then you wouldn't have any access to lounges on arrival given you need to clear US customs and immigration before being dumped out of the airport (and you need a valid same day boarding pass departing the airport to clear security). However, if you are connecting through Houston, you would also be able to access the excellent Polaris business lounge at Houston upon showing your boarding pass for the SYD > IAH flight. Otherwise, if you are later departing from Houston you could certainly try the Centurion lounge, again provided you are holding an AmEx Platinum card.

Hope that helps.

-RooFlyer88

@kangarooflyer88 Thanks for your summary above, could you please clarify the lounge situation in Houston if we were to transit IAH same day, say Sydney to IAH to Mexico on UA J.

I think we would still have to clear US customs/immigration at IAH, then re-enter the airport for the flight to Mexico. Is this right?

The Polaris lounge is in Terminal E but UA flights to Mexico depart Terminal C, from the looks of it. Are the terminals connected air-side, so we can access the Polaris lounge, or do we have to slum it in the Club lounge in Terminal C? Thanks in advance.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

@kangarooflyer88 Thanks for your summary above, could you please clarify the lounge situation in Houston if we were to transit IAH same day, say Sydney to IAH to Mexico on UA J.

I think we would still have to clear US customs/immigration at IAH, then re-enter the airport for the flight to Mexico. Is this right?

Yes all flights to the US require clearing US immigration and customs, even if you are doing an international to international connection like Sydney to Mexico. The general process is as follows:

1. Clear US immigration
2. Go to baggage carousel to pick up any checked bags
3. Clear US customs
4. Re-check your bags at a United transfer desk
5. Leave the secure area and go through security

The Polaris lounge is in Terminal E but UA flights to Mexico depart Terminal C, from the looks of it. Are the terminals connected air-side, so we can access the Polaris lounge, or do we have to slum it in the Club lounge in Terminal C? Thanks in advance.

My understanding is that both terminals E and C are connected air-side meaning it should be a leisurely walk from one gate to the next. Flying United Polaris from Sydney to Mexico you will have Polaris lounge access at Houston, just show your Sydney boarding pass and you should be good to go. I've done this fly United Polaris from London Heathrow to Toronto, Canada (connecting in Chicago).

 

[stm1sydney]

Thanks.