SYD to SFO on a United Airlines 777

[robinsparkles]

Just booked our first flight on United for August, SYD to SFO on the 777. Has anyone flown this or a similar route recently? Looking to understand what to expect.
Reading some old reviews and it was said that the airline didn't provide enough food so I'll stock up on my snacks

 

[RooFlyer]

What class/cabin?

 

[robinsparkles]

What class/cabin?

Economy

 

[MEL_Traveller]

yeah… from what i’ve read I take some snacks. One main meal, which is quite small, then a pre arrival snack. Not sure if they offer something in between, but it is small if they do.

 

[robinsparkles]

Anyone flown this route recently with any reviews (not just on food)?

 

[henrus]

Anyone flown this route recently with any reviews (not just on food)?

I flew SFO to SYD (yes the opposite direction) on United back in April. It wasn't terrible but wasn't great either.

They've got terrible beer/wine in Economy plus inedible food prior to landing in SYD the only "breakfast" option in Y was a slice of pizza. I was at least in the Economy Plus exit row 30 so legroom was infinite. UA's entertainment system is not bad plus there was wifi available (free for messaging apps) and ~AU$50 for a full flight. Masks are optional once the door has closed in Australia.

Many of the UA crew who operate the SYD flights are quite senior and bid for the route (having a chat they commonly bid for PPT and SYD) but were all very friendly and apologetic for the pizza breakfast.

I wrote briefly about my UA experiences in the following trip report:

US and Tahiti using points

My latest trip report takes us the long way from Brisbane to Tahiti via the US. Booking Back in 2019 when the world was a slightly different place I ended up taking a number of earning star alliance flights in both economy and business. At the time I had Star Alliance Gold Status (and I still...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[larrymull]

Definitely pay the money beforehand or on the day for economy plus. Food is very average.

I agree with henrys about the older crew, they need to retire as there is not much personality there.

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

Recently flew this sector in Premium Economy one way and Business the other. The seats are fine, the food is definitely nothing to write home about.

My main issue this that it is on a 777 rather than a 380/787/350, which to me means it is noisier and more likely to cause jet lag,.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Definitely pay the money beforehand or on the day for economy plus. Food is very average.

I agree with henrys about the older crew, they need to retire as there is not much personality there.

Warning: Economy Plus is United's brand for regular economy seats with extra leg room. Whilst they can be a decent value (especially if you have United status and can get it for free during booking/check-in), that's all you are getting. You aren't getting a better meal or service out of an Economy Plus seat. Premium Plus is United's brand for Premium Economy which has the better meal/service. If I had to choose between spending a couple hundred extra for Premium Plus versus an over-wing exit Economy Plus seat, I'd choose the latter since it makes a huge difference. Here's what the leg room looks like on their 777 product on an Economy+ over-wing exit row seat:

My main issue this that it is on a 777 rather than a 380/787/350, which to me means it is noisier and more likely to cause jet lag,.

Correct. The 787 is a better aircraft in my opinion and United does fly the 787 out to SYD from LAX. Hence, it might make sense to fly SFO > LAX > SYD on United. As an added benefit you get to depart out of LAX which has way better lounges, restaurants, etc.

-RooFlyer88

 

[Anna]

Next month I'm flying MEL SFO SYD on UA in J. Based on previous experience with UA I have low expectations re punctuality and FA service, but is there anything else in particular I should watch out for?

 

[UP4014]

Definitely pay the money beforehand or on the day for economy plus. Food is very average.

I agree with henrys about the older crew, they need to retire as there is not much personality there.

I respectfully note that there is no connection between age and personality only an opinion and we all know about saying about those.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Next month I'm flying MEL SFO SYD on UA in J. Based on previous experience with UA I have low expectations re punctuality and FA service, but is there anything else in particular I should watch out for?

Having flown LHR to LAX to SYD in January 2020 on UA Polaris J, I'd say they aren't too bad and I've flown a number of airlines in long haul J including NZ, AC, UA, LH, KL to name but a few. What is nice about the UA Polaris J is you don't have a neighbour sitting beside you (at least for window seats). This isn't true on a number of carriers including LH and KL. The Polaris lounge is really nice, certainly better than the QF J lounge in terms of amenities (i.e. they have sleeping rooms, a spa, showers, buffet and sit down restaurant) and is certainly something I would recommend visiting.

In terms of on board service it can be very hit or miss. I've had really nice crews on UA and some less so. From my experience, the less helpful crews in J are flying the unappealing long-haul "domestic" routes to Europe like IAD > LHR or EWR > FRA so it's understandable why the service may not be as friendly.

-RooFlyer88

 

[larrymull]

Polaris is a nice product, especially on their 787-10, it did feel a little squashy compared to other biz classes but the product is sound, the food nice and the flight crew more interactive on the legs I have flown.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Polaris is a nice product, especially on their 787-10, it did feel a little squashy compared to other biz classes but the product is sound, the food nice and the flight crew more interactive on the legs I have flown.

Was just looking through my photos and discovered I did in fact take some photos of my flights from LAX > SYD:

Shower room at Polaris lounge LAX:




Sleeping room at Polaris lounge:


IFE screen on UA 777 from LAX to SYD:


My seat for the ride (no window seats available but beggars can't be choosers when their 35K point upgrade clears at check in):



Appetizers:


Brekkie before landing at SYD:


Slippers and pyjamas were provided on the flight too so you won't be gross upon landing at SYD.

Hope that helps!

-RooFlyer88