TPAC in F

[RooFlyer]

Going SYD-SFO in UA F for the first time soon and am wondering what is handed out in the way of amenities (wishing to travel as light as possible).

Eg usual toothbrush etc ... PJs?

Or are you going to tell me I'm dream'n ?

What Lounge in SYD would UA usually direct me to? (I'm thinking of Silver Kris First, as I'm Air Canada Super Elite, but haven't done much *A lounge hopping before. Would SQ SK 1 be allowed? )

 

[RooFlyer]

.... crickets .....



That bad, eh?

 

[knightman7]

Wasn't impressed. Cathay has similar seat in business and its better IMO. United F lounge is SFO is a little run down but not that bad. Food choices basic but edible. On board food sub par IMO. And no PJs but there is a basic amenity kit.

Edit: I didn't lounge hop at the time as I just settled in for work.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks knightman7. I should have added that its a points redemption else I would not normally have chosen UA; I'll survive, no doubt - and will be taking my well worn QR PJs!

 

[jozdemir]

I haven't done TPAC but I recently did SFO-ICN in F on a 744 and whilst comfy enough there definitely wasn't any PJs I'm afraid!

I'd tell you what was in the amenity pack but it's sitting on a slowly growing pile unopened in the corner of my room! It seemed reasonably well stocked though, I'd definitely say it's safe to assume there's a toothbrush and some toothpaste at least in there

 

[RooFlyer]

Just to update. Yes, no PJs in Global First across the Pacific, so BYO. However the amenity kit is pretty good.

Usual socks, eyeshade, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, moisturizers, lip balm (both 'Hope' brand) and ear plugs (not very good ones) but also dental floss, mouthwash (ugh), a pen, lens cleaner cloth , hand sanitizer gel, couple of peppermints, tiny stick of deodorant, mini tissue pack. Liquids and gels in their own re-sealable plastic bags for onwards security - nice touch.

Lunch after departure from Sydney wasn't bad (bit so-so for First), but breakfast just prior to landing in SFO was really good! Will be doing a trip report when I get a chance.

 

[MH_fan]

My experience of the TPAC flight on UA in F was rather underwhelming. It wasn't even as good as some top-tier airlines' J class.

 

[RooFlyer]

My experience of the TPAC flight on UA in F was rather underwhelming. It wasn't even as good as some top-tier airlines' J class.

Trip report to come . Not as good as, say, SQ J, probably a bit better than QF J. But I'd be happy to debate that over a glass of Champagne in the QF Flounge :mrgreen:

 

[Brisbane Flyer]

I did TPAC UA F a few years ago, agree with Roo Flyer.
I'm in Flounge in October on my way to Singapore/India, will PM Roo.

Just remembered, I'm there next Friday, 9th, off to Tokyo...

 

[MH_fan]

Trip report to come . Not as good as, say, SQ J, probably a bit better than QF J. But I'd be happy to debate that over a glass of Champagne in the QF Flounge :mrgreen:

I don't think UA's F comes even close to QF's J! I will never forget (or forgive) the serving of pre-departure drinks in plastic cups. Mediocre food, no decent champagne, no pyjamas and coughpy lounges are other aspects that make the service an embarrassment!

 

[dfcatch]

I don't think UA's F comes even close to QF's J! I will never forget (or forgive) the serving of pre-departure drinks in plastic cups. Mediocre food, no decent champagne, no pyjamas and coughpy lounges are other aspects that make the service an embarrassment!

It was still better than being down the back no?

 

[sjd]

The nice thing about first world problems is the rigorous debate they engender.

 

[dfcatch]

The nice thing about first world problems is the rigorous debate they engender.

Those who have suffered, live in hope that their suffering can help prevent the suffering of others

 

[RooFlyer]

I don't think UA's F comes even close to QF's J! I will never forget (or forgive) the serving of pre-departure drinks in plastic cups. Mediocre food, no decent champagne, no pyjamas and coughpy lounges are other aspects that make the service an embarrassment!

Hmmm, yes, I'd forgotten about the pre departure drink in plastic cup What on earth is that about?? . On the other hand, I very much liked the seat for comfort both as a seat and as a bed ( better than MKII skybed IMO) and heaps of storage space immediately to hand and the IFE was perfectly good. Dinner was quite OK (roast lamb) and poached eggs for breakfast was very good. Took my QF PJs, per warning above, so that not an issue.

I used SQ 1st lounge at SYD pre departure (not a patch on QF First Lounge of course) but pretty good and UA's Arrival Lounge at SFO is very good (no QF equivalent). Even arriving at SFO rather than LAX gives UA a tick in my view.

For all the horror I was expecting on UA, it was pretty good (as it jolly well should have been!!) .... especially as a points redemption. Paying full cash money would definitely put it in the shade of QF J for value-for-money.

 

[sjd]

Hmmm, yes, I'd forgotten about the pre departure drink in plastic cup What on earth is that about??

Saving fuel? If QF did this they might not have increased fees again.

 

[DanziM]

Correct me if i am wrong, but isnt UA F one of the cheapest across the pacific? I'll just say 'you get what you pay for'. United consistently get slated on here for bad this bad that, but you;ve all got incorrect expectations clearly. Im happy to pay just over $1000 SYD - LAX in Y, same that if your flying UA F you'll likely be paying less than standard.

QF is waiting to rip you off!

 

[MH_fan]

The last time I checked, UA were asking rather outrageous prices for an F ticket. It was something like $18k!

 

[RooFlyer]

The last time I checked, UA were asking rather outrageous prices for an F ticket. It was something like $18k!

Yes, the same flight I think they were asking about US$20K (but thinking a bit more I think that was all the way up to Alaska and back). All of a sudden QF looks cheap :shock:

 

[DanziM]

Yes, the same flight I think they were asking about US$20K (but thinking a bit more I think that was all the way up to Alaska and back). All of a sudden QF looks cheap :shock:

If thats the case then its pretty poor form, you cant fault their Y prices tho.

 

[RooFlyer]

Oh, one other thing if a prospective F pax happens on this thread.

On checking in in SYD at UA's F counter, I asked about using SQ's First lounge, as I hadn't been there before. (I'm UA plat via status match and AC SE100K by cash travel).

I was told quite firmly and clearly that this was NOT ALLOWED. it was the Air NZ lounge or nothing. I even asked about *A mutual lounge allowances, similar to what I'm used to on 1W. No dice, she said. SQ lounge off limits.

Of course like a true Lounge crawler, I popped my head into the SQ first lounge and asked if I was able to access. They pointed out the Air NZ lounge, also saying that they didn't announce UA flights in the SQ lounge, but yes, I was welcome to use the lounge. So I did. there were only 2 of us in there. When I went to the ANZ lounge a bit later it was the usual zoo.

When I exited the SQ lounge, I did notice the signage that does seem to indicate that SQ lounge is only for SQ, and the Air NZ lounge is for everyone else. So maybe I just got lucky with an accommodating SQ lounge agent