United Dreamliner 787-9 MEL to LAX

[Saintly]

Has anyone been on this direct flight to LA? How was their business class? How would you rate it against Qantas A380 business class. I'm tossing between United and Qantas. United is cheaper by a fair amount on this new plane.

 

[jackthomas]

I'd say QANTAS beats United hands down.... Having said that I've never flown either of the airlines on this route (Only Virgin)

 

[clifford]

I'd say QANTAS beats United hands down.... Having said that I've never flown either of the airlines on this route (Only Virgin)

Got to love that response!

 

[drivatruk]

If you haven't seen it search [h=1]Inside the United 787-9 @KSEA[/h]on youtube

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Has anyone been on this direct flight to LA? How was their business class? How would you rate it against Qantas A380 business class. I'm tossing between United and Qantas. United is cheaper by a fair amount on this new plane.

United is a perfectly good airline! You're not going to get NP cuisine, or wines at the same quality as QF. But you will get a full flat bed (with no droop) and ice-cream sundaes! (BYO PJs) If the most important thing is a bed... UA delivers.

I like United and wouldn't have any hesitation flying them. Set your expectations accordingly and you'll have a good flight.

 

[seritonin]

I've only flown on the 777 J, worst business class service ever, in fact there was not much service at all. I was expecting it so it wasn't too bad, the lie flat seat was comfy though... and if you are doing it on the way over to the U.S., it's a day flight so not a big deal....

 

[UP4014]

I haven't used their new plane, but the 747 first, J and Y were ok, nothing fancy but then they are priced better and being tall I go for the extra space. I'd give them another go.

Matt

 

[Nizar]

Anybody flown UA LAX-MEL recently in J on the new Dreamliner ?
I'm looking for a way home from LAX and they are A$5.5k cheaper than QF for the two people !
The bed looks decent and I should (?) be allowed to use the new Star Alliance LAX lounge but I was wondering how is the food and how is the entertainment system ?

Cheers

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Anybody flown UA LAX-MEL recently in J on the new Dreamliner ?
I'm looking for a way home from LAX and they are A$5.5k cheaper than QF for the two people !
The bed looks decent and I should (?) be allowed to use the new Star Alliance LAX lounge but I was wondering how is the food and how is the entertainment system ?

Cheers

the food and entertainment are A1 for a saving of $5.5k (in other words, it's not worth forking out $5.5k for anything better than UA).

food is well... comfort food. It's the same food they serve in first class, save for a soup course. The sundaes are delicious.

Wines? Buy yourself a case of Dom on your return with the saving on one fare. And a 60' full HD smart tv with wi-fi with the saving on the other (and a bunch of DVDs thrown in).

 

[Nizar]

the food and entertainment are A1 for a saving of $5.5k (in other words, it's not worth forking out $5.5k for anything better than UA).

food is well... comfort food. It's the same food they serve in first class, save for a soup course. The sundaes are delicious.

Wines? Buy yourself a case of Dom on your return with the saving on one fare. And a 60' full HD smart tv with wi-fi with the saving on the other (and a bunch of DVDs thrown in).

Cheers lol.

Moving a bit off topic here but for those have tried both which is better AC 77W J or UA 789 J ?
Which would you fly for the same money ?

 

[Deleted member 24491]

I'm a VA Plat based in Melbourne that flies to the US every 4-6 weeks for work. When VA stopped flying MEL-LAX last October, I continued to fly VA via SYD or BNE.
This year, I've resumed my flights to the US (BOS) and recently decided to try UA on the 787-9 from MEL. I've since had flights in BusinessFirst and E+ in both directions.

Summary notes:
1. UA status matched VA Plat to UA Premier Gold within 48 hours. This provides free Economy Plus (extra legroom) and Group 2 priority boarding on all UA flights (where available).
2. The BusinessFirst class seat and service is nothing special compared to EY J, etc. - but inflight Internet, a smaller plane than the VA 777, QF A380, etc. and the air quality improvements were noticeable positives.
3. Because of its early arrival, UA 99 arrives into LAX TBIT - not LAX T7. This means that if you have a connecting flight, you still need to make the trek from TBIT to T7.
4. Unless you have a long layover in LAX, you can only access the T7 UA Club Lounge - not the great *A Business/First Lounge in TBIT.
5. Pricing is generally highly competitive vs QF, VA, etc.

 

[Saintly]

Thanks for your comments. Seems UA on the 787-9 is worth a try for Melbourne flyers. Great to have choice & competition for flights from MEL.

 

[flying_duck]

Hey blueprint, sorry to drag up a comment from a month ago, but could you ping me a link or something re: UA status match VA plat? I'm going to be doing a fair bit MEL-JFK this year and would love to have the UA option with status. And yes, I googled but couldn't find anything

 

[flying_duck]

Nevermind, found it Offer | United Airlines

 

[Cruiser Elite]

No activity here which probably indicates few AFFers have ridden this bird - BUT - has anybody done UA J MEL-LAX on 787 in last month or 2?

If YES - any info on F & B offered on board? Quality?

Furthermore what is availability of J award seats like on this route does anybody know?

 

[Nizar]

I've seen availability for two pax in J on a T-7 basis so only very close to departure.

In advanced seems very difficult even 10+ months in advanced. Unsure if it gets snapped up quickly or if it is blocked.