California to Bangkok
 

Traveling from Sacramento/SF area to Thailand in February. Do you recommend United or Cathay Pacific airlines? Have researched a few other airlines but most seem to be limited in flight choices. Dates for travel are not flexible.

Thanks!

Check out their passenger trip reviews on http://www.airlinequality.com/

If you are flying regular coach, CX will give you a better experience than UA. But if the price difference is large enough for you to purchase Economy Plus access on UA ($499/yr, also good for companion), then the extra legroom on UA may be of interest for you.

CX also have a true premium economy product, but not cheap.

If you're flying business or first class, then no contest, definitely CX.

Thank you for your quick replies! Price is about the same so I thought if service was better with CX, I would try that airline. In general, I find international airlines are usually better than USA airlines but have only flown transAtlantic and not transPacific. I am a United mileage plus member and have found seating/service lacking (true of all airlines the past +5 years!).

Do you know if the clamshell seats have been replaced on all CX planes?
I welcome any other suggestions you regarding airlines, flights.

Thank you... the website was very helpful!

The longhauls 777-300ER on CX don't have the shell seats anymore.

If you don't care about the miles in UA, or need to maintain elite status, then CX is clearly preferred. Do keep in mind that even though the fare you see may be similar, most discount CX fares only earn 50% miles, while UA is 100%.

Thank you, rkkwan, for the tip.... I did not know! I was planning on accruing miles on my American Airline acct with CX flight. Went on CX website; how do you know what type of ticket you are issued (H, K< M< L< etc)?

Do not have elite status (72K miles), considered purchasing economy plus or ccard for United. Not sure it is worth the extra +$250 cost. Just looking for comfort and service on flight and, from experience, that usually means flying with non-USA carrier.

Thanks for your help.

I have had a fabulous experiences on Asian carriers. In general I would recommend them highly. I not been on Singapore or Cathay yet but Malaysian is my all time favourite. A flight attendant sprayed a little soft drink on my white pants on a Japan Airlines flight and she was so apologetic. I said don't worry. She insisted repeatedly that I take the dry cleaning voucher she was offering and charge it back to JAL. I just took it to make her happy.

Happy travels!

UA's E+ Access is worth it for 2 persons on 4 flights. And especially if you do fly on UA again within the coming year.

The Singapore A380 via Hong Kong is another option. Get a preferred seat in economy for $50 more on the upper desk - lots of legroom

Have you checked EVA Airlines? You can fly SFO-TPE-BKK with them. They also have a Premium Economy (called Elite). And they are now members of Star Alliance.