We are considering a trip from SFO to Singapore next year with a stop in Tokyo on the way there and another location yet to be determined on the way back. I am doing some preliminary research into flights, ticket prices and so forth.

Looking at the Star Alliance partners (we have FF miles through United, not to use on this trip, just want to accrue some for future travel), it looks like United, ANA, and Singapore all have similar routings, prices, and so forth.

I've flown United a fair amount, but only 1 short internal flight on ANA in Japan, and never with Singapore airlines.

Any thoughts on the relative positives and negatives of these three airlines?

Assuming economy, I would expect that ANA or Singapore will be a better experience. But, if mileage accrual is important, do check the Mileage Plus accrual rules for ANA and Singapore flights. I don't have any personal experience, but it appears that some discounted economy fares on those airlines either accrue less than 100% or no miles at all.

I live in Indonesia and travel through Singapore several times a year. Singapore Air is hands down my favorite airline - I usually fly the SIN-LAX route in their Executive Economy class, which I'd choose in a heartbeat over coach on ANY airline.

However, next month I'm flying United to SFO via Singapore and Japan for the first time as I was able to upgrade to business class using my Star Alliance FF miles. That, and the fact that I can reach my destination in the US without an overnight stay in LA, convinced me to try United.

Singapore Air economy is similar to other airlines in terms of space (or lack thereof), but their service far exceeds United IMO. Given the choice between United Business and Singapore Business, I'd also choose Singapore.

I haven't flow ANA, so can't help there.

singapore airlines is supposed to be the world's best, hands-down, so all other factors being equal i'd go singapore air.

Thanks. These seats are economy (can't afford business unless someone else is footing the bill - LOL). And I will definitely check with United to see how the miles accrue before making any reservations.

I've flown all 3 airlines, with the majority of my flight miles (in excess of 1 million) on UA. While it's a shame that you won't be able to upgrade into BusinessClass (which is very nice on all 3 airlines) - there are a couple of things to bear in mind that have been mentioned upthread.

First, if you care about miles DO check the accrual rate on discount economy for SQ/NH. Second, do NOT accept the argument that 'service'/'food'/'etc' are neccesarily better on SQ/NH than on UA.

For a reasonable fee, you could have access to UA's Economy Plus section which is going to have significantly greater legroom than SQ/NH (with the exception of SQ Premium Econ- which I've assumed you 'can't afford').

This is a long flight, but if you have the room to stretch out it can make all the difference in the world. I've done it literally dozens of times.

Have a great trip! Dave

i understand sq is using new 777 from sfo to sin via seoul. i rec that flt, even in economy, over ua or ana.

If the mileage accrual is the same, then UA is at the bottom of the list. Their service cannot compare to Singapore or ANA.

Hey Bisbee - Why doncha let me know how that 31" of seat pitch works out for ya during that 17 hours or so of flight time SQ/NH vs. 35" on UA. Service is a "relative" thing.

Best, Dave

Unless you are trying to get miles with United or an upgrade, Singapore is the best and American is the worst in Economy.

(That will be $5 please)

Hey Dave,
I've ridden in Economy plus and standard economy multiple times on UA SE Asia flights. If Singapore was flying the route, I would have chosen them instead. Service might be relative to you, but not to me. The old hags on UA are worthless.

It is true that most of the flight attendants on International flights on U.S. airlines are older. Their kids are grown up, and they are no longer needed at home each night.

And usually, the captain of the airline keeps the fasten seat belt sign on for most of the flight to make the attendants job easier.

Bisbee writes: "Service might be relative to you, but not to me. The old hags on UA are worthless."....

Guess it just shows to go ya, that to each their own....
Best wishes for great travels in any event!

Dave

"Service might be relative to you, but not to me. The old hags on UA are worthless"

with an attitude like that one wonders who would offer you any kind of decent service.

If you want to accrue miles on this trip to Singapore, Dave is right about first making sure your class of ticket on Singapore airlines will give you miles. My husband was a 1K member on UA when he flew Vancouver-Tokyo- Singapore-Dubai return on Singapore Airlines and got not a SINGLE mile. If he had flown on United for that trip he would have had enough miles for a free domestic ticket. Even thought Singapore Airlines is known to be the best airline in the world, they will never get another cent of his money.

cousin often flies SFO to singapore in economy on Singapore Air. I hear nothing but praises for the entertainment system and legroom

Singapore Air is the best airline I have ever been on. Service is top notch and the airplane was great. I have not been on ANA so can't comment there. United actually has inproved over the past couple of years but still doesn't come close to Singapore Air. I have more info about my flights on my site http://www.bombasticlife.com under the "things' catagory. Good luck and have fun.