United Ottawa-Sydney
 

Hi there!My friend and I are flying on United on May 2nd from Ottawa to Sydney with connections in Chicago and L.A. Anyone know lengths, etc. of these flights? United is one of the only major airlines I have not flown with-I have been told to expect no frills...Also, does anyone know how many/what meals will served and if they show a number of movies on the long-haul flight from LAX to Sydney? Any suggestions/advice on what to expect and how to survive this flight would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

What an exciting adventure! I almost never fly United, but I would be surprised if you couldn't get a look at a detailed itinerary that shows flight times, ground times, etc.

Someone here has undoubtedly taken those flights and can fill you in about the details of the equipment. If not, I would suggest that you go to www.flyertalk.com, register and then pose your questions there (if you can't find it already with the search function.) You will quickly hear from savvy road warriors who will be able to tell you exactly what to expect.

Finally, I presume you are signed up for the FF program. You will be a long way toward making elite status with that long of a flight and you need to capture the substantial benefits involved because it essentially represents a rebate of part of your cost. Don't leave that on the table! Even if you don't make elite, you're probably talking almost 20K miles -- most of a free, minimum level award ticket in the U.S.-Canada.

Like Flyboy says, you can find the flight time on ual.com. Anyways, I've looked it up for you:

YOW-ORD ~2:00 on a Canadian Regional Jet
ORD-LAX ~4:20 on various types
LAX-SYD 14:45 on 747-400

UA's 747-400s to Asia has Economy + seatings reserved for full-fare and elite passengers with their FF programs. The E+ seats have more legroom. If you have elite status with Aeroplan or other Star Alliance programs, you may be able to get those.

There's no personal video screens in Economy or Economy Plus on UA's 747-400. On a typical 14+ hour flight, you are served dinner just after takeoff. They'll show two movies plus other TV programs on the big screen. About halfway through the flight, they'll give you some snacks. [On Asian flights, that means cup noodles. Not sure about OZ flights.] And before arrival, you'll get breakfast.

My suggestion for a flight like this is bring your own entertainment (book, MP3 player, etc), drink a lot of water (bring your own bottle if you don't want to call the FA all the time). Check with UA to see if you can get a Economy + seat. And ask them again within 72 hours if they can't give one to you before. Ask again in Ottawa, and again at LAX.

Did I mention the Economy + seats with extra legroom? ;)

I should have said "UA's 747-400 to Asia/PACIFIC".

Hi, thanks so much for all your helpful info. and advice! Didn't expect such great responses!