UA f class to Beijing
 

OK, I've read how the US carriers aren't very good compared to some of the Asian carriers. I'm ready to believe it, but can't change my tix so what am I in for? Is it really that bad?

You are in FIrst class? You'll be fine. It may not be as luxe as some the the Asian carriers (Singapore and Malaysian in particular) but it's very good. I fly United across the Pacific all the time in United Business Class and I'm very satisfied with their service. Lots of us on this board fly United.

It's not like you have a lot of choices. UA will be significantly better than Air China, while NW and CO don't have international first class.

JAL and ANA will be better, but that requires a transit at NRT, and NRT-PEK probably only has regional business class.

Should be pretty nice:
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,1932,00.html

The folks at flyertalk.com could fill you in completely.

If it is a paid ticket then definitely enroll in Mileage Plus, if you are not a member, and get the FF miles for the trip. You'll get a 50% bonus for F in both redeemable and elite qualifying miles.

I wonder why the OP thinks it's "that bad"? No international first class on a major carrier should be bad. But I guess you won't get a pajama (CX) or get tucked in by a Singapore Girl (SQ). :)

Ick. <-that is, I think the appropriate reply when we start down the road of commenting on the qualities of female Asian FAs. ;)

Anyway, I think UA spent millions, while still in bankruptcy, upgrading their planes to the suite seats. Might have been as much as they gave the top execs in bonuses recently.

Flying First Class internationally is always better than not -- it is just a question of relatively as to which carriers are more luxurious than others. The best part about United's first is that you can completely lie down (fully flat). This means you can get a real night's sleep and arrive refreshed. They also have personal video players in First, so you will have a selection of movies (though not the tens and tens available "on demand" on SQ). The areas in which United does not compare to the great Asian carriers are service and food. The flight attendants are nowhere near as nice and service-oriented, and the food is nothing special. If you are on a night flight, however, you won't notice this -- you will be sleeping much of your flight on the lie-flat seat. Enjoy!

Thanks for your replies. Seems I'll be just fine. I tried some researching before this post and many said the old 747s were just plain falling apart and really looked shabby and the FAs were downright mean, so that's why I asked. Sure hope I draw a refurbished plane with a couple of nice FAs. Actually, I'd rather get an uneventful, smooth flight.

Thanks again.

gaia111

Some people just like to bash the US carriers. On many of their routes, United uses 777s which are my favorite planes. Intra-Asia they often use 747s, but all that I have been in have been well-maintained/reburbished or fairly new. I've never experienced a flight attendant on United as being mean, and have gotten very good to excellent service in Business and First. Even the food is edible!

UA's 747-400s are fairly old, and the coach cabins look pretty tired. No personal screen and the cushions may lack support.

UA was in bankruptcy for a while and didn't have the resource to update their coach cabins. That's for sure. They even sell off a few 777s to Air India - that's really unheard of. Most airlines are getting rid of 747s to use the more efficient (and usually newer) 777. But I guess they need the money.

But you're flying F, which is a totally different story.

Yippee, I'm feeling much better now. Seems I'll have a nice flight after all.