Does anyone know how United is with long flights to asia. We are flying coach.

I am all over this board today... <BR> <BR>We just took the JFK-Hong Kong nonstop a few weeks ago. They were wonderful. The stewardesses were kind and helpful, plus there were only 70 people on the plane, so everyone got their own row. Amazing. Unfortunately, they've canceled that flight. I would recommend that you make sure that you talk to the people at the airline beforehand to see a) if you can get seated in Premium Economy seats -- 5 inches more room than the other seats; b) if you get there enough in advance, you can get the exit row; c) go to the United website and type in the info as though you were purchasing a ticket; it will show you a diagram and show you how many seats are booked/taken as of whatever point you log in. <BR> <BR>The plane I was on did not have TVs in the back of the seat -- minor complaint, varies in importance according to the person involved.

Hi - <BR> <BR>We've flown United on all 4 trips to Asia in the past 2 years. The trick is trying to get an exit row or bulkhead. <BR> <BR>If I were you, I'd call them up and tell them you want row 50 in front of the bulkhead. I think the seats are D,E,F,G It's great. I use the wall to prop my feet up on and it supports my back. Of course, I'm not very tall; only 5'5". The exit row is good too but I find that people like to come around and stand during the flight so you have the possibility being disturbed. I think the bulkhead is the best combo of legroom and no one bothering you during the flight. <BR> <BR>Perhaps one of the best things you can do is get some Ambien from your doctor. You'll be out like a light and wake up feeling fine. No weird side-effects. We tried it for the first time last year on our trip to Thailand and now we won't fly without it. <BR> <BR>Good luck. <BR> <BR>Lynn <BR>T-64 <BR

I'm amazed at how many people on this board recommend Ambien. While it is true that many people use it with no problem, it's not a totally harmless medication. First, it's important not to mix it with alcohol, as alcohol potentiates its effects. Also, there have been a number of cases where people have taken Ambien on the plane, awakened when they reached their destinations, and walked off the plane, leaving everything behind. It's known for causing these kinds of episodes. Generally, it is not recommended for taking on the plane for that reason, though it's often recommended for people to take to help with sleep once they reach their destinations.

I would rather fly Air Afghanistan than United. I was supposed to fly to Hong Kong last year on United, but they lied to me and said the flight was canceled. It was actually overbooked! They then put me on Cathay Pacific 13 hours later.(I loved Cathay Pacific-the service is incredible.) I did fly home from Shanghai on United, but it was delayed at Narita in Japan. To make things up to me, United gave me a free flight to anywhere in the US or Canada. I chose to visit a friend in Atlanta. My flight to Atlanta via Chicago had a 2-hour delay. My return to Philadelphia via Chicago from Atlanta was so late I was stuck in Chicago for the night! I think United is the WORST airline in the world. You would probably get to China faster if you rode your bicycle!! JG

John obviously had a terrible experience with United. I fly a lot and I've found that every airline has its "bad days" some just have more bad days than others. I'm a very frequent flier on United, so I do get preferential treatment. I've had very good experiences on their international flights.

Darling, do you know what the NY TIMES is? It is probably the best newspaper in the world. They printed a poll that showed that United was one of the worst airlines for service. I don't care if you are a perfered customer, you can't fly on a plane that isn't there! These are the other airlines, sweetie, that I have flown on: Lot, Lufthansa, USAir, Delta, Iberia, Continental, Air India, Indian Airlines, South China Air, North China Air, Virgin Atlantic, Brit Air, Air France, Air Lanka, Pan AM, Alitalia, Cathay Pacific. I NEVER had the horrible experiences on these airlines I did on United. Once, my flight from London to NY was delayed by 20 minutes on BA. And I did have a flight canceled on Delta, but they resolved the situation and redirected me within an hour. I did have trouble with delays on Indian Airlines because of security reasons in Nepal. But this was the fault of the government, not the airlines. Ciao, John G.

John, I have no doubt that you had a bad experience with United. I've had good experiences with United, and I've flown approximately a million air miles on United. Yes, there have been occasional delays, but I've never had anything resembing your experience with United. I, too, have flown many different airlines, and could give you reviews of Alaska, Aloha, Delta, TWA (the worst), American, Continental, British, Air France, Royal Air Maroc, Olympic Airlines, Egypt Air, Thai Airlines, SIngapore Airlines, Garuda, Cathay Pacific, Air Canada, Southeast China Air, Air Polynesie, Quantas, and others that escape my memory at present. <BR> <BR>I read and respect the New York Times, but any survey reflects the experiences of those surveyed and not the experience of any one particular person. Shelly asked for people's experiences, you gave her yours, I gave her mine. I'm not wrong, you're not wrong. We have had different experiences.

wow kathy I think you response denotes a well seasoned traveler and a centered person... kudos for that... I have also traveled in different airlines and the best service is singapore... but United has been great too! my experience...janine

Hi ... <BR> <BR>I totally, 100% echo John's sentiments ... United is, bar none, the WORST airline out there, no exceptions. I've blown all over the globe, and I've even had to fly United to South America. I'm a frequent flyer with Delta and with British Airways, and I loathe when I am left with no alternative but United. Their employees are like Nazis and they have made me cry two out of the last three times I have had to fly them. <BR> <BR>Yes, every airline has its bad day, but to have consistently rude treatment and antiquated equipment ... well, it's no small coincidence.

Hi <BR>We are flying United in 3 weeks from San Francisco to Hong Kong. Trip was booked over 1 year ago, and I have had many telephone conversations with United and I disagree with Red, to the contrary I have had wonderful treatment by United,and not once did I find them rude. Maybe Red had a bad day. Will let you know when we return how the flight was. We are also flying coach.

Of course, Taurus, you have had wonderful treatment by United--you've had no problems because you haven't flown them yet. Wait until you have a canceled or overbooked flight. Wait until they've lost your luggage. Then you will see how you are treated.

I empathize with Red's message -- except my out-of-body experiences have been with American Airlines. Indifferent or rude service, always late (and I mean ALWAYS). Strangely enough, I've had reasonably good experiences with United, particularly on the Asian and European flights. But give me Singapore or Cathay anytime...

I've flown all over Asia and China on business for the past 10 years but I've never heard of Southeast China Air. <BR> <BR>If you fly to the Far East, you should keep yourself awake during the flight. Don't take sleeping pills, it's a bad idea. You'll realize why this advice is so precious when you get there. However, having a good sleep on your way back would help you recover from jet lag. It works.