UA590 DEN–ORD
3 Jun 12
0840–1150
Boeing 777-200
3 class
Configured for international routes, with the United Global First suites
United First
2 rows; 1–2
1–2–1
Seats 1A and 2A
We checked in online the day before at our Denver hotel and confirmed our chosen seats of 1A and 2A. On arrival at DEN we took advantage of curbside check-in, which proved to be a good decision as once inside the terminal we saw that even the Premier check-in desks were fairly busy.
Through fast-track security quickly and on the train to the B gates. Flight was from B38. It was a full flight with several people waiting for standby and upgrades. We sat close to the desk and it was interesting to watch the screen, see who was waiting for upgrades/standby, and watch people going up to the desk. According to the screen, 4 people were booked in First so there were only 4 seats available, yet there were a dozen or more on the upgrade list. Business looked a better bet, with about 20 seats available to those wanting upgrades – although I counted 38 on the upgrade list so many must still have been disappointed.
Once we boarded, we took our seats as did 2 others, and the other 4 seats proceeded to be filled, presumably by upgrades. One was a female member of cabin crew, another a pilot, but then someone came to speak to the pilot and he collected his bags and left – I don’t know where he went but his seat was quickly filled by another man. The aircraft left the gate at 0855.
The male cabin crew member was very friendly and attentive, offering drinks as soon as we boarded. The female cabin crew member then asked if we wanted the “cheese omelette” for breakfast. This turned out to be egg, cheese and ham in an English muffin (very similar to McDonalds but not as good!) Not liking cheese, my DH refused which then resulted in him not getting anything at all, not even the other items which accompanied the “omelette”. The other items were a dish of pink yogurt, a rather good dish of fresh fruit, and then the offer of either a warm croissant or cinnamon roll.
The seats were excellent, not as enclosed as Virgin’s Upper Class suites and with much more room. They had masses of handy storage space in various lockers set into the suite, in addition to the usual overhead storage. DH was able to plug his iPod into the entertainment system and use it through the IFE screen. There looked to be plenty of TV and movie choices but, sad muppet that I am, I just listened to air traffic on Channel 9 and watched the skymap. Channel 9 is an excellent facility and I wish other airlines would introduce it.
We landed a little late, at 1205. It was a long trek from the gate to baggage claim where a few bags appeared fairly quickly then none at all for another 15 minutes, although ours did arrive soon after that.
It was such a comfortable flight we were almost disappointed that it was not longer. I would certainly like to try one of these suites on a transatlantic run but unfortunately, lottery win aside, it is highly unlikely.
