V-Flyer

The lack of reward seats for VS had forced me to venture onto the dreaded United, though a lack of Business setas forced me into First. But your intrepid correspondent decided to suck it up and take one for the team.

After the early morning gym visit that DW insists upon before flying, we were soon fighting traffic down to SFO.

We had pre-booked parking at airportparkingreservations.com, a very useful site to know about.

After unloading all the luggage (travelling light on safari, so only 2 duffels, a backpack, camera backpack, my video camera bag, a shoulder bag and a set of wheels, we boarded the bus for the airport. Today's driver was presumably off his meds, as we screamed along, taking every bump and corner at max speed.

Check in was a breeze and soon we were off to the First Class lounge located conveniently close to the gates.
Imagine Red Carpet club, with nicer furniture, real food, free booze and at something less than 150% capacity and you'll have an idea of the difference. A very serene, quiet place to relax, with some excellent sushi.

VS wins 2-0

Onboard we were on the 777, so it was the old suite, not the new version. The seat is very comfortable, though you do have to be upright for takeoff and landing, so a point to Virgin there. In full recline the design leaves a hard spot near the small of your back which makes the bed less comfortable than VS. There is far more storage space available, though no Ottoman and oversized table. Lastly the IFE is tiny, the only benefit of first being the personal video system.

VS wins this round 3-1

The Purser greeted us by name, the staff were very attentive, and when I told the Purser that my IFE started up slowly after PA interruptions, I said it wasn't a big deal to me, and she said it was to her and would make sure it was fixed before another passenger was disappointed.

UA wins this round 2-0

Drinks were served quickly and plentifully, an excellent Champagne was followed by a cheeky Sancerre from Pascal Jolivet. With dinner I enjoyed an excellent claret, the second wine of Ch. de Pez. A treat!
Dinner service was prompt,and while I dont remember the menu, I do remember everything being delicious.

UA wins 3-0

After a good sleep, I watched Body of Lies - terrific movie. Then I tucked into the best breakfast omelette I've ever had on a plane.

UA wins 1-0 (the VS bacon butty has disappointed me of late)

On nearing LHR, I tuned into Channel 9 to listen to ATC - I wish VS would allow that. I was a bit shocked to learn we were running on fumes and if we couldn't land within a set time would have to divert to Birmingham! (The horror - imagine if Colonel Kurtz was from Dudley and you'll get the picture). As it was ATC was very helpful and we landed a few moments late at LHR.

Overall an excellent flight with UA beating VS 7-5.

Matt thanks for the TR - really useful as I have some UA miles to burn and was thinking of using them on a SFO / LAX trip this year. Must try for the 747 though!

Thanks for the TR!

I love listening to ATC whilst on the plane.

OK, it was a few years ago but while Mrs DA and I asked the cabin crew if they knew the score in a Cubs v Marlins baseball post-season game and the captain fed live radio coverage through Channel 9![y]

Good read a UA TR and also that it went rather well. I would love to listen to ATC on a flight, shame VS do not offer this.

DMB

ISTR that LHR ATC were getting a lot stricter with inbound aircraft requesting priority landing due to 'low fuel'. Any inbound claiming that were being reported to the CAA for investigation. ISTBC though.

I heard that too from a couple of years ago when fuel prices started to rise and some airlines were starting to be a bight tight on the fuel.

An investigation and a report plus maybe a fine would soon sort this out for regular offenders but I imagine the CAA are sensible enough to work out the different between a deliberate tight fuel load and one casued by say weather conditions

So glad to hear of another positive UA experience and that my excellent F flights(LHR-LAX-LHR)with them over Christmas weren't just a one-off!

Thanks for the TR [y]

I too have had 2 very good flights on UA. I flew in both economy and business class. Yes OK the A/C interior of the B744 was a bit out-of-date, but the on-board service they offered more than made up for that.

I would not hesitate to fly UA again.

Regards

Thanks for the TR!

The only thing that grates with United is no booze in Economy to Europe (but yes to Asia!!!). The new Biz class is a significant improvement, and the service has always been good, in my opinion.

The return flight was even better. I'll get a TR up soon.

Matt, thanks for your TR which was informative and, with the addition of the ratings, very helpful.

Like some others I did a return on UA JFK-LAX over the Christmas holidays, outbound in J and back in F, concluding that the space in J is superior despite having less recline than in F. The lack of space under one's seat in F (the new suite) is a design issue that apparently UA chose to forego in favor of having a 'suite' product. If I were to fly the route again on UA I would save $$ and go with the business class product.

I should add that these legs were on a domestic B752 converted for UA's 'Premium Service' routes LAX-JFK, SFO-JFK, etc.

Chuck-

Chuck, you're dead on about the no-storage deal. In the new international product the same issue is found with both F and J. It is now stated quite clearly on the sites, and is a bit of a pain, considering all the time that can go into figuring out how to design this stuff, and the previous experiences other airlines have gone through with this sort of product.

Another interesting issue you have with this product is that if your seat is internal (as it might be in international J, for instance) and the aisle seat is fully reclined, you will basically need to climb over the reclined person to get out, or get them to pull the seat up. Better be friendly with that person .....

I have to say when all is said and done the VS cabin layout, even with the slant and all, is a clear winner to me.

MM,
The good thing about the UA 752 'PS' aircraft is that the configuration of 2x2 does allow people to get by if they're on the inboard seat.

Chuck-

Chuck, you did a PS service and no TR ?

quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
Chuck, you did a PS service and no TR ?


I'm the guilty one. Sorry. Will do it now.

Chuck-