UA's New First

[mcmbenjamin]

Looks pretty good. Will give QF a run for the money of the USA-Ozzie route.

Click for Photo

-- a 110-volt universal plug for laptop power, compatible with power
outlets for 145 countries.
-- a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port to charge personal electronic
devices, such as personal digital assistants, cell phones and digital
cameras.
-- Multiple stowage compartments to accommodate a laptop bag and other
personal items.
-- noise-canceling headphones.
-- an Apple iPod connector that enables customers to play their own music
and video on their suite's entertainment unit, as well as recharges the
iPod unit.

United will begin introducing the luxury First Suites in the fourth quarter of 2007 and upgrade its entire 97 aircraft widebody international fleet, which includes B767, B777 and B747 aircraft.

[fozzyo]

Looks good! Like the idea of the USB point and iPod connector.

It looks OK to me - a bit drab and grey for my liking though[:?]

VS.

I agree Ben, it looks pretty cool USB and iPod connector pretty good too [y]

I like the USB port and the other elec offerings, but I also saw that side table with the drink glass on it. It's static; no way to stow it or move it.

That corner directly under the drink looks like it could be painful. I wonder how many bruises will result as fliers bash into that once it gets turbulent. Other than that, it looks pretty good!

looks good, but IMHO isn't really keeping track with the next generation of First products, as seen on Singapore and Cathay.

[preiffer]

International Business Class, Yes. International First? You're kidding?!? [ii][:p]

[mcmbenjamin]

Not so much there. Better than most everyone else in F.

[preiffer]

That's kind of my point though Ben - these suites are ONLY JUST being launched.

How many years is it going to take to complete? By which point, the competition will no doubt have leapfrogged them again.

It's pretty widely accepted that the North American carriers' J & F products tend to be "below standard" in comparison to other International airlines' offerings. All this does (IMHO) is DRAG UA back up to the level that others are already at.

How long that will remain the case, is yet to be proven...

[ChuckC]

Originally posted by preiffer
That's kind of my point though Ben - these suites are ONLY JUST being launched.

How many years is it going to take to complete? By which point, the competition will no doubt have leapfrogged them again.

It's pretty widely accepted that the North American carriers' J & F products tend to be "below standard" in comparison to other International airlines' offerings. All this does (IMHO) is DRAG UA back up to the level that others are already at.

How long that will remain the case, is yet to be proven...

For those with a subscription Paul's point is underscored in the latest "First Class Flyer" where it is pointed out that US carriers, mired in bankruptcies, are woefully behind in the competition for international premium cabin pax.

That said, I'd not mind a flight with the new UA digs.

Chuck-

Originally posted by preiffer
That's kind of my point though Ben - these suites are ONLY JUST being launched.

How many years is it going to take to complete? By which point, the competition will no doubt have leapfrogged them again.

Competition has already leaped frogged this new UA first product

Cathay Pacific

Singapore Airlines

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by preiffer

That's kind of my point though Ben - these suites are ONLY JUST being launched.

How many years is it going to take to complete? By which point, the competition will no doubt have leapfrogged them again.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Competition has already leaped frogged this new UA first product

Cathay Pacific

Singapore Airlines

The sad things is that they haven't been leapfrogged; the other products were a). better to start with and b) have realeased their new designs before UA.[B)]

VS.