Modesto2 From United States of America, joined Jul 2000, 2629 posts, RR: 6 Reply 2, posted (12 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 649 times:
I flew on UA954, SFO-LHR. I was in economy with a 10 abreast configuration. Obviously, you don't need me to tell you that it was tight. But, that's expected. So it wasn't luxury, but a lack thereof! I wouldn't recommend UA. But it was fun to be on a 744, but maybe of another airline!
FLY777UAL From United States of America, joined May 1999, 4510 posts, RR: 3 Reply 4, posted (12 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 624 times:
...nor the only airline with 31" seat pitch in back...
First Class on the 747-200 is great. Seats are the standard 64" pitch (or so), which is actually VERY generous. I can almost fully recline in the seat [sleeping is very easy, and I'm not one to sleep on a plane]. On the 744, First is wonderful. The brand new seats recline almost flat, and have the same 64" pitch as the -200's do. PTV's with DVS9 (Distributed Video System-9 Channels) as well as an in-seat video player make the time go much quicker. Lumbar, noise-reduction headsets and great food make it even more perfect. The 747-400's equipped with the new United First Suite are heaven. That's all one can say. Stretching out and sleeping for three hours on a HNL-SFO flight (Dep 1300 Arr 2000 hrs.) was great, and the hot Mrs. Field's cookies and an icy-cold glass of milk before turndown service was a great touch. What happened with the other two hours of the flight? A great meal and movies galore! Sidenote for the UFS: It is a really akward feeling on takeoff and landing. The plane is going forward, but you are angled towards the side...VERY weird feeling!
Business is where I've flown the most on the 747-400 (Mainly First Class for me on the 747-200/-100). The new United Business seats are very comfortable, functional, and stylish. PTV's work well, seat pitch is fine...fairly easy to sleep in. If you are ever in Business, I suggest the window seats in the bulkhead row of Upper Deck-recline the seat all the way, and use the side storage bins as the rest of your "Business bed". With the correct amount of pillows supporting your back, the surface actually becomes flat (almost as good as the United First Suite).
United Economy is average. I flew in 'back' on a SFO-NRT leg just a few weeks ago. I wasn't expecting much in the way of comfort (as it IS Economy), but was pleasantly surprised at how rested I felt once I deplaned in Narita.
Lack of space all around you (especially to your sides)wasn't too fun, however, sleeping was no problem. Don't put anything under the seat infront of you, recline as far as possible, and stretch out. Just as good as a bed! (LOL!).
Meals were quite decent. All three were very filling on the way over.
Woody From United States of America, joined Oct 2000, 174 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (12 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 615 times:
I think all airlines that operate the 747 have 10 abreast coach seating.
UAL747 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 6, posted (12 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 609 times:
I flew United 747-400 in economy LAX-HKG, HKG-LAX this summer. It was pretty nice. I'm a college student trying to see the world and fly every airplane I can. It was my first time on a 747 ever. To me, even though it was 10 abreast seating, it wasn't that bad. Maybe because I had the whole 3 seats to myself, but I mainly just sat in my own personal seat. It was a nice flight, even in economy. However, we hit some severe turbulence off the east coast of Japan that had that
-400's wings flapping like a birds. I was amazed at how flexible they were. I bet those #1 and #4 engines were swaying in the wind. United's interiors are a little lacking however. The plane was immaculately clean, but it lacked the chicness of an AA777.
ILUV767 From United States of America, joined May 2000, 3141 posts, RR: 8 Reply 7, posted (12 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 581 times:
I've flown on both the -200 and the -400. Both are very nice. I thought that the 747 in coach is cramped, compared to the 777 in coach. Maybe it was becuase I was next to a winey kid.
ContinentalEWR From United States of America, joined May 2000, 3762 posts, RR: 15 Reply 8, posted (12 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 584 times:
I flew a United 747-200 from JFK to NRT in 1996. The flight was awful. The plane was visibly old and sported the old style Conoisseur Class seats with
a pull down screen for movies. Food was inedible and generally, the flight
was awful.
I returned in April 1997 on a UA 747-400 that was factory fresh. The main
flight attendant told me that it had been delivered two weeks prior. I was
on the Upper Deck, in the new United Business seats and it was very, very
enjoyable. A terrific trip.
I have heard that United's Boeing 747 fleet is much better than Northwest's.
I have never flown a NW 747 so I can't comment.
Overall, despite its troubles (blame it on what is arguably one of the worst
management teams to run an airline), UA is a good carrier with decent
service, a comprehensive route structure and a relatively efficient fleet. It
is a no-nonsense, low on frills carrier but they try their best. The 737-200's
and 727's have to go. The 757's, A319/A320, 763, 777, and 747-400 fleets
are really nice.
ILUV767 From United States of America, joined May 2000, 3141 posts, RR: 8 Reply 11, posted (12 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 542 times:
Inkeww,
I want to add, that the 3rd 747-400 now has Personal Video in the main cabin. The fourth one is at Oakland right now. It takes about two weeks, because they change all of the seats in coach, wire up the new seystems, and install those cute little boxes on the floor. Those planes are getting the new first/business class seats too.
Imkeww From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 12, posted (12 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 536 times:
David--
Can you describe exactly what the new interiors are like? (I mean the most *precise* detail possible, down to every little nuance).
P.S. One could hear the collective sh*tting of pants earlier tonight at Bezerkeley and an ensuing moan after the apocalyptic news that an ape had been elected to the President's office. The pungent aroma reeks here now-- and it reeks of conspiracy. This country is going down the poopshoot. A *Quayle* would have been better than an *ape*. Can you imagine Gore's dejection?! 8 long years, all for nothing!
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