United airlines - condition of planes?

Wow, that sounds terrible! I flew United to Beijing from Chicago and the plane was great! We got upgraded to premium economy (or whatever they call it) on the way. Each seat had its own screen with a choice of at least a dozen movies. (The regular economy seats on the way back were the same, just less room -- still had individual screens with the same features.) And the food was fine both directions. I would expect you'll find something more similar to my experience on your upcoming flight. And the flight is shorter.

Hi Margel,

I've flown United for many many years and have not seen a plane with the pull down screen video system in a long time. I'm sure there are still a few, but most of those systems have been replaced. I would expect there's a chance of getting an older system on virtually any airline. Look at your confirmation and see what type of plane you're flying. You can use www.seatguru.com to see exactly what type of amenities are available on that particular aircraft.

Kristy

I believe Margel must be referring to UA's 747 which do not have the personal TVs like they have on their 777 and 767 international aircraft.

Just checked the UA schedule and for June the IAD-FCO flight is showing as a 777 so you should be in good shape for your own TV in the seat back.

I have flown UA for the last 12 years and some of their aircraft interiors can be worn and some items don't work but in these instances you can always request a skykit which will result in getting a voucher for a future flight. This of course does not work for the movies if the seat you have is not a good one.

Food is a different matter. The quality in coach has gone done quite a bit. Not sure how the other American carriers are. You could fly one of the intl carriers but could end up paying more and may not earn frequent flyer miles if you are on a very cheap ticket. All things to consider as to what is important to you.
Enjoy Rome.

Thank you for the information. I did check seatguru - what a great site - and most 777's look promising but I am not sure exactly which type of 777 I will have. I did find out that one of our seats (there are two of us) has reduced leg room due to an entertainment box, but all of the seats on the aisle are the same. Oh, no - I am only 5'3", and I found my legs cramped last time. I am hopeful that it won't be an issue, and I can walk around a bit to stretch.

What is a skykit? I will keep it in mind for the future, but I don't know anything about it. My trip to Beijing was part of an educational group, and I didn't make the flight arrangements. My flight to Rome was $1200 so I don't think that is a super budget airfare, but it was the best I could find. This trip is a result of an educational grant I received, and I needed to go during June - certainly not the cheapest time, but the weather should be lovely.

I just looked at Seatguru and you will in all probability get the WW2 designated aircraft. The WW1 configuration normally flies the transpacific routes while the WW3 are the new configuration with the full flat beds in business class. As far as I know, there aren't any aircraft in service with the WW3 config as yet.

A skykit is a document that you can get from the purser if there is some serious issue with your flight. i.e. if your entertainment system doesn't work on a 12 hr flight. In such cases UA might send you a voucher for $100-200.

I wouldn't worry about the entertainment box under the seat. Yes, it does take some space but it is better than being on a 747 without your own video where you control what you watch.

What's an entertainment box? Is that the same as a power port so you can plug in during the flight (computer, Game Boy,etc)

No, it's a small metal box underneath some seats. Its function is to control the in-flight entertainment system for each row of seats on the plane. As they invade some of you leg room, its best to avoid these seats.

Margel

I'm an Incharge F/A for a Major Cdn Airline. Sounds like your experience with United has left a rather bad taste in your mouth.

I would suggest to any dissatisfied Passenger that they take the time to address their complaints/concerns through the proper channels. Only through passenger feedback will a Company or Airline improve their level of quality and service.

As for the food complaint...That is why the BOB or "Buy on Board" option is becoming more and more popular. That way you can pre-request something from a popular restaurant so you know what you're going to get on board. Pax seem to really like this new concept.

F/A

Flight Attendant-
I had never been on an overseas flight with United, only Swiss Air, Luftansa,and BA. My favorite is BA. The China Eastern flight we took was wonderful. While I know the things I mentioned are just cosmetic, it doesn't instill confidence that the parts that really do matter are taken care of either. I realize that it is good to write letters, but I did what most dissappointed passengers do, they don't choose that airline again unless there is a good reason. I am not a frequent flyer or a business traveller, and their experience on that plane might have been different. I fly overseas maybe once a year and take one or two domestic flights per year. Price is always an issue but not the only issue. I don't need a HOT meal just an edible meal. United was one of several airlines with a similar price. When my son pointed out that I could add to my air miles, I decided to try them again. I am glad to hear that this time it might be a little better.

Margel, I'm sorry to hear about your experience. My wife and I recently flew United to and from Europe, and other than the interior of the 767s looking a bit worn, everything was fine.

I was chatting with a UAL F/A (United) and jokingly told him that I hear that the interiors of their Aircraft are looking a little tired and shabby...

He jokingly corrected me and said to "get it straight...it's called shabby chic and it's the latest trend at 37 thou"...Made us laugh but he did say that they are working on refurbing the fleet. Sounds like it can't happen fast enough!

Margel, please keep us posted on that!

I will. I leave in 2+ weeks. Thanks to each of you for your responses.