Review of United flight San Francisco → New York in Business

Conclusion

My downgrade came as a last minute surprise due to equipment change and it was not a pleasant one. I was really looking forward to trying the F suite on this route. Fortunately the downgrade was with a larger equipment so I was protected in J class. It was originally on a 757 with special configuration and then changed to an intl. 767-300. On the positive side I saved some miles since they credited me for the difference between a F and J award, and I gained 9,000 additional miles for the inconvenience.

The crew did the best they could under the circumstances and they were polite and professional throughout the flight. Catering is deficient and not having enough breads and pastries for everyone is embarrassing. That is not a surprise since U.S. carriers try to cut cost everywhere, even in premium cabins. Once upon a time U.S. aviation set the standard in service with iconic airlines like Pan Am and TWA at the helm. Sadly nowadays domestic travel is as glamorous as taking a bus with a la carte pricing.

5 Comments

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  pititom GOLD 11491 Comments 2013-10-08 12:39:08

  Thank you for this report ! A downgrade is never pleasant, but IMHO you didn't loose this time : I have tried both the 757 in F for a p.s service (JFK-SFO) and this 767 configuration in J (CDG-PHL) and I can tell you that the seat is better with the 767/J than the 757/F. So if you include the mileage saving (plus the 9000 !), I really think it's a good deal :)
  
  The service is indeed not great. As your flight was in 2011, it would have been better in F, that's true. But since June 2013 (so at the time we all read this), it doesn't make any difference as the F and J services are now aligned... 2013-10-08 12:39:08

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  Durian 1171 Comments 2013-10-08 14:40:42

  thanks for the report, what an odd cabin layout with backwards-facing seats ! 2013-10-08 14:40:42

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  KL651 TEAM 4534 Comments 2013-10-08 23:54:07

  Thanks for this FR.
  What a shame to not even let you know of the downgrade.
  However, on this configuration, you still got a lie flat seat.
  The lounge offering is good by US standards ;-) 2013-10-08 23:54:07

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  lagentsecret 12184 Comments 2013-10-09 00:20:09

  Thanks for sharing this FR
  
  The lounge is more a business one than a first
  
  Business international is quite good with a full flat seat : IMO you won ;) especially with saved miles and the 9,000 gained
  
  Catering is nothing to speak about
  
  
  2013-10-09 00:20:09