This trip marks the first segment of three on a journey from SFO to HKG. I was using award miles and this was the routing that I chose about a month ago. There was the option to fly nonstop SFO-HKG on UA, but I thought that it will be a waste of miles to redeem an award with them so I opted for a double connection with OZ with transfers in SEA and ICN. Later on, I saw that there was a space on TG from LAX-SEL and then SEL-HKG. I was tempted to switch but UA wanted to charge me USD 100.00 for the reissue fee so I passed.
A friend dropped me off at the airport at around 6:30A and I quickly checked in at the kiosk. I then proceeded to the elite line and waited about 10 minutes before I was at the other side. I noticed that SFO had a special exhibition of Japanese toys and I browsed a little bit.
I wanted to grab something at the UA Club and when I checked in the agent advised me that my club entry was restricted to the departure gateway. In other words, since I was issued a ticket to fly J on OZ from SEA-HKG, I could only use the UA lounge at SEA and not SFO, even though this segment was part of the itinerary. That took me by surprise since this has never happened to me before. I wonder if this is something new that was implemented recently. Is UA penalizing people for not choosing UA? Who knows. I didn't want to argue this early in the morning so I retrieved to the gate and waited for my plane there.
My flight arrived from HNL on time and after the cleaning crew and catering truck were done, we were invited to board.
Boarding was done quickly and after everybody settled down, FA's offered pre-departure drinks. The door closed and we were on our way to the runway. A welcome message and safety video was played while taxiing. I noticed a copy of Rhapsody magazine along with Hemisphere. Rhapsody is a new magazine for UA's premium cabins featuring more engaging articles covering arts, culture and lifestyle.
On a clear day, one can appreciate the beautiful scenery when taking off from SFO and passing through downtown San Francisco.
Golden Gate bridge
After leveling off, I noticed that most of the cabin passengers were sleeping. FA passed an oshibori that was thick unlike previous ones that were flimsy.
Then service began with a beverage order followed by distribution of warm scones.
After the snack service the FA offered to refill beverages and asked if we needed anything else. Pretty soon we were landing in SEA and the scenery that followed was breathtaking. I always enjoy the natural beauty of SEA and its surrounding areas where nature seems unspoiled.
We touched down on this uneventful flight and you can tell that SEA is AS's territory.
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Verdict
United
7.9/10
Cabin8.5
Cabin crew9.0
Entertainment/wifi7.0
Meal/catering7.0
San Francisco - SFO
9.1/10
Efficiency9.0
Access9.0
Services9.0
Cleanliness9.5
Seattle - SEA
9.4/10
Efficiency9.0
Access9.5
Services9.5
Cleanliness9.5
Conclusion
A good flight on UA that actually arrived a few minutes earlier. Service was as expected but I was surprised to receive a good oshibori. Meal could be better since both AS and VX provide a more substantial snack than just a warm scone on this route.
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UA makes less sense as time goes by. That stupid lounge access policy is really customer unfriendly. How on earth can you shout about the benefits of Star Alliance when you have such restricted policy? More so when you consider that UA is a founding member and my J tkt was issued by them. I'm really thinking about switching my loyalty and use another *A carrier. Maybe AV.
I keep praying that TK starts SFO soon. I would love to go to Asia via IST.
Indeed it was a good deal to enjoy more hours flying for the same amount of miles, especially on OZ!
Did UA's policy for lounge access changed? I am UA *G, flew award travel SAN-DEN-ORD-CDG in Economy a few months ago, and was allowed to enter the lounge. Do you have an elite status on UA?
This scone is a bit disappointing for a two-hour flight in the morning!
Unfortunately I don't have status with UA, but a J tkt is a J tkt and seamless access should be granted. This did not used to be the case in the past and that is why I was so surprised when I was told so. It's pretty petty not to grant lounge access on a domestic leg with an intl premium ticket.
I don't think they had the new seats on the A330 out of SEA, but the service was excellent and surpassed my expectations. You will read more about it on the report.
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13 Comments
Weird UA access lounge policy !
A lot of gorgeous aerial pictures of San Francisco : one of my favorite world cities
Hopefully TK will add this route soon ;)
See you soon on the OZ legs
I keep praying that TK starts SFO soon. I would love to go to Asia via IST.
Indeed it was a good deal to enjoy more hours flying for the same amount of miles, especially on OZ!
Did UA's policy for lounge access changed? I am UA *G, flew award travel SAN-DEN-ORD-CDG in Economy a few months ago, and was allowed to enter the lounge. Do you have an elite status on UA?
This scone is a bit disappointing for a two-hour flight in the morning!
See you soon for the next bit
This scone looks very tasty but shame there is only one.
The upcoming flights sure look interesting!
Great views both during take off and landing.
Your UA 738 looks great !
Wonderful pictures of San Francisco :D
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