Review of United flight San Francisco → Sydney in Economy

United Airlines ua 863 san francisco to sydney in Economy plus

During the past year, I had to make several trips to and from San Francisco and Sydney Australia. Typically the easiest way to get to Sydney is on United which flies direct. Qantas is another option but much more expensive than United. So I usually settle for United. 

Past security and now at airside walking to Gate G2. In the evenings, this part of the Terminal is super busy. Many flights especially to Asia depart late evening from Terminal G. 

United UA 863 typically departs around 11pm.

Here, N2846U a Boeing 777-300ER is resting and being prepped for the flight. N2846U was delivered to United on Mar 28 2018. 

Finding my seat in Economy Plus. Usually I try to board early to get settled comfortably. 

My seat for the flight 33A. There was an empty seat next to me and the wife had seat 33C so we were comfortably spread out and not cramped. 

Legroom is plentiful, no complaints here. 

Each seat includes a blanket

Also neck pillow was provided. But this neck pillow is pretty useless. Very little support to the neck. In other words, bring your own pillow.

In each seat backpocket, there were UA's Hemisphere magazine, Safety Card and advertisement for the Explorer Credit Card

Taking a look at the IFE. Give credit where credit is due. UA's entertainment is really good. Lots of movies and shows to watch. Even a fair amount of international movies and TV shows. 

After pushback, it was time to start up the engines.

Lining up with runway 28L for takeoff

For dinner, it was chicken and rice which was absolutely delicious! Also there was salad, bread roll and cookie. Not sure whether United changed their food vendor but boy this meals was really good.

Here is my wife's gluten's free option with the main entree being beans and rice which was also delicious! 

Time to use the lavatory before trying to get some rest. Overall the lavatory was clean.

During the middle of the flight, a light snack was offered which consists of a turkey roll with M&Ms.

The wife received this fruit and nut plate with metal cutlery, almost like a mini Business Class meal!

After flying through the night, the sun finally starts to rise.

For breakfast, the non gluten version was a egg omelet with potatoes and sausage which was quite delicious along with crossiant and yogurt and fruit. The pineapple however has seen better days. I don't know how that managed to pass through quality control check. It was pretty bad.

My wife's gluten free version was french toast (gluten free i presume) along with a gluten free muffin, apple sauce and the same tired pineapple. The french toast was quite good!

Nearing the coast of Australia, the long 14 hour flight was almost over.

After some twist and turns it was left downwind to Sydney International. Such a beautiful city! For more lovely views of the approach, watch the video!

Finally touching down on runway 34L.

View of the aircraft after disembarkation and now inside the terminal.