B787 Dreamliner. United Business/First San Francisco to Houston

[@ianhamilton396]

Not sure why United even tries. Although the parallel take-off ahead of you was very cool. Thanks for that.

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you.

[@salag13]

Great video as always. I flew United PDX-SFO-FRA and after that I’m never flying United for a longhaul flight again.

[@bbtravelvideos]

Great video sfflyer. Agree with you that it is a great product for the 3,5 hour flight. The food looks delicious albeit small in quantity. Let’s hope United can step up their game, they are really trailing delta. Especially when you compare the trip reports you made between delta one and this. Keep these great video’s coming! Brendan

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you so much!

[@dbn52]

What is a Kruger flap retraction do? As always your digs at United are well deserved. Thanks for another wonderful video.

[@mt.aviation4295]

It's the slats

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you.

[@andrewanane9715]

Very smooth landing. Nice video

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you.

[@AndreaZzzXXX]

plastic cup in business class is a mess ... but you got the parallel take off for free :-) see you soon

[@sfflyer123]

Thanks. Yes, I was lucky with that parallel takeoff.

[@shhmule]

3:30 Not Kruger flaps. They are the type seen on Boeing 747. The modern High-lift devices seen on the 787 are of 'Leading-edge Slat' design. Please explain what is GPU and RPU? I know GPU stands for Ground Power Unit, the machine powering the aircraft while it is on the ground with engines and APU off.

[@sfflyer123]

They are a United term.

[@legalizebuckets594]

I liked it, very descriptive. P.s. happy no shave november lol

[@sfflyer123]

Thanks. But I am not sure what no shave november means.

[@legalizebuckets594]

Basically you dont shave for whole of november to raise awareness of cancer. Google it ;)

[@Rampage434]

Great review man............

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you!

[@randyrohe]

I think we may need to have a discussion about the types of leading edge devices. For, while the 787 does technically have a Kruger flap, it’s tiny, and just barely visible in your video. On the 787, it’s located between the true SLAT and the engine pylon, compared to a 737, where the entire leading edge device between the pylon and the fuselage is indeed a Kruger flap. Maybe you already knew that! Cheers, and thanks for another good video. I, too, have abandoned United for 2018. I’ve jumped to Alaska. I got tired of waiting on United to get their act together.

[@AsiaTravels]

Domestically we are out of luck in terms of good carriers with good rewards. I switched from star gold with united to star gold with asiana since their mileage redemption requirements are less. At this point I recommend trying out some unique international carriers like EVA. Their premium economy and business are probably the best in terms of TPAC carriers.

[@bushyconn]

Really interesting Report - but then your always are. However please explain, for an ignorant Aussie, what are GPUs, RPU, and 1Ks.

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you. A simple google search will tell you what those are!

[@BloxfilmPacks2]

Flew American for the first time this year as a LATAM Black Pass (OW Emerald), got a complimentary upgrade for my flights. As a United 1K, I think I’ve been upgraded once this year as well. Quite frankly, although this may be unpopular, I wish they’d let some foreign airlines compete on premium US routes, such as NYC-LAX/SFO. Maybe that can get the ball rolling on getting higher quality products here in domestic premium cabins.

[@sfflyer123]

Good comment!

[@SmokiesDen]

Maybe a match over to Alaska Airlines is in order. Could either fly virgin america or alaska for your midcons and if in buying business class fly jetblue mint for transcons.

[@sfflyer123]

Maybe!

[@GFI888]

I agree re: the loyalty program. When United launched its Conoisseur (business) class in the early 90's it was a great service. So was Mileage Plus. The upgrade certificates were great. Never had to fly economy domestically for years. But that all changed when they stopped even offering a true first class on many routes in the US. Then, service just went downhill from there. Now, I'd only fly Southwest, Jet Blue or Delta in the US, and anyone else internationally. Sad to see the old United gone.

[@sfflyer123]

Great comment. The GPUs and RPUs mostly go into the garbage every year for me, making them worthless. Saver awards are almost never found on desirable routes, so the whole frequent flier thing is just a waste of time and money.

[@GFI888]

Thank you. The other thing I forgot to mention was the Red Carpet Club. Well worth $3-400 a year back in the day when airports had little to offer in terms of food, drink, and amenities. But now most have really upped their game and are nicer places to spend time before a flight.

[@melikopi7586]

I think a lot of people are buying up those seats using miles. With credit card miles being so easy to get, more and more people are using them for business class seats. That leaves very few left to allocate to upgrades for frequent flyers.

[@sfflyer123]

Very good point.

[@georgewilliams1225]

Hey I live in Denver and have the EXACT SAME SITUATION. We've flown over 110,000 miles on Star Alliance this year alone, and still can't get the rest of the family into lounges, or even get a guaranteed upgrade! I think that by the end of the year we might switch to American. What are your thoughts?

[@sfflyer123]

Maybe. I heard that AA is better.

[@sukhisingh10]

Stupid question - what’s GPU and RPU? Thanks

[@MyFreeVideoServer]

global/regional premier upgrades. basically a voucher that allows you a one cabin class upgrade from your purchased ticket. so if you buy an econ ticket, you can use your upgrade voucher to move up 1 cabin class. however, it is not a guaranteed seat. if a rev passanger (someone paying actual money for a ticket) buys the last open seat in buis class, you won't be getting the upgrade. regional upgrades are good for domestic travel, global are for international, i assume you could also use the global for domestic travel though.

[@homer3152]

Oh...thank you for explaining..I just asked him above. So he got 12 of them but could utilize them only once? But then: there is still the possibility to use your miles for upgrade rather then the voucher, right???

[@MyFreeVideoServer]

you can certainly use miles to buy up a cabin class, but you will also have to pay an upgrade fee. which on international flights is still fairly hefty. bonus, you're still on a waitlist and don't have a guaranteed seat if a rev passenger comes along. gpu/rpu is nice because it doesn't cost you anything to get the upgrade, just know nothing is guaranteed which a woman at the transfer desk at changi simply didn't understand. took the united rep nearly 10 minutes to deal with that. all i wanted was my boarding passes printed out since my phone app wasn't showing them. i have a tight connection lady, gtfo!

[@homer3152]

Great video as always my friend. But I am lost with your american frequent flyer secret code (and many viewers outside the US might be too). GPU, RPU..whats all that???? And being 1K means: you flew a million miles, or how many? And your complaint about the lack of upgrades: are you referring tofree upgrades based on status? Or did you try to utilize some of you 1K miles, but there was no award space available? Totally lost:)

[@homer3152]

UserNameA below explained a bit..but still questions open..

[@homer3152]

PPS: mind you: you are a global youtube star, not only in the US..and the world is bigger than your POTUS can imagine..so pls keep your fans outside the US in mind hehe :)))))

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you, homer. Those are Global Premier Upgrades and REgional Premier Upgrades used to upgrade international or domestic flights. We could use them in the past. For instance SFO-FRA economy ticket would be $1000, and ussing two GPUs, you would fly in business class. Now, they don't offer these upgrades any more except in some crazy route such as SFO-ORD-BRU-FRA, and you can maybe upgrade the ORD-BRU leg only. Many times, no upgrades are available. So it is pointless to fly 100,000 miles with United to get certificates that simply can't be redeemed. Hope all is well, my friend!

[@sfflyer123]

Yes, for sure. One more domestic trip report next, then back to international!

[@Jetlifeual]

I was Premier Silver and then Gold for some time. While not overall a big deal, I got things like Premier Access, Premier gate access, early access to free Economy Plus seating, cheaper upgrades to F/B, and I had 3 free upgrades to F/B. I honestly had no complaints. But this was a few years ago before they changed the frequent flier program.

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you!

[@reohtz4878]

I enjoyed the review and the positive comments about Delta, however the repeated comments regarding the crappy frequent flier program became droll. I don't blame you for not being disappointed.

[@valeriebumblebee7607]

Hihi. First time I've seen you being grumpy. Hilarious!

[@sfflyer123]

Thanks.

[@maxc_20]

So which airlines you'll move to? Nice review btw

[@sfflyer123]

Thanks. Not sure. but Probably the cheapest and shortest routes.

[@MyFreeVideoServer]

in a similar boat. when you live in a united hub city (houston) not left with much of a choice as the other us carriers tend to be more expensive to fly on. or as the company i travel for calls it, out of policy.

[@sfflyer123]

Thanks.

[@dblesch1]

To be fair that was a flight to Houston with the international seats so they aren't going to give you the full on treatment you would get on Delta One transcon service. That said, I am done with them too. The catering is stingy in domestic first. I am always starving even after eating a full meal on a long flight and never feel that way on other carriers. I hate their branding. Their new coach seats are cramped and uncomfortable and this new Polaris class seems like half-ass catching up to the products Delta and American already have in their renovated cabins. The employees have gotten friendlier last couple years but you are right - they give you no reason to be loyal at all. I used to be a stalwart United guy before the merger but not any more. Thanks for the good trip report though :)

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you. Great comment!

[@chang8144]

How many segments did you fly this year?

[@sfflyer123]

not sure, but probably not too many

[@MarcusLeepapi]

Always fly safe...

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you.

[@robyoungquist5803]

I’ve made the distinct choice that now I fly wherever I get the best inflight service. Internationally, for me it’s whenever/wherever Lufthansa flies (OUTSTANDING First Class) and to Asia it’s a toss up between Singapore and Cathay Pacific. Domestically, because I’m in an AA hub, it’s just convenience. And I agree with you ... upgrades? 😂😂😂. Now I just purchase the ticket ... that’s where I choose to spend my hard earned $$$

[@sfflyer123]

I agree. The whole frequent flier thing used to be great, but now it's just a waste. Not worth it.

[@Ahuntsicspotter]

Did you fly the 787-8 or -9?

[@sfflyer123]

I don't know.

[@pinchy08]

What did GPU or RPU mean?

[@sfflyer123]

Quick google search will tell you.

[@pinchy08]

sfflyer123 I checked. There with United Airlines. RPU stands for “Regional Premier Upgrades”. And GPU stands for “Global Premier Upgrades”. I had no idea UA had that. And your remaining 1K. What ever 1K means.

[@andyp2996]

Are you saying your never flying United again?!

[@sfflyer123]

No, but I'm not going to spend extra money or take a connecting flight *just* to fly United. If there is a cheaper flight on VX or AA that is non-stop, I will take that over the more expensive and longer UA flight.

[@oscarchicalucena7980]

I absolutely agree with you. You should fly what is best, and pay your flights with an American Express. Gold card is OK. If youtravel a ñlot, the platinum card, grants you VIP Lounge always. You get 3 points per $1 spent. These points can be changed with all the major airlines points. With this, you basically choose when youw ant to be upgraded, or even you can get thanks to this, your holiday flights for free with the points you have obtained.The same applies with hotels, unless you get a much cheaper fare booking direct, it is always better to use hotels.com in which you get 1 night free for each 10 nights stayed.

[@sfflyer123]

Great comment. Thank you.

[@Sk8ter421]

I'm global services and my upgrades come as purchased first class tickets bcz they never upgrade anymore.

[@sfflyer123]

very true.

[@benjaminsanders3073]

I guess United doesn't realize that the small details are way more important than the bigger picture. Those little details that make the flight more enjoyable for the traveler. That is terrible how they don't even care about the frequent flyers that are so loyal to them. For me, I prefer Delta and American.

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you.

[@jackstephensbuzz]

Nice

[@sfflyer123]

Thanks

[@kevinor4162]

Come on, tell what you really think of United's 1K.

[@sfflyer123]

LOL!

[@bosimmons2626]

You know man, for a while it looked United was flirting with becoming a great airline all around. But recently it’s seemed like they’ve (once again) settles for mediocrity. They’ve abandoned their frequent flyers, they’ve downgraded the service and everything just seems... Average. It’s really disappointing in my opinion. I guess they’ll just let American, Delta and JetBlue run away with the best service award. But hey, that’s above my pay grade, sir. Anyway, I’m really appreciating the frequent uploads. Between you and Amandeuce, y’all are making my flight withdrawal even worse. Hopefully I’ll be flying often soon enough when I’m able to get into my field of work, and when I do, I’ll hopefully start uploading videos as well. Take care man! Until the next one!

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you! That is a great comment!

[@jcspotter7322]

American doesn't have sh*t compared to Delta and jetBlue

[@caroliniantraveler2578]

Not that I'm trying to be controversial, but there's more to airline loyalty than just upgrades. What about award miles? What about free checked bags and priority boarding? Not everybody can even afford to fly coach, so those who DO fly (especially if they're not paying) shouldn't complain.

[@pbateson]

UA is downhill and the foods are average. Your last time on UA as 1K. 90k miles is too much on SFO-IAH. It cost a miles on first class to Asia from US. I keep my miles for Asian routes better. Plastic cup in business class is a flop.

[@sfflyer123]

Agree. Thanks for the comment.

[@pbateson]

sfflyer123 your welcome

[@BrokebackBob]

Do you think United is on the way down and out? I think Delta is on the way up, way up.

[@sfflyer123]

Maybe. Certainly their frequent flier program is on the way down.

[@Edgetravelguy]

I hear that complaint a lot from my clients- UA sucks.

[@sfflyer123]

I don't mind UA; I mind their frequent flier program is just horrible now.

[@richardsundown2175]

Heaven forbid you got big feet.....looks cramped

[@yt807]

I have to say, this video is markedly different in that you sound quite bitter. Not that I blame you but just an observation :)

[@sfflyer123]

You probably sensed a correct tone!

[@raymondleongdiva]

Why am I not the least surprised...United as always suck big time but plastic cup? That is a shame! Yeah i fully agree with you all this talk about loyalty is a complete joke these days. Airlines have the nerve to do this when the competition is high...here in Asia its almost a given even if there is a special fare hardly anyone would fly United...personally and i love America and lived there fir years.....i will almost never fly american carriers. They don't even know what service is!

[@sfflyer123]

Thank you, Raymond. I agree. One really cannot compare USA carriers to other regions. It's ironic because America is the richest country in the world, yet their airlines are almost as bad as a third world country's!

[@raymondleongdiva]

sfflyer123 i think jacob its the union that is destroying the usa and i understand its different there ...mind u i lived in the usa for nearly 7 years so i know but yeah its sad that usa richest country but airlines and airports are so bad at times

[@raymondleongdiva]

Brandon Kuo i respectfully agree and disagree with you. Even in flight it would have been a safety issues when there might be sudden CAT...and usually preflight drinks are only served whilst the flight has not left the gate!

[@wonderboy1998]

United looks so boring, the service is like low-coast airlines here in europe

[@ursodermatt8809]

sfflyer, yes, you look a bit skinny

[@sfflyer123]

LOLThanks.