Why you shouldn’t fly United Airlines across America.

WATCH NOW: My AMAZING trip to the Isles of Scilly! • Would YOU fly this tin...
Help me out by buying something - anything! on Amazon through my referral link? amzn.to/2JK5lYC
Tip jar: paypal.me/pauls... (all money goes towards paying for MORE content!)
Mega thanks to my current $5+ Patrons:
Cliff Hope, Ryan Wylde, Gunter Hanke, Anthony Crawford, Victor Petersen, Robert Stretton, Alexander Schoell, Peter Harrison, Stephen Newton, Ben Marcus, Natalie Napolitano, Daniel Westermann Strandby, Quintin Soloviev, Tore Morten, Henry Bollington, Mike Wooldridge, Anna Smith, Neil Smith, Doug Gard, David Mager, Stephen James, Laila Bergman, Dan, Joseph O'Brien, Vesa Perttunen, Jonathan O'Connor, DL James, Apmann Paul, Anonymous Donor, Steve Cooksley, Maulin Agrawal, David Hackett, Corne Adema, Bailey Courtney, Amber Watts, James Emery, Jose Nanin, Kodzo, Tom Freeborough, Steven Steffen, Phil Kitchen, Harald Evensen, Braden Hinkle, Dirk Monson, Jack Gott, David F Bird, Jimmy Taylor, Jim Hawkins, Steve Carlson, Dominic Cozzi, Craig Colligan, Brendan J Becker, Jim Hastings, Gwailo Ang Mo, Alan Millar, Tomas Tandstad, Perry Howard, Andreas Pietsch, Lewis Whyte, Daniel Robinson, Greg Dash, Johnny Legg, Alexandre Huguet, John Brophy, Christer Whitworth, Ben Koo, Reint van Dijk, Paul Oates, Billy Smith, Philly Peter, James Patch, Robert Smith, Daniel Barrington-Garbutt, William Hyslop, Graham McKenzie, Will Phillips, Paul Roberts, Ricky Baptiste, Kyriakos Adamou, Paul Williams, Benjamin Hart, Rick Cornell, Oliver Brandt, Eric Weinmann
Join them on PATREON where you'll get perks like AD-FREE VIEWING of all my trip report videos, my tips and tricks for hacking fares, my "best of the month" airfare rundown, and MORE...support me: / winginit
Follow me on Twitter: @pauls_trips ¦ / paul_winginit
Follow me on Instagram: paul_winginit ¦ / paul_winginit
My website: www.winginit.me
Date of Travel: JUNE 2018
Airline: United
Livery: United standard (old non-wave)
Route: EWR-LAX
Aircraft: Boeing 757-200
Registration: Unknown
Flight Number: UA751
Miles: 2452
Airborne time: 5h30m
Notes: Sixteenth of 25 legs, round the world
Cost to book: £635 one way ATL-EWR-LAX
If you want to find out more about my future plans and join in conversations I have about travel, follow me on Twitter: @pauls_trips. I’ve started using it properly now and it would be great to see some of you there too.
Make sure you have your notifications set! 🛎
_____________________________________
Do you have any ideas for future trip reports? Something you've never seen on KZbin before? Why not suggest it to me in the comments? I read every single one! 👍🏻
Enjoy the video, and thanks for watching. If you subscribe, then thanks for being part of the channel!
#paulstripreports #vlog #review #flying #travel #aviation #avgeek #trains #railfan
Music courtesy of KZbin Audio Library
**DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!**

[@Paul_Lucas]

Have you flown United on a transcon route? What did you make of them? Do you think I’ll like the new 787-10 Polaris when it comes out? Happy Sunday 😁

[@mrbpdx]

Paul's Trip Reports When I was Premier Exec I did both Transcon and International trips. But this was way pre-merger and it was okay.

[@celovity_747]

It will be Alright. You should try the 787-9 -8 and the Boeing 777-300ER.

[@randolphclarke4674]

Paul's Trip Reports not a transcontinental but did a lhr-iah-pns-ord-yyz- lhr (yyz-Lhr air Canada). All the flights I took were significantly delayed and their planes feel extremely cramped in the back. It also seems that every united plane has a mechanical fault. The IFE screen on lhr-iah leg was so unresponsive I gave up an hour into the flight. However, after all that negativity I can say the cabin crew were really awesome. (Still, can’t complain about a £300 ticket booked 2 weeks before travel.)

[@kyjasehall]

Did Dayton to Dulles to Dubai and back. Should have rowed. United is the Greyhound Bus Lines of the skies.

[@bertinverhagen]

I have flown United for many time during the past 10 years and I never enjoyed their service. In my opinion United is just slightly better than low cost airlines. But I guess service is where all the American carriers can improve significantly.

[@SoloTravelerOffTheBeatenPath]

"Dark, dingy, and dated." You just described Newark.

[@jseden]

polifatts yep.. I grew up about 45 mins from it and have been through many times. Spot on

[@victoriabell9546]

Yeah... pretty much.

[@MichaelJW72]

The United terminal is palatial compared to Terminals A & B.

[@senortizzle]

*Correction* - The entire state of New Jersey.

[@unf3z4nt]

You described the whole of the United States. After two videos of this chap travelling the best part of the US, I am not very impressed by it.

[@southpakrules]

I never had a bad experience with united. Because I never fly with them.

[@Rowan.PRT.7]

southpakrules, what???

[@hattrickster33]

BRUH

[@kylereyes7320]

*points finger at your own head

[@ger13nunyah56]

Haha

[@TheLindfamily]

Hahaha right ?

[@steve3ri]

If you live in the Newark area, United flies to most places non stop. People use United more for convenience rather than service. I fly business on United, and truthfully, it is better than the back, but their service is what economy used to be. It is a shame United and the other carriers really don't care.

[@pilotjonas8]

steve3ri true they should go back to Pan Am days (in terms of service)

[@cyndie26]

What if I filed Air Canada from EWR-YYZ-LAX?

[@steve3ri]

Air Canada is part of the United Alliance. You will receive the same service or lack there of.

[@cyndie26]

steve3ri So what about WestJet?

[@steve3ri]

Don't know much about them. I know someone who lives in Calgary who flies them and never said anything bad about the airline.

[@RedWolfRun]

Me: This looks nice. Paul: This is rubbish. Me: Oh....

[@bensons1345]

Fxxk you off

[@Augfordpdoggie]

yea most people are whiny little bitches like this guy

[@user-pf5xq3lq8i]

Giving your seat to someone else is dreadful. The last time they did that it ended in the biggest PR disaster in history, not learning any lessons it seems.

[@ADPeguero]

I'm glad United still allows one to listen to the ATC chatter. It was one of my favorite amenities when I used to fly for business quite a few years ago. So far as I can recall, only United allows this.

[@sharronmiller5411]

Seat pitch in UA economy is inhumane! Business Class is reasonably comfortable. Used to fly UA across the US frequently on UA, but switched to Alaska Airlines because of overall better service and better seat pitch.

[@general_hammond]

Alaska Airlines is freakin amazing.

[@yourneighborhoodwierdo8349]

@@general_hammond jetblue is good too

[@edwinholcombe2741]

Seat pitch?

[@mattbartley2843]

The most recent United flights I was on had a connection in one of their other big hubs, Denver. We left about an hour late (from LAX - big surprise) and therefore got to Denver late. However as we were approaching the gate they asked everyone who didn't have an immediate connection to stay put for a few minutes. With just carry-on baggage, we got up and walked just across the concourse to our connecting flight, where one of the pilots was waiting for us at the top of the jetway. He followed us onboard, closed the door, and we left immediately. I thought it was pretty cool.

[@newarkmuslim]

I actually a former employee of United, and my Mom just retired from EWR, as the Operations Manger for United there, the Airline has went down since the merger with Continental Airlines, anyway I love your videos, I also like the fact that United allows you to listen to the cockpit as they are taking off or during the flight in real time

[@jackmorrison4332]

I beg to differ Rashad. As a retired Captain of a UK Airline, I have used Continental many times for Staff Travel flights to Newark from the UK. The first time I used them after the United merger was completely different. The UK ex Continental staff were great, but on the return from Newark there was a simple glitch with our ticket. The United Staff at the airport were rude, unhelpful and it got to the stage where we thought we were not getting on the flight, until a reluctant member of staff found that the problem was with United & fixed it. Never again!

[@capturethesky7199]

Rashad Moore Question, how does they allow you to listen from the cockpit?

[@shawnhunt2332]

correction : CONTINENTAL AIRLINES has always been a great airline to fly. Customers (and employees) were All happy campers.!!!

[@sdpva1871]

I have not flown UA transcon, but had a great experience on their 787-8 from IAD to LHR earlier this year. Even though that AC didn’t feature the new Polaris seats the service was really really good, everyone was very friendly and attentive. I have often heard my colleagues talk about how they particularly avoid UA when they fly into NYC area.

[@fighter5583]

I'm gonna start working at IAD next week. Will be seeing plenty of them there.

[@nadirnawas6078]

I think it could have been worse, remember that Asian gambling doctor dragged out feet first, but he won millions so id prefer to experience Uniteds dragged out feet first option

[@wta1518]

He was dragged out by security.

[@BayAreaLen]

If you think the business class experience with United is bad, try the basic economy. I cannot afford even regular economy, and thus always have to book by the lowest price when I fly, and I can tell you that United treat the basic economy passengers like cattle. I very politely once at the check-in counter, asked the attendant if I can check in. They asked me what class my ticket was, then directed me to the machine, saying "you have to use the machine sir. I can't help you." Then, when I flagged down another United employee to very politely ask if all the window seats were taken, I was given a very harsh and rude reminder that "that's what you get for buying the basic economy ticket." Now, I totally understand that I get what I pay for, so I'm not complaining that I didn't get a window, and when I asked, I didn't even expect that I could get one, but I figured that it couldn't hurt to ask. Wow, was I wrong! It was akin to "You'll sit where we damn well tell you to sit." The only advantage about flying United domestically in the US is if you happen to get the SFO-DEN leg, because they service that route in the afternoon with a 777-200 (non ER.) It's nice having a wide-body on such a short flight, but that's about as far as the praise goes, because it's like a museum inside, it feels so old. Oh well, I love to fly anyway, and I appreciate every take-off and landing I get to experience on a 777 of any variant. Delta is not as bad, but still a bit poor. At least you have a good chance of getting a very new 738 or 739 (my favorite narrow body,) but the older A320's are getting pretty dated inside. I fly to Southeast Asia a lot, as I live most of the year in Denpasar, and I can tell you the every Asian airline that I have flown is superior to the US big three. Give me a 77W across the pacific with either a window, or the emergency exit seat, and I'm a happy camper (or should I say, "flyer.")

[@traveldoc1234]

Yes, when you use Kayak.com, you get the cheap United prices, but basic economy which they charge you for everything. No early check in or assigned seating, bag fees $30 including your carry on! If I compare prices I alway add $30 to United then compare vs. American or others since they don’t charge that for carryon bags. Southwest would be more affordable for free check in bags up to 2. Alaska Air allows one carry on and assigned seats, free check in so I fly them the best I can!

[@alexandertraveler510]

What do you do in Denpasar?

[@TheLewistownTrainspotter8102]

​@@traveldoc1234 Well two things: 1) There's a reason they say you should book directly through the airline instead of through a travel agency. 2) American and Delta do the same thing as United.

[@keanubjorn]

BayAreaLen Classic true I flew from New York to Manchester and the treated us like shit didn’t even get an option for our food just the vegetarian option.Never flying with them again

[@billbarton63]

I flew ANA from Haneida to Okinawa and it was rather bland service. I remember the flight attendants walking around with little paper cups and a pouring a couple sips of water for each passenger.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Great video. The 757 has always been my favourite aircraft. The sheer power of the take off. The last 757 flight I took was the second to last ever BA operated 757 flight and the pilot had permission for a total power take off rather than the the lower power take offs typically used.

[@pajtimpacuku6831]

Jet blue min class new York to Los Angeles is 600 dollar plus on Airbus a321 with self cabine

[@americasdream1265]

I would love to hear the transmission between the flight crew and the air traffic controller in flight.

[@YEETMAN-dt9mb]

You can go to liveatc.net to listen to ATC transmissions. It allows you to select airports as well.

[@emilyao4972]

I live 30 mins away from EWR and haven’t flown United for years either domestically and internationally. This video shows exactly why. Thank you for sharing!

[@woodsmc]

I've just moved to the same area, do you have a fave airline that I should look out for. Pref a full service one that I can use for work trips?

[@yousefnoori]

@@woodsmc Depends on where your trips are to. If they're international, or a mix between domestic and international, American is probably your best bet. Avoid United at all costs and measures unless you are willing to risk them improving (which seems to be happening but it's very slow progress)

[@shadowduck02]

@@woodsmc Jetblue is they fly where you need to go. Free broadband (20Mbps) Wifi on all flights gate to gate is a HUGE benefit.

[@dramafreee]

Yup, EWR is my closest airport, but I'll use JFK if I have to to fly JetBlue

[@lookinup22]

I can't help but think of how great Continental Airlines was to fly and how their employees must feel now, hoping that things will improve. Again Paul, love your videos. Cheers from The 'Cuse.

[@diannewi]

I worked for Continental years ago. You're right, it's heartbreaking to see what happened with the "merger."

[@adammarjanovic]

lookinup22 Continental were a top notch airline, I was hoping that the merger would help them but it didn’t which sucks

[@andrewkenney1698]

We do realize the continental management took over in the merger with UA and thats when the decline took place? It wasnt until their current ceo that UA has started to rebound

[@diannewi]

I used to say he must've had to sleep in a different place every night, with his bodyguards. He literally was hated by the Continental employees. @@watershed44

[@WadersInAlaska]

I flew 1st class during his tenure as CEO and I got instant coffee and nothing else! Second time I ever flew continental and the last. You could tell the employees weren't normal happy people.

[@brabson97]

For United, that's a pretty successful journey! They didn't physically beat you or turn you into an internet meme... Well done UA! :/

[@largol33t1]

brabson, you need to STFU and stop believing everything you see on the "news." The AIRPORT COPS were the ones who dragged the guy off. United flight attendants did not attack him. They called the airport cops who got violent and dragged him out. I hate United but your comment was totally false.

[@BennyGeserit]

@@GermanAviation Delta is great but making connections in Atlanta is is awful.

[@p_e_t_e]

@largol33t1 so they were in fact the cause. why would they have airport security forcibly remove a paying customer? did airport security force the little dog into the overhead bin as well?

[@Kiraheffernan]

peter scozzari it wasn’t a United plane dumbass, it was a republic airlines

[@mcbrayerk]

Your experience with United is pretty much across the board, whether you fly long haul international or domestic. I'm 1K member because I have flown so much last year--partly flying monthly from HK to Guam to see my husband and 6 work trips from HK to the US, my overall experiences still echo yours.

[@viksra]

Getting to listen to ATC while on board is COOL!

[@reighngold]

Nothing you show here would make me want to not fly United. It does however make me never want to pay for their Polaris product. I'll keep using United the way I always do, as the product I book when they are the cheapest and most convenient airline (aka no 14+ hour overnight layovers). Then my only expectations on these flights is to arrive alive. Honestly, with how flying has gotten now a days I think the only expectation I can reasonably have for any economy flight is that they get me there and back in one piece.

[@sbtjlhw111]

8:34 I couldn't stop imagining Paul doing a Gordon Ramsay's impressions, that food looks very depressing tho

[@december1to31]

At least it wasn't "RAAAW!!"

[@theredneckbiker]

This is the only thing I’d love on United the air traffic control feature

[@kanyegrande4312]

Two years ago my my friends, family and I had to come back from Maui back to Phoenix. We ended up staying overnight at the airport for three consecutive and when we arrived at Phoenix, they had managed to send our friend's luggage to Rome (They took a different route from Maui to Honolulu then to Phoenix vs our route of stopping at LA first)

[@acapps6341]

I love listening to the atc people talking to the pilots! I hadn't been on a plane in 30 years but had been working for the airport for years mowing the airfield. The chat on the headphones was soothing and I knew ahead of time when the aircraft was going to bank etc.....

[@flywithhuddy]

I 100% agree with you. When I flew to Hawaii on one of United's domestic 777s, their was no IFE, no Food, and a 3-4-3 layout that was really uncomfortable. At the beginning of the Flight I asked the Flight Attendant if I could take a picture in the Cockpit, and she just screamed at me to get to my seat. If you ever want to fly in the U.S. Never fly United.

[@TheApplereviewer97]

I’m sure on there domestic flights they don’t always include IFE since you can use your devices for it. Also I don’t think they served food since it’s a domestic flight and you have to pay for that.

[@flywithhuddy]

TheApplereviewer97 but the thing is that the flight I was on was a 9 and a half hour flight from Chicago to Hawaii and having no IFE and no food served at all for a flight that long is probably the worst you could expect of a flight

[@TheApplereviewer97]

Forza Aviation that is very true but you kind of had IFE by using your own device & connecting to there WiFi onboard and they have films & tv shows you could watch. Well technically there was food but you had to pay for but unfortunately that’s how there domestic flights work

[@sheilasembly-crum8447]

No excuse for screaming at a passenger. What happened to manners and just basic (courteous) customer service???

[@lowend5566]

Your United meal looks very good compared to the dross served up on my recent business class flights on Qantas Syd to Singapore return, and that cost me AU$3300!

[@patricadyson778]

I hate United Air Lines.The Staff on the plan are rude and ignorant.

[@kheperasekmet5197]

Whaaatt????

[@cleaviation4409]

As for the air traffic control audio thing, this is a great touch (to an otherwise abysmal flight you seemed to have experienced haha) for an airline to have. I don’t think the ordinary passenger would care, but for those that are aviation enthusiasts, or Av Geeks, it is something these passengers would love! (Me included). I’m not a technology expert by any means, but to add air traffic control audio to the in flight entertainment would hardly be at any cost to the airline, but at the same time, a great benefit to the passenger, whether they are aviation enthusiasts or not. I recently flew on a Delta flight that had IFE, but did not have Air Traffic Control audio. Though I was quickly entertained by other options, the IFE would’ve been pretty cool to follow along with. Again, it’s not something an airline needs to incorporate, but some thing that would make the flying experience that much begter

[@tessarix]

6:28 My favorite part! What a rush when you're pushed back into your seat and then soar!!

[@jordylyons4648]

They’re a terrible airline I fly this route regularly, converted to JetBlue. The staff are horrendous on United you ask questions they shout or argue with you. It’s got to the stage in the US that airline employees believe they can treat customers like shit and get away with it, I had an issue were security boarded a flight because of the issue of someone decamping in my seat when I asked them to move. The staff instead of dealing with the issue just called security it’s a bloody joke...

[@maimou]

Agree 100%. Flew first class from RDU to Newark this past year and the service was terrible. The flight attendants were aloof and not very welcoming they seemed extremely preoccupied with everything else but providing actual customer service. A pre-takeoff drink was offered and I was asked if I wanted a drink. She disappeared without ever bringing me my drink and not reappearing until well after takeoff to distribute the regular drink and snack service. Oh and the flight was extremely delayed, overbooked and first class seating while better than in economy was still very tight. I give United ZERO stars!

[@johnpoindexter6594]

They can and they do! Its Bad!

[@lohphat]

Shit rolls downhill. I know several employees and the company has cut wages, literally stolen their pensions via "bankruptcy reorganization protection" over the years, put them in shabby hotels on layover, and the scheduling department is staffed by unaccountable morons who delete trips, change duty lines without warning, etc. Management is the problem, not the wage slaves.

[@flinch622]

They're frazzled: they no longer serve the customer, but federal regulations. Pile that on top of too much PC garbage and crew on an airline is living in the twilight zone. Nobody needed "sensitivity training" in the 70s - crews got along pretty well with each other and the passengers; and ... exactly how much sensitivity is needed to serve coffee or find a pillow and blanket? Corporate types need to get a grip too: they are serving a master that isn't there [just an occasional lawyer abusing them with spurious allegations].

[@lohphat]

@@josfitz The reality is most people don't care. They buy the cheapest ticket. And the airlines know it.

[@soarandskor.aviation]

I always fly Delta, and I wish that they would give you atc like on United, sounds awesome!

[@daklakdigital3691]

If you think cross-USA flights are bad, the United offerings across the Pacific are even worse (I fly to VietNam). At least, after being fined for excessive use, the aeronautical Duct Tape United used to use by the mile / kilometre has been reduced. American carriers are easily surpassed by even economy Asian /Far East airlines. Try EVA!

[@AviationUpclose]

I think I could just about deal with that cabin just for the sound at 6:34!

[@AviationUpclose]

@@watershed44 this 757 is powered by PW engines 😀

[@fiddlyphuk6414]

I've pass-ridden on United international flights. Never had a problem and good service. The new 777s to Rome were a dream. Nothing like taking off on 4L at EWR on a clear moonlit night and the view of Manhattan and Times Square off to the right.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

Air travel just sucks in general. Ride the rails when you can I say. Not perfect...but all in all a better experience.

[@user-pf5xq3lq8i]

@@josfitz closed cup noise cancelling headphones. ¦>)

[@lisalentile177]

Me too I'd rather ride a train

[@LisaMarli]

Most of my friends who fly a lot try to avoid United. I usually fly Southwest myself. 2 free bags, prices are good. They rarely have food, but people buy food before they go onboard if the flight is long.

[@brianwilson2169]

People also wear flip-flops and are disgusting on Southwest. That's my experience with that airline. But it's been about 15 years since I flown them. Maybe the people who fly Southwest are better now.

[@adriana516]

I love flying with southwest...the only thing that i dont like is that i cant choose my seat if im not paying for the extra....but i guess thats fine for buying a cheap flight with 2 free check bags and a snack...with better planes than some of the bigger companies...just wish that they travel to Panama....

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

When I flew Southwest for the first time they refused to follow their own policy and let me, a member if the media, preboard with my large camera even though I was there before they even opened the counter at that gate. I think the guy dislikes gay people. When I complained to hus supervisor through another gate in Philadelphia, she threatened that if I got snippy with her I would not fly anywhere today. I think she was going to report me to TSA with a false story. After I filed a written complaint she lied and said I did not have a large camera and that I refused to show her my camera. Southwest offered me a $100 voucher which I declined. I have not flown them since. Far worse story than this United story.

[@Paul_Lucas]

Love Southwest - video already on the channel. Delivered great value MDW-HOU.

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

Paul's Trip Reports And I can document my story about Southwest with emails

[@richardbreed9810]

Flew United SFO-BOS in May. Perfectly fine, especially the chicken and noodles in cocoanut sauce. I find it disturbing to pay business class fare and have to check in, get my luggage tagged, and take it to the counter myself. I need a wheelchair for long distances and a cane to walk. I usually fly Delta, and I would be interested in their Polaris service.

[@peterpetigrew2869]

My favourite channel on KZbin !!! 👍

[@meyou4843]

My wife just flew from New York to London Heathrow round trip on United and 8 hour return flight plane was half full and they had with no food on board none salad and rolls that were like days old she'll never fly them again

[@randallcarter2305]

I will never book another flight on United Airlines. I booked my flight to Columbus, Ohio with a layover in Chicago. When I arrived at LAX for the first leg of my flight it was 5:30 am ( for an 8:30 flight). Shortly after I arrived, I was notified by text that my flight had been delayed due to weather by three and a half hours and that my flight would leave at 12:00 pm. Since I knew my connector flight from Chicago had to be changed, I spoke with a customer service agent for United at LAX. I was booked on two different connector flights in case one was canceled. Within 45 minutes, BOTH connector flights were "canceled". I changed airlines and told them to forward my bag to Columbus since it was already on the United flight. Knowing I would have a challenge to get my bag since the connector flights had been canceled, I settled in for my flight and would resolve my baggage issue when I arrived in Columbus. When I arrived in Columbus, my bag was waiting for me...neat trick considering both connector flights were "canceled". Chances are my seat was given to someone who uses United frequently. Garbage customer service. Fly anyone but United.

[@letssuperfuntime]

All american airlines suck, my flight from DC to Istanbul on American(maybe Delta, I don't remember) back in 2015, had a plane that had ventilation issues, so the whole cabin smelled like fart, plus the food was easily the worst I've ever eaten in my life(beef burrito). Reading through the comments, I see that most Americans standards are quite low when it comes to what they expect from Airlines, why not try out a European or the middle eastern carrier, at least you'll be able to eat the Food without immediately hurling.

[@deltastransportadventures4083]

Accept Delta Airlines, JetBlue and Hawaiian.

[@polarix2314]

I advise Lufthansa

[@deltastransportadventures4083]

OneShotzz I'm flying Lufthansa from LHR To istumbal

[@deltastransportadventures4083]

@ubi dubium No, Lufthansa is one of the best airlines. It is a 5 star rated airline.

[@Paul_Lucas]

Lufthansa is rated 5 star by Skytrax, an agency which merely takes a fee from airlines to give them a rating. No realistic person rates Lufthansa alongside airlines like Qatar or Singapore.

[@cassiehaley4423]

Back in 2017 me and my husband was new at riding in a commercial airplane and we took united, and didn't know what to expect. So we waited in the seating area waiting to be called to get boarded and we find our seats and put our carry on away. My husband was the scared half to death but i do my best to calm him down and we went our way. We was flying economy , so i didn't think too much to look around the entertainment in front of us was working and we have free wifi so we had something to watch while on board. The staff was nice to us and didn't have any complaints from them and when we got half way and they were passing out drinks and peanuts. I took a half a cup because that is all i wanted at the time and they gave my husband a full can of soda that he wanted and along the peanuts of course!

[@torqued666]

I'd love to hear the ATC action.

[@TWTR4EVER]

Wingin' It Paul Lucas.......The moment the merger of Continental Airlines and United Airlines took place due to the labor dispute between their workforce and management of both companies integration the prescription for customer service disaster became obvious. Today I avoid both United and American like the plague. From the Legacy Carriers I remain loyal to Delta Airlines. Now on Transcontinental flights before their acquisition by Alaska Airlines, Virgin America FLL/SFO and JFK/LAX was the hidden gem on Transcontinental Flights in Business First or coach on their exquisitely appointed A320's :-)

[@markholland5767]

I was flying home from thailand, with a layover in lax, I was somewhat I'll, drinking bad water in asia. Close to home I was seated in a good potision, that I had payed a little extra for. The stewardess ask if I would move back to another seat to accommodate a family. I declined since I was I'll, and payed extra for the seat. And was treated like a criminal. My my how the mighty have fallen. I would give them another chance though, simply because forgiveness is in my DNA. United is not what they used to be.

[@barrymason9104]

Hi Paul. Great video. This is a first for me and I really enjoyed your honest approach. I used to work for United in LHR and when travelling stand by I found that UAL really lacked compared to other US carriers I would travel on. I always put this down to being staff and not paying full fare but I would speak to other travelers who would say the same. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@gregoryfoster8179]

My wife just ended a trip from Beijing with a flight from Newark. Baggage nightmare. Not only did they lose half of the passengers' luggage, they couldn't even get it all found and collected properly. Flight ended at DFW at 8:30 a.m. Thurs. after a 10 hr. delay at Newark. Was told they would be getting the luggage from an 11 o'clock flight and delivered to us by 4 pm or so. At 8 p.m., after not having received any luggage or communication from anyone I called and they had found one piece at 11 a.m., the other at 7:30 p.m. from another flight. They said it would be in the morning before they were able to deliver(today). Wife has diabetes and her med is in the luggage. United did say they would provide costs for immediate purchase of any necessities. But hey, when I travel I had better not be having to deal with these kind of annoyances. Especially for the costs of air travel today. United does indeed suck hot rocks! But so does AA. Still waiting.

[@kdabaviation5032]

I haven't yet flown United and I do not plan on flying United until they get their act together.

[@iandunbar-reid6018]

Thanks for this, Paul. I have only flown on an American airline twice and that was in a TWA 747 in the 1980's, across the Atlantic. Economy was superior service, right down to being asked what sort of dressing you'd like on your salad. They made you feel very special. Now I come to read your trip report and I feel quite disillusioned by what could be on offer. BTW, the flight back on TWA might have been good too, if I hadn't slept all the way, from the moment I sat down. Terrible weather conditions in Detroit dictated long delays. It's sad that TWA are no longer in operation.

[@sleeptyper]

7:22 You were literally in a cattle carrier, lol...

[@sleeptyper]

@K.D.P. Ross Click on the timestamp.

[@jeffmiller1159]

I once had a pilot tell me that his airline would put them up in Hampton inns on their layovers and the Newark hotel was the worst Hampton they had to stay

[@cardiffflyer]

Great video! I think i'll be sticking to Delta!

[@semsemeini7905]

Delta is no better! LOL.

[@cardiffflyer]

@@semsemeini7905 better than that experience it would seem!

[@alyssa280]

i flew from New York to Hawaii. United First Class! LOVED IT! no complaints

[@stugotz8179]

Alyssa B this is Newark not New York

[@xyzzy2302]

Why would you ever think that UAL would be worth flying? That's insane!

[@yarinjeriah2372]

I am an Asian traveler, fly from Miami international airport to Denver international airport through United on 2017, I got an upgrade into their front seat, I have to say after that Asian doctor had been dragging out of United airplane, the staff looked better and showed more polite for Asian looking traveler than when I fly through Tokyo to Denver on United 2015. I also had an experience with American Airlines, it is better than united but worse than delta. For any trans-continental flight, Jet-blue is the most reasonable, Alaska and Delta have always on my bucket list. I try to get avoid taking United and AA as possible. Haven't got a chance to try southwest.

[@jrreedve2825]

Paul: never fly United Me: What the HELL did they do NOW!

[@Rumwech]

Drive to your destination.

[@puiphillips4609]

Getting a 400 pound passenger next to you in America should be no surprise. That is a typical weight level in America these days.

[@whatsmichaeltravels1646]

As a New Jersey resident with EWR as my home airport, I’m usually forced to fly UA if you want to fly nonstop. United has continued to decline and to disappoint. A couple of years ago we flew in premium economy EWR-NRT-EWR and on the return trip the FAs Informed us that turbulence was expected so they handed out a sandwich and a bottle of water with the departure meal. Most then disappeared to the rest areas FOR 10 HOURS! Needless to say, the flight was perfectly smooth all the way. A few months ago we flew the same EWR-NRT-EWR but this time in Polaris business class. The hard product both in the EWR lounge and in the cabin were perfectly fine. But the United bad attitude, lack of caring for the customer, and lack of attention to detail stands out when compared to the international carriers.

[@HS-PGX]

Something I just noticed: at 5:01 they have Thai as a language option in their entertainment system even though they haven’t flown to Thailand for almost 20 years… I’m surprised.

[@joankarasik3421]

I would definitely be interested in listening to the Air Traffic Control!

[@mayanganggarani]

this video making me grateful with Garuda Indonesia and Sriwijaya airlines. in my experience, Alhamdulillah i never being treated with rudeness, broken bathroom or (visible) dirty pillow in economy class. although safety is most important in air travel, but cleanliness is also top priority. I always enjoy your video paul 👍🏻

[@LiciaPrehn]

Just a head's up: I'm almost completely blind, and I -can't- read the text on menus. I don't exoect you to read out every tiny wird but a general overview would be appreciated. Thanks:)

[@visionist7]

Well you look cute and fun no matter what ^_^

[@magrebtraveler]

It’s not important, the food is not edible.

[@BalsapphicVinegar]

Closed captioning might be one way to get the menu across.

[@MichalIdesic]

I flew with them 3 months before economy class 1st leg Frankfurt-San francisco-honolulu 2nd leg Honolulu-new york-milan Worst was flights in US when was Only meals for purchase ( also 8hours flight hnl-ewr) we had also change of flight and we Only found it in app, also on Airport was old tíme.. Food was avarege.. But Only thing which was good was staff in planes..

[@PlanesAndEmergencyVehicles]

i flew with them back in july from lax to mco, we had 2 go arounds then we just went to west palm beach to refuel then headed to orlando. i personally love united i love their crew. loved the vid 👍

[@williamnash6573]

Can't agree with you more, Mr. Lucas. I've yet to have a good experience with United since 1980. I avoid it at all cost. At one point in the early 1980s United's ad campaign slogan was, "We get you there." Yeah. That's the least they can do.

[@aviationwithjeff]

I take JetBlue for my transcon. You might even find Mint fares, their business class, for lower than what you paid on United.

[@oleonard7319]

i'd rather walk than go on united

[@samanthamartin9254]

o leonard I’d rather walk drive take a train or fly with another airline

[@rxchamberlain]

Paul I like your vids. I was a Continental frequent flyer back in the day and United ruined it when they merged. BTW the ice cream parlor on wheels was Continental's idea. United does the bare minimum now days. But I live in a city that is one of their hubs so at their mercy most of the time.

[@boatlover1875]

EWR is a dump first. United and Continental were both decent before they merged. The employees of each former airline did not like the other company. I was on a flight several months after the merger and the crew made it a point to tell us they were a Continental crew. That food did look dreadful. The one thing I did like on United when travelling on business was listening to the cockpit communications, it seemed to make time go by fast for some reason. Admittedly, I'm an avgeek. I was in coach with the government so pretzels and a soda or drink are pretty much the same everywhere.

[@ax6070]

60K Paul, congrats!!!!!!!!!

[@47bullwinkle]

AX f

[@hihosilverlining9081]

ATC communication and the way the airplane reacts would be the only entertainment I would enjoy on every flight.

[@dumbledan4016]

I recently flew United and found it a pleasant experience. We are no longer living in a great country and it’s not getting better.

[@TaniTaniwha]

Yikes! We are flying United First from SEA to EWR on a 737-900 in a couple of weeks. Colour me nervous. We don't even get to use any lounge despite flying First/Business and flying Business SYD-LAX and LAX-SEA beforehand

[@markyyyyyyyy321]

Cowshed soap dispensers in the toilet on a cowshed airline in a cowshed aircraft

[@steelgranny9027]

I flew into Newark from Birmingham, England in 2013 and it was the dirtiest, dankest airport I had ever encountered with real pidgeons inside the terminal. I know you are reviewing United, but the airport wasn't much better. I will never knowingly travel through that airport ever again or take a United flight. Thank you for the information, it's greatly appreciated.

[@paulclover2502]

Just flew United business class trip from Houston to London. Similar experience. Food and service was just mediocre versus what you expect in business. No Chardonnay- what? The equipment on my flight was in better shape than your experience. Overall, nothing to Wow about and at $2000 one way, didn’t see the value. In the past, united never had to try to be a great airline, as they had droves of frequent fliers committed just for the status. In 2020, they changed their frequent-flier program and made it much more difficult to achieve higher status. I think this change along with mediocre service will definitely hurt them in the next few years.

[@petercriscuolo6180]

I Am Flying United First From Denver To Orlando Next Month.I Have Never Flown First Class On United.They Were In Transition From Continental Airlines & Am Sure They Most Likely Have A Slightly Better Product Now.I Will Find Out Though.

[@Anna.Fike97]

I am using them to fly from Cleveland to Sydney Australia this week and now I'm nervous

[@samminardi9463]

I’ve flown United many times and never had a disappointing flight.

[@checkyoursix5623]

I'm a commercial pilot. I don't like to fly any longer. Everything reminds me of the seating in the Mitsubishi YS-11 many airlines used to use - all the seating was designed for average Japanese people - 4'10" to 5'4" ... that, plus the "head 'em up, move 'em out" attitude on the part of the entire airline ... all of 'em ... thanks, but I'll drive, bring my own trail mix & beverages, and stop when and where I want ...

[@simonbellamy67]

All day long with the ATC nice trip report by the way always fair and fun to watch. Keep up the good work Paul......

[@MrL1mey]

I flew a million miled on Delta and managed to avoid United for more than a decade due to multiple repeat issues, including multiple issues at Newark

[@JoseAlfonsoChavez]

Paul in 2018: "You will definitely never hear me complain about Ice cream onboard any flight.." Delta in 2019: "Hold my beer..."

[@polashisu4641]

@@donaldducktrump5508 Eh not great not terrible

[@bravo666]

What video was that?

[@jonaha.k.ashazam2535]

Alaska Airlines is the way to go

[@mpacker]

Who else winced when he touched the toilet seat

[@wldandcrzyguy]

I think we all did... lmao.. :)

[@vickimanning3900]

Could not believe my eyes.

[@PridefulGuide]

Yeah that was so gross. I take gloves & lysol wipes with me on flights 😂

[@michaelkitchin9665]

Screw it. There's a sink right there.

[@jerrysmith7449]

Thanks, Paul, for taking that bullet for us! How long did you scrub you hands before you decided they were clean? I’d would have taken at lease 20 minutes.

[@shayl1805]

United Airlines: Not enough seating, prepare for a BEATING.

[@Toasty_-jx6zk]

SHAYMOUSE06 SMILE MORE IS BEST shut up

[@shayl1805]

@@Toasty_-jx6zk You must work for United as well lol

[@Toasty_-jx6zk]

SHAYMOUSE06 SMILE MORE IS BEST nope.

[@justanotherasian4395]

Gordo even if it happened years ago, that’s not acceptable whatsoever and people should never stop reminding them of the shitty decisions they have made.

[@TheSjuris]

Amateur Asian just like don’t fly Malaysian Air your plane might never land anywhere.

[@dragonrider0079]

"You'll definitely never hear me complain about ice cream on any flight" *Goes back to the Delta video XD

[@lordwizrak1905]

*clack clack clack*

[@jayit6851]

$800 one way!? Holy crap that's a rip off for that flight....

[@netricmp4319]

Trenton Pottruff Ryanair has more tbh

[@samanthamartin9254]

Trenton Pottruff for a flight on united

[@leonardslape9935]

Not in business class! Perhaps an economy seat would have been, but business class is not given away!!!

[@williamnash6573]

Agreed. In 1980 I flew from LA to Kennedy for a whopping $99 in tourist. It was a 747. Food service was a self serve affair. I probably ate more in lox that the ticket cost. Of course, it was a special promotional fare, but still. :-)

[@wta1518]

William Nash was it business class? Because that fare is reasonable for business class.

[@zerochance1958]

That passive-aggressive thing is the normal customer 'service' stance for United. They actually threatened to have my wife arrested for reporting an issue with broken equipment on our last flight with them. Will NEVER EVER set foot onto a United plane ever again.

[@the.abhiram.r]

id argue that american's customer service is worse they were getting mad at us for wanting to reschedule a delayed flight that would have made us miss our connecting flight

[@bryce7488]

What the actual fuck! You should try Alaska, they’re pretty good.

[@issacjones4237]

@@bryce7488 delta or Alaska stay far away from United and aa

[@wta1518]

Issac Jones delta is even worse. Try JetBlue or United.

[@issacjones4237]

@@wta1518 not sure if you have flown recently but I had all good experiences with delta and United has been almost as bad aa and that's saying something JetBlue is pretty good except for arriving on time

[@Peachcreekmedia]

If you can fly foreign carriers for long haul in the US do it! Our infrastructure is third world.

[@dennis141288]

I was actually very surprised in what kind of state the US was when visiting a few years back. For a country that prides it self with being the very very best in the world (threw up in my mouth there), it's so far behind most western countries. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@yourneighborhoodwierdo8349]

AmeWiCa bAd EuRoPE gOod

[@dennis141288]

@@yourneighborhoodwierdo8349 Yea, pretty much at this point, but best of luck anyway!

[@sethmaskovich6541]

@@dennis141288 That's because the infrastructure isn't broken. If it's not broken, dont fix it.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

@@yourneighborhoodwierdo8349 very true.

[@lionelhuts875]

When you're from south of Buffalo watching a random KZbin video and unexpectedly see your house from 36,000 feet...

[@rowan1036]

Proof?

[@thefuckisjustiny.1609]

proof? look at the roof!

[@thefuckisjustiny.1609]

David Eldar yes

[@primeribgaming2681]

David Eldar Did someone say bomb?

[@XDrifter2]

When you're watching this video in your grand island home, 10 minutes away from the falls and you see your self driving home from a very long day of work that you contemplate quiting because your boss is an a-hole and wont give you off sundays from 36,000 ft...

[@veebrame9901]

Glad you called them out. This is pathetic.

[@AuntieVeraCharles50]

Dude... you TOUCHED the toilet?!?!?!?! You're not making MY dinner! ;-)

[@4thHorsemanRides]

I will always avoid using airline toilets if possible because they're always disgusting. I flew from Newark to Amsterdam and held out till I could use the airport facilities there.

[@Ma1nguy]

I carry wipes when I travel to wipe down everything before I sit down and the over tables are the priority when being wiped down.

Quite disgusting, isn't it?

[@airmanma]

Bet you’ve had many meals prepared by those who didn’t wash their hands. Just saying.

[@misled1982]

I know right?? I use my freaking feet to lift the lid and if I ever go number two, i will cover the whole thing with toilet paper

[@jrreedve2825]

I feel like United is one step away from using Duck-tape to hold the outside together... and it’s slowly peeling off!

[@jcbaker10]

"Duct" tape. You're taping ducts together, not aquatic birds. :-)

[@Paul_Lucas]

They’re actually the same thing, and the tape was originally called duck tape, from the Dutch “doek” meaning cloth or canvas. It’s a woven tape. “Duct” is the corruption.

[@peterfriend8084]

@@Paul_Lucas "Pahhhdon me....!!"

[@lewis02754]

Lol

[@williamnash6573]

@@Paul_Lucas Bravo, good sir. Bravo. :-)

[@larinvermont3271]

I had flown United for almost 50 years [starting before deregulation], during both the financial difficulties and the current financial flush. Service has deteriorated continually while prices have risen exponentially. Other than management's payroll, I do not know where the increased profits are going: the planes are banged like a child's playground, your experience with dirt is actually less than most experience, and food service resembles prison cafeterias. And if you think your travel experience was bad, you have no idea how badly a passenger can be treated until you're dependant upon crutches - seating is impossible in all 3 classes, and the cabin crew reactions are they wish you had never boarded. It may be slower and less convenient, but I have switched my travel services to Amtrak, where a disabled person is at least treated with respect and dignity.

[@punman5392]

I think we need to lobby the government for more high speed rail. It’s cheaper for the passengers and way better for the environment. Not to mention more frequent travel service

[@youririshaviator6782]

Wow good description

[@thecockerel86]

@@punman5392 THIS ☝️. If we had high speed rail as competition, the airlines would have to buck their ideas up quickly.

[@TransitAndTeslas]

Matt Bowen This is a good idea, leave the planes for international travel, and international flights usually treat you much better too, even on United

[@oldwest517]

I really think United out west must be way better than United in the eastern US. I don't recognize the negative comments, other than on tiny commuter hops, which suck on any airline.

[@Gilbertmk2]

I avoid United whenever I can.

[@StonyRC]

My own experience with United (approx 7 years ago) put me off them for the rest of my life. They tried to bounce me and my wife off our connecting flight (booked 3 months earlier) having already boarded our luggage, telling us that the luggage would be "looked after at the destination" and that we could fly out (probably) the next day if they could find us a couple of seats (not much consolation for a two day visit to South Carolina). I had to remind them myself that the FAA (along with other International Flight Organisations) forbids boarding luggage if the passengers are not flying. Only then were we permitted to have our booked seats ... NEVER AGAIN!

[@jusdorange4720]

oh lord i really need to learn the rules!

[@flymarkfly]

The FAA doesn't forbid luggage from being boarded on an international flight without the passenger when the airline is the one that involuntarily separates the customer from their bag(s). In your case, the airline was bumping you off. They can do that without having to worry about your bags going or not. It is called PPBM (positive passenger bag match). If you initiated the separation from your luggage and it was an international flight, the bags can't go, they have to be pulled. On a domestic flight though, it doesn't matter. They didn't put you back on because of anything you reminded them about. They put you back on because they found another option. They probably found another person to be a "volunteer" and that is better than involuntarily denying you boarding. Better for them financially. They would have had to pay you real money and where as the volunteer receives the funny money voucher for a future flight.

[@Hercules718]

StonyRC United ground staff treated my family and I terribly. The worst service ever.

[@400heavy]

@@jusdorange4720 Not true--only on international flights will the airline remove a passenger's luggage if he does not board the flight...because of Pan Am Lockerbie.... It's unfortunate what happened to them, but I can assure you that it also happens on every airline.

[@BasedInBrazil]

@@flymarkfly Agreed, I would have asked " What's in it for me?" Of course I never get bumped In fun places like Montego Bay Jamaica: " 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, no problem, just give me a call when you have another flight."

[@VictorySpeedway]

You should have been with the cattle in coach. Believe me, it's a whole lot worse than what you suffered in your (relatively) comfortable seat up front. Americans (and I've been one of them my whole life) have come to expect less and less from air carriers over the last 20-30 years. There was a time when one's vacation started at the airport. It was just a cool place to be, and everyone was excited to get on board and enjoy a relaxing flight. These days, the air travel is just something that must be endured in order to reach that exotic, fun destination. Flight attendants are all business. I haven't seen one smile in at least 10 years. They have a job to do (run through the safety demonstration, count the passengers, sling the food, prepare for landing, etc.), and they do it. Nothing more, nothing less. Passengers, for the most part, sit quietly like sheep. They know they'll be getting a microscopic-size bag of crunchy stuff and something to drink. There is no breakfast, no lunch and, usually, no dinner to speak of because there are now passenger seats in the space formerly reserved for meal preparation. Of course, passengers can purchase a box of sustenance, vintage two days ago, for the astronomical price of $8.00. This practice has been a boon to terminal food sellers, who charge about the same price for the same appetizing stuff. Better to load up before you board. First Class Lounges? Never saw the inside of one. I can sleep anywhere, so a seat by the gate is fine with me. The big benefit still remains: Air travel is faster than taking a bus. And that's the only difference. I do enjoy your videos, however. It's nice to see that some air carriers still give a thought to those they are carrying. But not in the U.S.

[@meinkrafthappy4177]

U.S. air travel sounds so depressing.

[@odeiraoloap]

So it's even worse than the *THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES,* then.

[@bas3q]

I fly jetBlue whenever possible, they charge a little more but the experience is nowhere near as bad as described above. I've enjoyed all of my flights on them over the past several years.

[@appleiphone69]

Flying in the US. Is either tolerable with Southwest & JetBlue. United, Delta, American are total crap. We jump for joy when the flight leaves on time and arrives on time has a gate and baggage is available 15 minutes after flight arrival.

[@odeiraoloap]

@@appleiphone69 TBF, Delta's *international* flights have supposedly good service, courteous staff (some of which were absorbed Northwest employees), and competitive product with Delta One. But, yeah, American Domestic products aren't really inspiring compared to what Southeast Asians can deliver...

[@lindadavies6109]

Scenery? What scenery? All I saw was smog!

[@nickjames7365]

That's gross ass LA for you

[@Neville60001]

@@nickjames7365, I though that they'd cleaned up most of the smog.

[@nickjames7365]

Lol the wind blowing east to riverside, san Bernardino counties doesnt make it clean.

[@diamondrmp]

@@Neville60001 How do you clean up smog?

[@netricmp4319]

LMAO

[@Angeandrowan1]

My family and I just flew United in late August of 2019 to Las Vegas from Newark and we honestly had a great flight! We didn't fly business class so perhaps our expectations were a bit lower but... We also got a GREAT price on our 4 rt to keys so we can't complain. they even have us blankets on the return flight sice we didn't leave til 10 pm and we totally didn't expect that at all!! We plan to use United next year for our trip to California from Newark. I'm thinking your next trip using United will be better!!

[@Neozzzzz14]

Honestly

[@jkclash8559]

Same I fly United all the time, once 1st class and I think it is a great airline

[@DW_25]

Are blankets not standard?.......... On every single flight I've been on, even low cost carriers, crew will provide blankets at request if not already on seat.

[@jkclash8559]

@@DW_25 you get them sometimes, I really only got them on my ord to Hawaii flight

[@DW_25]

@@jkclash8559 weird, down in Australia we get blankets for even really short 3 hour flights

[@ohmyblindman]

The air traffic control was often a channel choice even on the old pre-tv screen days. I didn't understand one tenth, but it was nice to listen to the calm politeness of the chatter.

[@thomasdosborneii]

I appreciate your comment. My favorite KZbin channel is Matt Guthmiller (that's the name of his channel, "Matt Guthmiller" in case you want to check his channel out) who is a young man who flies all over (including being the youngest pilot to fly around the world solo) and makes the most wonderful videos of his travels. So, upon watching his videos a lot, I hear a TON of his communications with air traffic controllers and i swear, I don't think I could ever be a pilot, because I can't imagine understanding what anyone is saying. Apparently one doesn't say, "Excuse me, do you mind saying that again, slowly?" So your comment gave me a good laugh, and yes, there is something soothing about the calm politeness of the chatter!

[@ecclestonsangel]

@@thomasdosborneii At our local airport there is an upstairs viewing lounge, so you can watch the planes take off and land. There are speakers there, and they pipe in the conversations between the pilots and the control towers. Every so often I can figure out a tiny fraction of what they're saying. It's like a really bad drive thru speaker at a fast food joint! They all sound like they haven't a csre in the world, though. I'd like to know how they do that!

[@tristanw2211]

Channel 9!

[@SVSky]

@@thomasdosborneii You learn. It's a matter of listening carefully and getting used to the pace.

[@ricobhi]

Yes. Good ol' Channel 9. No channel was better for lulling you into a peaceful nap.