my2cents

We're using up some FF miles on United Airlines first class from SFO to LHR. The seats look incredible -- they lie all the way down into a bed for the overnight flight! My question is who on this board has experienced those seats and are they as wonderful as they look? Are the pillows any more comfortable or supportive than their normal ones? I'm trying to decide whether to pack my comfortable supportive pillow in my carryon or my checked bag (it'll fit better in checked bag but I'll cram into carryon if need be). Thanks!

Gretchen

Haven't done UAL but CO's were that way and it was very nice. I found the pillows fine, I guess, because I don't remember them.

someotherguy

I've flown SFO-LHR several times in United First. The seat is excellent and does indeed go completely flat. Unlike some other flatbeds, it's also comfortable as a seat, though it takes some experimentation to find the best position (there are positions you can get it into by raising it from a bed that you cannot reach by reclining it from a seat). You get two pillows: one big one, and one ordinary. A couple of tips: the side of the seat can be lowered to make it easier to get in and out: you need to push the release *in*, not up. There are two sets of overhead lights and they sequence when you press the button: off, front, rear, both. There's also a light on a stalk: you rotate the thing on the bulb end to turn it on or off. With no curtains to separate you from the galley, you might be bothered by noise and light in the forward seats (though the eyeshade and earplugs will fix that).

Food is usually good and is plentiful, but service is hit or miss. The SFO first class lounge is really excellent and has nice snacks. The LHR one is less pleasant but also has good snacks. The arrivals facility in LHR is also good but it closes at 1:30 so it can be a rush if you are on UA954. I've never used the one at SFO.

Sesamee

The seats are very comfortable, though the first time I flew in 1st I expected them to be wider than they were. I take my own pillow with me when I travel, so I don't recall how the airline ones were. I'd put yours in the carry-on, but I do recall there were lumbar controls in the seats. No matter, as I like my own pillow.

Be careful. Flying 1st class will forever spoil you!

Sesamee

my2cents

Thanks for all the great tips on working the seats and on the first class lounges (forgot about those!). And I'll be sure to bring my pillow on the plane, just in case. I'll just use my next largest backpack as my carryon (my first choice was actually smaller than the max allowable size).

I've already gotten spoiled on business class (my back won't allow me to fly coach on long-distance flights anymore...the joys of getting older!). I'm sure these first class seat/beds will just put me over the edge! For once I might even be able to get some sleep on an overnighter and not wake up needing a good massage (I don't suppose they have a masseuse in the LHR first class lounge, do they...?).

suehoff

my2cents: oh I am green w/ envy, we too are flying out on FF award travel BUT in coach and worse yet don't have seats assigned, so recline back and think of us suffering in jacknifed positions praying that our ambien erases the awareness....