Fly United or British Airways??
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: HKG, LON, SFO
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But just remember that if you are flying UA and having a stop in Chicago or Washington, you will have to pay luggage fee per bag for the domestic sector, and is quite pricy if you are not elites with UA
N4790P
I flew United from LHR to SFO last month (I tend to stick to Star Alliance carriers) and was pleasantly surprised with very attentive CC.
The cabin on this particular 777 was 'old style' but that was my only real criticism.
One benefit of UAL is LHR Terminal 1 is so pleasantly quiet now.
The cabin on this particular 777 was 'old style' but that was my only real criticism.
One benefit of UAL is LHR Terminal 1 is so pleasantly quiet now.
In response to blbl8326 comment earlier,
I have used UA twice in the last 6 weeks -both on transit via IAD and no price payed for onward domestic flight baggage (unless of course it is included in the price of the overall ticket).
From memory I think it states on the UA website that domestic flights used as connections from International flight do not have to pay for baggage - no?
Also I dont really mind using UA. Agree that T1 at LHR is a bonus in respect of crowd reductions etc. Sure BA give me a free beer or two but frankly apart from that I dont notice any significant difference in service - CC from both airlines hide down the back!!
Nivsy
I have used UA twice in the last 6 weeks -both on transit via IAD and no price payed for onward domestic flight baggage (unless of course it is included in the price of the overall ticket).
From memory I think it states on the UA website that domestic flights used as connections from International flight do not have to pay for baggage - no?
Also I dont really mind using UA. Agree that T1 at LHR is a bonus in respect of crowd reductions etc. Sure BA give me a free beer or two but frankly apart from that I dont notice any significant difference in service - CC from both airlines hide down the back!!
Nivsy
Last edited by nivsy; 9th Jun 2009 at 20:38. Reason: sp
Join Date: Jun 2009
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I have used UA twice in the last 6 weeks -both on transit via IAD and no price payed for onward domestic flight baggage (unless of course it is included in the price of the overall ticket).
From memory I think it states on the UA website that domestic flights used as connections from International flight do not have to pay for baggage - no?
From memory I think it states on the UA website that domestic flights used as connections from International flight do not have to pay for baggage - no?
Baggage fee exceptions
You are exempt from the above fees for checking your first two bags if you are:
- traveling in United First® or United Business®;
- a Global ServicesSM, Mileage Plus 1K®, Premier Executive®, Premier® or Premier Associate® member;
- a Star Alliance® Gold or Silver member; or
- active military personnel and/or a dependant with ID and traveling on orders
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: UK
Age: 72
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£200 extra for BA!!
They are having a laugh. Now if it was a choice in business you were talking about then yes take BA, but with both carriers it is grim in economy these days. I would take UA, better frequent flyer points and cheaper.
Found this on the web site regarding international flights originating outside USA
United Airlines - International checked baggage
Nivsy
United Airlines - International checked baggage
Nivsy
Everything is under control.
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Washington, D.C.
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I have flown both United and BA between Washington DC and LHR. I am also a United frequent flyer.
In my view, United is OK, and is not bad. But BA specifically, and many other non-US carriers, will have nicer service and food, even in economy. You have to decide if it is worth it.
Hoping for an empty seat next to you? The United flight will likely be full. I have seen more empty seats on BA.
In my view, United is OK, and is not bad. But BA specifically, and many other non-US carriers, will have nicer service and food, even in economy. You have to decide if it is worth it.
Hoping for an empty seat next to you? The United flight will likely be full. I have seen more empty seats on BA.
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Taipei
Age: 53
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BA definetly
I did Taipei-> SFO -> IAD and back last year with United, it was one of the most horrible experiences I have ever had.
Check in a TPE I was told I might not get a seat (been booked for 6 weeks).
SFO transfer was okay
Waited at the 'right' carosel for the flight in IAD for 30 mins and didn't see my bag, after everyone else from the flight had left I used the machines to discover my bag had been sent to a different carosel to everyone else.
Coming back the auto check in machines took my wifes details and checked in two light bags for her but barfed at mine. After waiting in 3 different queues for 30+ mins I finally found someone who would check me in but now I had both 'heavy' bags and so even thou our total was 20kg less than the limit we got hit with excess baggage fees. After getting to the terminal 2hrs before the flight I still only made it to the plane after everyone else had boarded. On top of that I got flagged for the 'extra security' checks and was separated from the missus who got quite upset.
Transfer at SFO was stressful, only a mini bus to move people from terminal to terminal and if you walked you had to leave air side and then be checked back via security.
I will never travel United again unless there are no other options. Never had any trouble with BA, may not be the nicest but their people seem much more helpful.
Check in a TPE I was told I might not get a seat (been booked for 6 weeks).
SFO transfer was okay
Waited at the 'right' carosel for the flight in IAD for 30 mins and didn't see my bag, after everyone else from the flight had left I used the machines to discover my bag had been sent to a different carosel to everyone else.
Coming back the auto check in machines took my wifes details and checked in two light bags for her but barfed at mine. After waiting in 3 different queues for 30+ mins I finally found someone who would check me in but now I had both 'heavy' bags and so even thou our total was 20kg less than the limit we got hit with excess baggage fees. After getting to the terminal 2hrs before the flight I still only made it to the plane after everyone else had boarded. On top of that I got flagged for the 'extra security' checks and was separated from the missus who got quite upset.
Transfer at SFO was stressful, only a mini bus to move people from terminal to terminal and if you walked you had to leave air side and then be checked back via security.
I will never travel United again unless there are no other options. Never had any trouble with BA, may not be the nicest but their people seem much more helpful.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: UK
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Probably none of those are really the airline's fault.
Though flying out of TPE on united also sticks in my mind as it was one of only two occasions where I genuinely couldn't force the airline food past my teeth. The other time was, funnily enough, on a BA flight out of LHR.
Though flying out of TPE on united also sticks in my mind as it was one of only two occasions where I genuinely couldn't force the airline food past my teeth. The other time was, funnily enough, on a BA flight out of LHR.
Too mean to buy a long personal title
As I understand it, a passenger who buys two separate tickets is technically not making a "connection" but is making two separate journeys. Then they would have to pay the appropriate baggage fees associated with each journey.
