Flight: United Airlines UA 893 from San Francisco to Incheon (Seoul)
Equipment: B744 (Boeing 747-400)
Class: Business
Seat: 15 A (Upper deck, Window, Rear facing seat)
Seat Specification: Full Lie Flat, 180 degree recline, Seat pitch: 74.0 “. Seat width: 23.5 ”
United operates a 747-400 in SFO – ICN route. The flight leaves in the morning from SFO and arrives at ICN at evening next day (both local times). The flight duration is around 11 hours 30 minutes.
This was my first business class experience and I wanted to make the most of it. I had selected seat 15 A which is a window seat in upper deck. The business class has true lie-flat seats in this aircraft and I was really psyched to experience it.
After boarding the plane, I made my way up the stairs to the upper deck of the cabin. The first thing I noticed in the upper deck is the private, exclusive feeling because of the 2 x 2 seat configuration here compared to the 2 x 4 x 2 in the main deck.
Right away one of the male stewards advised to take out necessary belongings from my carry-on and stow it at the front of the aircraft as the overhead bins in the upper deck can barely fit any regular size carryons.
There are small bins on the side of the plane that can fit handbags/laptops/jackets etc but not big enough to hold any regular size carryon luggage either.
Right after settling down in the seat, I was offered champagne. Life is good !! 🙂
Next up the stewards asked our selection for lunch. I chose Grilled Salmon with lump Crabmeat as my first choice and Chicken Breast for second choice in case they were out of the first.
I have read reviews about flyers complaining that the rear-facing seat during takeoff is uncomfortable, but I had no such issue with my seat. In fact, it felt more thrilling during takeoff. When the plane is taking off at a high inclined angle you are looking down the back of the plane. It felt a bit like a theme park ride !!
After takeoff we were offered beverage service. I asked for Glenlivet scotch to go with the warm, toasted almonds and cashews.
Next up was lunch. First came the appetizers and salad. The smoked Salmon was good but nothing outstanding.
The grilled Salmon for my main course was really good. I had never had that sauce before and it went very well with the fish.
After lunch, I decided to take a good long sleep for the rest of the 11 and half hour flight. I had barely slept the night before and wanted to make the most of the lie-flat seats.
I was surprised by my trip to the restroom though. It is same cramped restroom that they have in coach. There were no amenity kits or brand name lotion or perfume that are offered in premium cabin restrooms on some other airlines.
The seat converted to a flat bed with a few push on the buttons.
An hour before landing they offered breakfast. I had the Swiss cheese Omelette with Turkey Sausage.
Bottomline:
Seat: *****
Service: ****
Food: ***1/2
The true lie-flat seat was definitely the highlight of this flight. The seat in flat bed position was wide and long enough for me. The cushion was of medium firmness and I don’t like too soft cushion anyways.
The food was good although I wouldn’t call it spectacular. As it happens, I enjoyed the food at the next Thai Airways flight a lot more.
The service was also pretty decent with the 2 male stewards assigned to the upper deck paid a lot of attention to all the passengers.
I would not hesitate to fly United on this route again.