United video screen
	United's BusinessFirst gives passengers every comfort and service expected at the front of the plane

BusinessFirst Class
26 November 2012

Carrier:  United

Flight Number: UA 840 departing SYD @ 15:20

Duration: 13:30

Class: BusinessFirst

Configuration: Boeing 747   2-4-2

Check-in experience:
There was no wait to check in at United's Premier Access counters located apart from the Economy Class check-in area.  The staff were helpful and friendly.  The whole process was completed in just a few minutes. 

Lounge:
United's passengers in Global First and BusinessFirst have access to fellow Star Alliance member Air New Zealand's lounge, where a surprising abundance of food and drink was available.

On-time performance: 
The flight departed on time and arrived in Los Angeles ten minutes early.

Seat/Cabin conditions:
United uses an unusual seat configuration in BusinessFirst on its 747; some seats face forward, others toward the rear of the aircraft.  Seats are arranged in pairs.  The seat itself is extremely comfortable, enveloping passengers with softness and support.  In the horizontal position, the seat is completely flat and the various cushions are the right size and arrangement for comfort, which is not always the case on other airlines.

Food And Beverage:
A concise menu of international dishes was available, with dinner, overnight snacks, and breakfast served at the appropriate times.

Service:
United flight attendants are seasoned professionals who handle their responsibilities with aplomb as well as good humour.  Water glasses were never empty during the meal services, and the flight attendants were present in the cabin, attentive throughout the flight.

Entertainment:
United's BusinessFirst cabin provides more than 150 hours of entertainment on demand—more than enough to last a trans-Pacific flight.  There are first-run films as well as a selection of films according to genre, plus television shows, music channels, and games to play.

Arrival:
The flight arrived ten minutes ahead of schedule and passengers disembarked from the aircraft without delay.

Overview:
While US-based airlines are favourite targets of critics, United sets itself apart by achieving a commendable level of service in its spacious cabins and shows that there is at least one American airline that can hold its own against the competition.

united.com