Home > United > 2001 > Review

Taken May 2001 from Washington IAD to London Heathrow

The United First Lounge in Heathrow is pretty good, but not as good as British Airways - B.A. has preflight dinner for First and Business passsengers, but United doesn't.

Being as though this was my 5th time flying United internationally in First Class, I knew what was in store for me - broken seats that recline to near beds and video screens that don't work, but I received a surprise when I walked through the cabin.

The seats I was in were the new United First Suite seats that recline into beds. My seat was seat 3A and so on my left hand side there was a personal stowage unit for you to put your personal belongings - similar to what BA has. There was your personal control unit and your controls for your seat and an adjustable lamp. Under that was your table and infront of you were your Ottoman footrest, personal video player and TV, and your laptop powerport that wasn't working on my flight. Behind you was your privacy screen for keeping privacy while you are sleeping.

For dinner I had the Salmon for a starter, then the Lamb which I didn't like very much so the flight attendents let me have the Filet instead.

After dinner I watched the Legend of Bagger Vance and Meet the Parents before settling down for bed.

After a few seconds your bed transforms slowly but surely into a 6 foot sum bed. Your seat even has a button to move around closer to the ottoman if you like and after about 10 seconds I was sleeping soundly in my seat in total privacy.

In my opinion United is definitely rising.