I haven’t had the pleasure of flying on UA to Sydney this year, but apparently first class passengers flying from Los Angeles to Sydney are receiving a more personalized touch.
The following request is from United’s representative on FlyerTalk:
Hi folks,
We are looking for feedback from LAX-SYD F customers who have flown on Flight 839, LAX-SYD, in United First since August 3.
If you’ve flown this route, you may have had an opportunity during boarding to meet with a United mechanic (wearing white overalls with United States and Australian flags) who works on the B747 and makes certain our customers are familiar with the aircraft, seats and IFE controls. The mechanic also helps answer any questions our customers may have about the plane or the maintenance program in general.
One of United’s internal communications managers is working on an article about the new program and would like your feedback.
Did you find the interaction helpful?
Is this something you’d like to see expanded to other international flights?
Would you like more opportunities to meet and talk to the employees who are normally behind-the-scenes?
Let us know your thoughts! Please send a message at your convenience to peter.rapalus@united.com by next Friday, August 13. Your input and feedback is appreciated.
Thanks again for flying United!
This is the first I’ve heard of such a program and I too would be interested to hear feedback from anyone who has experienced this.
Personal touch is good and I applaud UA for any steps taken to improve the first class experience. Until I experience it for myself (which won’t be any time soon), I will refrain from saying anything negative about this new program–but, if UA really wants to improve the first class experience I submit that their resources would be better channeled into creating world-class first class lounges that can compete with Lufthansa or Thai.
After all, I think most people can figure out on their own how the the seat works (or read the instructions in the video pamphlet included beside each seat). Plus, shouldn’t FAs or at least the chief purser know how to operate the seats?
UA should have a mechanic available in F during boarding on the old 777s, far more important than on the 747s with the new-ish seats.
@Gary: That’s a great point. Those tired old seats are falling apart.
I’ve got to find a way to switch out my ORD-FRA-ORD F flights to Lufty…