What to expect on international flight from ORD to PEK

Question

hey...im flying from ord - pek ...on United Airlines Economy..Boeing 747-400 there and a Boeing 777 on the way back....how good (or bad) are UA economy (not economy plus), what should i expect? any tips, hints, secrets, suggestions? what do i bring, how can i make my trp as awesome as possible (meaning the flight) thanks! best answer gets 10 points!

Answer 1

UA economy plus are the first 10 rows...behind that is just economy,  I would suggest requesting exit row seating on the transatlantic flights, much more leg room. you can take a portable DVD player with you, That makes time fly by...

Answer 2

Join the frequent flier program for UA unless you already belong to the program for a partner airline.  A r/t between the USA and China will generate a lot of miles.  Check the FF program to see if you can collect miles from the hotel you will be staying at, etc.

Check www.seatguru.com for info and suggestions on where to sit.  You will need the exact aircraft model (ex. 747-400 or 777 ER).  Call UA and request a seat as soon as possible.

I usually try to get a window seat and use extra blankets and pillows to make a "bed" to lean against.  At least try to avoid being in the middle.

Pack a complete change of clothes and basic toiletries in your carryon bag.  Check www.tsa.gov for security restrictions.  Wash up about an hour before arrival and consider changing clothes - you will feel lots better.

Tag all bags inside and out with your name as it appears on your ticket, a good phone number (one that someone will answer), and your e-mail address (not your home address).

Take some things to do and/or read.  Portable game and music devices are great but won't last for a long flight. Take a book or books you have started or are by an author you know.  It's annoying to start a book on the plane and then discover it isn't a good read.

Verify the departure time for your flight the evening before to make sure it hasn't changed.  You can do that by calling UA or by checking via their website.

Get to the airport 2 full hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.  Make sure you have your passport and other documents with you before leaving home.

Try to sleep on the flight, even if it isn't very good sleep.  An eye-mask and ear-plugs may help (sold at luggage shops or the luggage departments of large stores).

If you want to take something to help you sleep try it first.  Many meds leave you groggy long after you need to be awake.  I just use aspirin.

Get up every few hours, stretch, and walk around.

The air in the cabin will be very dry.  Drink lots of water or juice and avoid too many drinks with caffeine (including colas) or alcohol as they increase the dehydration.

The time change may be a problem.  At your destination try very hard to stay awake until local bedtime and eat meals at local times to speed up the adjustment. If you must take a nap then sleep no more than 3 hours.

Hope you have a great flight!