Even though I'm a filipino, I think I'd choose to fly United over Philippine Airlines based on my personal experience and your review. Everything on this flight was well executed, and I hope they stay consistent.💙
I totally agree! I just came back from the Philippines on a month-long tour with my daughter and husband from Atlanta, we did Manila, Boracay, Japan, on a Philippine airline and Air Asia, and back to Manila for 5 more days before going back home to Atlanta, not a good experience on Philippine airlines or Air Asia, the best flight was an American airline from L.A to Atlanta, happy to be home.
I think United's new SFO-MNL service can potentially be profitable as not only does it compete with PAL for the nonstop MNL-SFO route, but also with the likes of ANA, JAL, Asiana, Korean, Cathay, EVA, etc. in offering connectivity options from MNL to other major U.S. cities via their respective hubs. We Filipinos (myself included) want options whenever we fly to the U.S. to visit our migrant relatives, and likewise, for our "balikbayan" relatives whenever they return from America. The East Asian airlines have been very reliable and will continue to be top players in the market, but the demand is so high that I think United can capture a significant share, if not dominate. I'll try flying United from MNL to ORD via SFO at least once and see how it goes the next time I visit my cousins in the Windy City. As a night owl, I prefer United's schedule and I also prefer flying the long-haul leg first (from MNL). Really excited! And if all goes well, who knows? In a few years time, United might just open a LAX-MNL route as well!
All great points. I could see US citizens opting to take United’s route over the other East Asian carriers, at least enough to stay profitable. I do foresee a LAX to Manila flight if this one works well enough for them since LAX and SFO are the 2 top North American destinations from Philippines
this is a nice option. I ysually fly JAL or ANA to go back to the US since I love stop overs in Japan. However, I really like this United flight option.
And let's also see if UA can also capture significant passengers connecting to Florida from SFO where there's a significant amount of Filipinos there too! I'm optimistic about this!
United airlines is a no-stranger in Manila. Back in the 1990s they did have a SFO-MNL service via NRT Japan. Those flights uses 747-200/747-400 while competing with Northwest and Philippine Airlines. I'm glad to hear that UA is back strengthening their Manila network as they already have flights from Guam and Palau.
This was my first flight, I took 30 years ago back when UAL operated from SFO to MNL via SEL on a 744. Glad to see them back and wishing them great success
This route could pull other Manila bound passengers across the US via United's network. If you are in the Midwest, Southern, or East Coast US regions, this maybe a more convenient way to reach the Philippines.
Not just the US, but also from Canada. Even beyond MNL - which happens to have a strong Star Alliance presence - the schedule allows for connections to BKK with TG and SIN with SQ. If the market is good, won't be surprised if they launch a route from EWR for those from the US East Coast.
Great review Patrick, as I would prefer flying United over Philippine Airlines from Manila to the West Coast. Any alternative to the monopoly nonstop flights from the Philippines to the US is welcome, as competition can only improve and raise the bar of services amongst all the airlines servicing the route. Also, keep in mind that in about four years, the massive and far more accessible New Manila International Airport being built just north of the city will open - providing more space and less hassle for all incoming international flights and connections to the Philippine capital. It’s good to see United being the first to get a running headstart on the Manila connection and foresee an ever increasing demand for the Manila to US West Coast market.👍🏽
I agree, but Philippine Airlines has been using this outdated and old 777’s cabins for flights from US - MNL, CAN - MNL and vice versa for a long time now and they are long overdue for at least a refurbished cabins. I recently flown with them for a VAN - MNL flight and I was hoping to board at their latest refurbished 777 ones that they released back in 2018 (correct me if I’m wrong) but instead, it was still the old 777 cabins and I was disappointed at that time. At this time, I think United will probably be the best option for going in and out of MNL to US. Unless Philippine Airlines have acquired their latest orders of A350’s which I think it will still take some time before they can finally be flown.
@josebangate525 we just flown back from Manila to LAX and the entire movie entertainment system wasn't working lol. They definetly need to upgrade everything lol
@@Mattock5656 - PAL needs competition to keep them at the top of their game or they'll lose the Filipinos. I planewatch at LAX and the PAL rarely leaves on schedule. Just today their evening flight arriving at LAX was diverted to SFO that leaves the outgoing flight back to MNL cancelled.
@socalbenny4728 right ya ours left late too. Seems smart that united is competing against them. It's gonna force to upgrade their game. My workmates flew on them before covid and he said there service was great. Lots of food and alcohol. Now they skimp on everything. You can tell they just trying to squeeze every dollar out of the flight.
Philippine Airlines needs to up their game. Ever since four or five years ago when they received a favorable Skytrax four-star rating, their marketing played that up so much but soon enough the service and delays themselves went the opposite direction down, which is typical of that ‘ningas cogon’ attitude of Filipinos who gloat over being recognized but then fail to follow through the consistency of the service. And the covid pandemic and travel lockdowns only made it worse. I have no sympathy for an airline that simply cannot compete with the best - it’s simply their own fault.
I’m rooting for United competing against PAL. It’s night and day. Fun fact: United did fly to Manila via Tokyo Narita until 1998 using their 747s and DC-10s. That route was inherited from Pan Am.
United has the best route network to Asia from the US mainland and or Islands compare to Delta and American Airlines combined. They actually is the most international of US airlines and fly to more countries and Cities outside of the contiguous United States.
@@redademeThe only problem with that particular route is it takes forever to reach your final destination 😂. I used to take UAL SFO to MNL via NRT and loved it. But this one is even better because it's a direct flight. More power to UAL!
I just discovered this channel today and you def earned a new subscriber! Professional commentary, crisp audio, pleasing visuals and most importantly a comprehensive review. Nonstop Dan, Josh Cahill, ThePointsGuy UK, and VicarousVoyager have been my go-to aviation channels for the past few years, and I have a feeling yours will be too. Keep up the great work, man!
I’m a Filipino-American, I will definitely fly United Airlines vs Philippine Airlines aka PAL “Plane Always Late”, & it’s true. I’m a United domestic flier wherever I go. Thank you Patrick 🙂🇺🇸🇵🇭
@markarca6360 let’s not get it twisted, the doctor was one of their regional carriers and both of those are some old events. Not saying United is perfect, but I don’t think it’s fair to hold 10-15 year old events against a company still
To add, it doesn’t matter if you fly PAL if you’re connecting to other places outside Manila. You have to go through the arrival hall, and maybe transfer from one terminal to another due to lack of interconnection between terminals.
Hopefully United keeps the flight permanently. In the recent past most U.S. airlines flying to Manila cut their services as the flights were only serving mostly non-revenue passengers who were airline employees and their families.
A long time ago, United used to serve Manila from San Francisco via Tokyo when NRT was United's Asian hub. But since then, new longer-range aircraft allowed the airline to bypass Japan to serve other Asian destinations. United now code-shares with ANA allowing United MileagePlus customers to earn miles on ANA flights beyond Tokyo. United also did fly nonstop SFO-MNL in the past but the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s forced the airline to cut the route.
It's amazing how quick you can get a video edited and posted right after the flight. Some youtubers can take weeks or months from the time of flight to the posting of the video.
I’m in the minority. I flew PAL Business Class pre-COVID, LAX-MNL-LAX and absolutely loved it! The plane was clean, my seat was comfortable, the food was great, and the cabin crew were uniformly very professionally dressed, attractive, and very attentive. These flight attendants couldn’t do enough for me! The only disappointment was during the return to the US. Business Class check-in at MNL was bedlam and confusion, a shambolic ordeal; and the Mabuhay Lounge was a total disappointment. But once on board, it was the same top notch PAL cabin service again! I can’t imagine any of our US flight attendants as gracious and as professional (and as well groomed!), as the PAL cabin staff. But I digress. This is is a great video review! But I would still choose to fly PAL over UAL.
I have flown PAL this year. Their business class seat is definitely inferior to all of the carriers that fly the ultra long haul routes. I hope PAL will make this investment to improve their business class seat. It would certainly be appropriate given the new competition from United. Loved the food on PAL. The porridge as a snack was great. The lounge was acceptable, although seating is not as comfortable as you would expect. I appreciated that I was able to take a shower, but why in the world do they have to be making flight announcements at all hours of the day? Never see that in other lounges. Also had opportunity to fly in front on a fairly new A321 MNL - BKK. Excellent service and food.
I INAUGURALLY agree. Hopefully we can all catch an INAUGURAL and then we can upload an INAUGURAL about the INAUGURAL and all the politics that come with INAUGURALness
Awesome! I sm impressed at how quickly you edited & uploaded your review of the inaugural flight on the same day. Been looking forward to this. Thanks for covering the festivities at SFO and Manila. I wish I were on this flight, but instead I will be flying United to/from Manila in December, and looking forward to duplicating your experience. Unfortunate that United’s Headquarter Big Wigs placed little importance to this Inaugural Launch, but YOU were there, so we’re happy! I hope the single meal tray is gone by the time I fly in Dec & Jan. Thanks, Patrick. You’re the best.
Welcome and mabuhay! 👏 Thank you United for servicing MNL My father was a Pan American employee and he only has praises for the generosity of United accommodating us without charging anything unlike with AA
Bro you have the best and most complete flight review videos. I love that you show the full takeoff roll, which for some reason others don't show. Keep up the great work!
thank you UNITED for making business to Philippines as a Filipino citizen i truly very thankful to your support and love.. full support to your great company..cheers
For the success of the route, while PR has an advantage of connections at MNL UA has the US domestic and Canada via SFO. Also MNL happens to have a strong Star Alliance presence - UA's flight schedule for the SFO-MNL flights allow for connections at MNL to other cities like BKK with TG or SIN with SQ which there are daytime departures (SQ operates from the same terminal as UA does at MNL). Going back one could get a nice layover in MNL. As for connecting within the Philippines like to CEB or DVO, sure PR offers the through check-in but to even most Filipinos that is not really that important. PR definitely needs to step up its game now.
@@PatrickSheaAviation Since its an AM arrival, its not that big of an issue - Just clear immigration/customs, get the bags, then go to the terminal for the domestic flight. Though PR has a +1 over UA since you just drop the bags to the transfer counter. They extend the 20kg baggage allowance for the domestic flight if booked with the same ticket from say LAX or SFO to CEB via MNL. It does require a separate transfer via bus between terminals which is free. That said, UA is at Terminal 3 so those flying Cebu Pacific within the Philippines and international do not have to go anywhere - just like how your AirAsia flight to Malaysia was also there at T3. From some cities there are some really early AM departures to catch the UA flight bound for SFO, but most Filipinos and anyone do not mind booking a hotel for an overnight - there are some good hotels across Terminal 3 at Resorts World - since there are lots of things to do in the capital city before flying out. If you ever get the chance, you might want to try a trip passing through Cebu since it is in my opinion and with many others one of the better airports in the Philippines.
I was so disappointed about the INAUGURAL coverage about the INAUGURAL. An INAUGURAL is a very special moment it's like a child giving birth I am so happy that the process went well for the bisexual who made this INAUGURAL video about the INAUGURAL. I really hope one day I can make an INAUGURAL. What do you think?
Ten years ago I flew United out of Manila. The route was Manila-Guam-Hawaii-LAX. As a regular but casual traveler I would prefer this new direct route. We fly economy so if it was less than $1500 LAX-MNL roundtrip this would be my first choice. There are other airlines but the downside of them it normally adds at least ten hours each way.
I also have fly Manila via GUM, HNL, ORD and IAH. and flying daily UAL 183 to MNL. 9:50 Terminal 1 Gate 2 and by 11 PM heads back to Guam. UAL 184 the only thing that it's non stop SFO-MNL. and with a stop. SFO-TPE-MNL. so that is 3 united routes. But with partners ANA and EVA more routes to go-to and from MNL.
24:37, Oh that's nice that they have a water salute on United's 1st inaugural non-stop flight from San Francisco to Manila. Hope your flight is good and went well.
Patrick, United flew to Manila before using B747 SFO to MNL via Incheon, South Korea. I did not like it because the flight arrived in Manila at midnight. Now PAL and United compete head-on on the SFO - MNL flights, and people have options on direct flights. Whichever airline has the best price, service, and convenient flight schedule will have the edge in this competition. Thank you so much for your vlog.
I have a good feeling this would extend to all United Airlines hubs flying there or very likely the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan just north of Manila (LAX, DEN, IAH, ORD, IAD, and EWR). Philippine Airlines would also want to fly non-stop to the additional United Airlines hub airports although already serving LAX. I think they would also get all of the Delta hub airports flying to Bulacan as well.
@@PatrickSheaAviation I definitely want to see nonstop Washington-Dulles flights to the New Manila International Airport. This should alleviate the JFK-EWR routes to New Manila or NAIA. IAD has room to expand and should include nonstop flights to the Philippines.
@@jeeveskulit NAIA traffic congestion isn't because of NAIA. It's because of poor urban planning & barely any mass transit network connections. The new airport will suffer the same problem of the government doesn't step up their game. The same has happened whenever new developments pop up, be it BGC or Nuvali. It's not just about building 1 good thing & then resting on your laurels then relying on marketing to make it seem all good, it's about ensuring the new thing is integrated well with the rest of the area. But no, they like building bubbles & then wondering why the traffic problem simply overflows into it as well.
@@j134679With the new airport, there will be 4 parallel runways which should spread out the aviation traffic within the domestic and international flights for the Philippines.
I will be traveling in a few weeks to Manila from SFO for the 1st time. So excited. Decades of using Philippines Airlines direct for obvious reasons i finally have hope for a better traveling experience after such a long struggle and so many disappointments.
Great stuff, Patrick! We get to fly vicariously through you, but without actually being cooped up in a metal tube for ~15 hours. 😀 I'm flying from SFO to Manila in a couple of weeks myself, but on Philippine Airlines, unfortunately. Not a knock against PAL, but this United flight looks pretty sweet! I've flown United a few times on transpacific routes over the past year, and, other than some grumpy flight attendants, they were all decent economy class experiences. Hopefully, this will encourage PAL to up their game and provide a more competitive and appealing product.
I would definitely choose United at this point regardless of what cabin class. PAL does have new airplanes arriving however so once those get here we will have to see how it compares. I am just excited for the direct competition
PAL will be ahead because of the “check through” feature they have. If you go home to the Phil but live in the Visayas or Mindanao, you just have to check in once and get your boarding pass for all your flights. The luggage is also check through although they require you to pass through “customs” in MLA which is a hassle. I hope they remove this requirement and just have customs check at your final destination. And the food will be always delicious esp. if you prefer Filipino cuisine. But if you like western food then, that’s not an issue. But over all, having a cheaper option is great. PAL has had a monopoly on direct flights for so long. They need to up their game.
Finally! PAL's plane interiors are showing its age and alternatives like this are more than welcome. I think more people will book more with United now. PAL should be worried!
Yeah LMAO. I so remember Singapore Airlines' business class advertisements dating to early to mid-2000s: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zddsWEtlHuM.html 16 years ago: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ctRkaIVkM8c.html&pp=ygUvc2luZ2Fwb3JlIGFpcmxpbmVzIGJ1c2luZXNzIGNsYXNzIGFkdmVydGlzZW1lbnQ%3D
@@SubaruB4RSKPAL LAX TO MANILA and SFO TO MANILA uses an outdated interior 777300 for its one of its flight that triple 777 with outdated interior is cheaper pricing than the other refreshed interior triple 777 that costs 200$ more for the other flight daily
As a filam who frequently flies from SFO to MNL for work, I'm required to "fly America" so I've always had to take United to Japan or Korea. This flight excites me as my next trip will finally be a direct flight!
Thank you so much for putting this together! My wife and I are not fans of going to NAIA to get to Cebu, but it appears that this new route from United will make it a more appealing option should we need it. Actually, after finishing the video we are definitely considering trying it out in the future. Thanks again and safe travels!
At one point United was flying to MNL with a stop at KIX. The ugly history is that the Philippine government tried to restrict UA's frequencies from MNL as a protectionist move for PAL. United told them they needed to fly daily for it to be profitable. When UA couldn't get daily, they withdrew. That history coupled with PAL's checkered history, I would only fly PAL as a last resort.
Interesting. I always thought that Filipino UAL employees were taking full advantage of the SFO-NRT-MNL flights that UAL was losing money, so they stopped.
My thoughts on United competing with PAL in the MNL-SFO-MNL route : United is no stranger competiting with PAL as they both dominating the Manila-Guam-Manila route which possibly caused another Philippines-based carrier Cebu Pacific to cease the route as the said airline is a low-cost one unlike PR and UA who are both legacy carriers. The last time UA had a long-haul route in MNL was way back in the 1990s and that was the same route taking over the slot formerly held by the now-defunct Pan Am. Additionally, Delta previously operated flights to MNL via a stopover at NRT in Japan. Hope United's launching flights to the Philippines from Mainland US can be an eye opener for American Airlines to launch flights to Southeast Asia (Especially in the busiest routes like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and also possibly Manila if Bulacan Airport opens) as they already had presence in East Asia mainly in China, Japan, and South Korea and once operated flights to Hong Kong.
Awesome! you are the very first vlogger to upload a UA trip report on the inaugural nonstop flight to MNL. I believe most pax who bought UA tickets will be roundtrip from USA and/or star alliance partner frequent flyers as most filipino pax originating from Philippines prefer to buy cheaper fare direct or with layover somewhere in East Asia as this is more of a VFR route . Polaris is an excellent hardware business product including their award winning lounge in SFO. PAL as their main competitor is focusing on traffic from other southeast asian cities to connect with a cheaper biz fare. It is not the same level with Polaris but attractive enough for leisure travelers to experience business class long haul service sitting in front of the plane and that is why PAL daily flight are always full as well as the double daily flights from LAX and the ultra long haul nonstop from JFK.
PAL does have a large piece of the market, but part of that is because they had a monopoly on North America to Philippines. There’s a chance that changes now with this route going
I used to work as a travel associate for United Airlines in BPO company here in the Philippines and hopefully direct flight will continue, it will be convenient for all the travellers ❤❤
I am here in LA and wish that maybe we can get Vietnam airlines like you guys and United can compete that route with their amazing Polaris. Great work on reviewing this!
I love that you arrived in Manila in the early morning. It's nice and cool but once it hits 10am....man oh man LOL! I might actually be on a PAL transPac from LAX in November with my mom, which I will film of course. It'd be a 29-year gap since the last time I flew that same route on PAL. - Red
I remember back then Delta offered nonstops to Manila from Detroit. Glad United picked this up! Maybe they can also include LAX and maybe even Chicago-O'Hare nonstops soon.
My guess is it’ll be just this for at least a year to monitor loads and also how well Philippines accepts the new service then maybe we see the LAX expansion
I'm also going to think every major US airport would fly there once NMIA in Bulacan opens very likely going as far as Atlanta for non-stop as Atlanta is a major Delta hub and this leads to all major United and Delta hub airports flying to the Philippines non-stop.
Damn good trip report! I usually only fly Delta or JetBlue, and have yet to try United. But that’ll change for Thanksgiving, and I’m looking forward to it considering their service! ✈️
Enjoyed this video, Patrick. Unfortunately, I won't be flying to Asia any more. But I did enjoy the United SFO-HKG 747 service in 2000 and 2004; and then I took Cathay to Manila. I thought United would use the Dreamliner for this long flight -- and since they didn't, then I don't feel like I missed out on anything. I think it will be a profitable route for Untied.
Well, my family and I just took UNITED to Manila via San Francisco from Chicago. We went to Manila in early November and returned in late November. I can honestly say, I was NOT IMPRESSED at all. The flight there was long, overnight and lacked very much for hydration. The food was meager at best. While they came around every so often for drinks, they didn't give you "full cans" of pop or anything -- just a small cup with whatever you wanted in it. Even the flight on UNITED 737 from Chicago to San Francisco, you would get a full can of pop with their beverage service which happened 2-3 times on the 4 hour flight -- while the 14 hour flight seems like it happened maybe 5-6 times, 2 of which were with a meal and a small "bun" (snack). While I understand it was a "night flight" -- it would have been nice for those of us that were awake to at least have someone come around with bottles of water -- I think I saw that once or twice. The leg from San Francisco to Manila had one stewardess that I think bathed in her perfume -- I am allergic to perfume/cologne, so I am very picky. I get a massive migraine from strong scents. We were in the air for almost 2 hours before they came around with the earbuds for the entertainment system so we could watch movies. The flight from Manila to San Francisco WAS BETTER than the flight there, but either my daughter and I got some bug on the plane or we got food poisoning, but for 2-3 days after the flights, I was sicker than a dog with diarrhea that would not stop. It didn't start until I was on the plane from Manila to San Francisco -- started getting a horrible headache and tummy aches. Once we landed in Chicago and got back to the hotel, I got very sick and couldn't keep anything in me (even water) that didn't come right back out. I have flown ANA, Philippine Airlines (PAL) and DELTA on the flights from the USA to Manila (Delta was through Japan). DELTA, by far, ranks at the TOP based on service, food, comfort, room and beverage service. I'd have to say that BOTH ANA and PAL rank higher than UNITED - as was the consensuses from my entire family. I had sworn off UNITED after my dad died in Hawaii (he would snowbird there in the Winter with my step mother who had a house there) and they did NOT OFFER any sort of bereavement fare. For me, my wife and my daughter to go to Hilo, it was a little over $4500 round trip 😞. UNITED - STEP UP YOUR GAME. I will be making more trips to the Philippines as I get older and closer to retirement. I'd like to give you a chance again, but you have let me down severely in the past.
That’s a shame. No offense but I never take family reviews seriously. I mean I cringe when I see kids on international flights and just pray they have parents that make them behave and pay attention their needs and are not wanting the flight attendants to babysit for them . That said I would not let one flight ( connection included ) rule UA out. They are really great and just getting better and better. Maybe when you and you husband /wife/ other half do an international or domestic flight without children you can do another review.
I travel to Kuala Lumpur multiple times a year, always booked through United. Here's hoping they will start routing me through Manila or TPE from time to time; the Tokyo and occasional Singapore routes are getting old. But like you, I might just take this flight and continue on via Air Asia for a bit of adventure.
That’d be interesting. I’m not sure how easy it’ll be to book on UA and connect in MNL. But I’m all for the budget airlines for the shorter routes 🤷♂️. I seem to do it by accident but it works
Take Cebu Pacific instead of AirAsia. AirAsia is a unsafe airline. They cut corners and use old planes. Cebu Pacific makes a point of having newer planes and not cutting corners. Plus they are in Terminal 3. I never understood the appeal of AirAsia. Maybe it is the name and their marketing which is gross. They sexualize their flight attendants.
Awesome review Patrick! Gonna have to try this next time I fly stateside. PAL was the always the more "convenient" as it was the only direct carrier to the US for many years. Hopefully this will remain competitive in the long term.
Thank you for the review! SFO is such a beautiful and convenient airport! I’ve flown United several times in the past and enjoy their service. I have to however say that no other airlines could beat the landings of Philippine Airlines. Really very smooth that you’ll never know that you’ve actually landed! Also, flying out of one of America’s better airports, it will be quite a disappointment to land into one of the worst airports in the world, certainly the worst in Asia!
Can’t wait to see the new airport currently in construction in Bulacan and hopefully Cavite too!Metro Manila desperately needs a better airport. These airports are very promising because they are being built by the private sector and not the government!
Great coverage! Thanks. Will be interesting to see if this route works out for UA. It's a notoriously low yield market to MNL( hence your cheap fare). I think they are counting on cargo on this market. Hadn't herd, but glad UA will be upgrading the meal service. It's a MAJOR weakness of thier's.
This is a fantastic route as here in YVR-MNL it is only PAL that does direct ( would love to see AC do it at somepoint aka United's Star Alliance sibling), for United the only routes we have I know of is SFO-YVR and LAX-YVR that are direct, this is a route would love to try. and also get to SFO at somepoint
Philippine Airlines don’t have code share with US airlines so knowing their on time arrivals questionable. Connecting to other parts of the US is difficult. United has a better on time record than PAL. Now PAL has a competition.
So glad you covered this as I was seriously considering booking this inaugural flight too but just couldn’t make it work. But having lived in the Philippines myself I remember flying United many times back in the day but via Seoul and on the beloved 747SP no less! #mabuhay 🇵🇭
Northwest Orient, then Delta Airlines also served Manila via Tokyo. They are also saying in the local news that high level government talks may lead to other US airlines to serving Manila and possibly even select local markets.
25:29, 6 years ago in June of 2017, Pre pandemic, Airasia X launched it's flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Honolulu via Osaka, Japan, which I flew last July and it's good and okay, but no USB ports and universal power outlets unfortunately. Since the pandemic began and even to this day, Airasia X stop the flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Honolulu via Osaka, Japan. Airasia X is a low cost airline in Malaysia.
I used to work for UA out of Chicago O'hare International Airport. Before the pandemic and prior to the Continental merger, there was one direct flight from SFO via SEL which was UA807. Then you can connect to MNL from TPE, NRT and HKG. Before I left UA, I also jumpseated on their freighter flights via ANC and KIX to MNL.
Mabuhay United!! Welcome to Manila! Looks like a GREAT route and inaugural flight! United's Polaris is awesome but agree the food and presentation needs improving. . No one likes single tray. . so passé! Glad to hear they will be improving it. Too bad they didn't offer the beef short rib! And as for breakfast, hope they keep it simple. . . bring back the cheese omelet with potatoes & sausage! Pre Covid, United had amazing food & presentation. looking forward to trying this flight in the future.
I agree! I think BKK or KUL realistically could land the next new route but only time will tell. Maybe we gotta get in Patrick Quayle’s ear until we talk him into it 🤣
I am excited for this, because I usually fly United through Guam or fly to Hong Kong and then take a regional airline to Manila. For my next trip in a couple months, I will be taking this route! Thank you United Airlines. Thanks for this review!
Glad to know that United Airline flights be back to Manila.I have a very bad expirienced to my trip going back to Manila for a month vocation.I was able to booked a direct flight from LA to Manila but unfortunately my scheduled flight was postponed/delayed in 2 days.I don’t know exactly the reason of delay but whatever it is,we the passengers has nothing can do than just shrugged our shoulders. On the early dawn of my 3rd day at my hotel room,I received an advised from the airline wherein I booked my flight saying that I have to go to the LA airport for check in.Upon boarding,I was surprised because the jumbo jet was full packed with passengers.No vacant seat. Doon ko napagtanto na kaya pala delayed ang biaje nmin ng 2 araw ay in ipon nila ang lahat ng pasahero sa ibang scheduled flights for Manila at inilagay kami sa isang biaje lang.Ay naku,pinangako ko sa sarili ko na hindi ako ulit sasakay sa airline na yon.Better try another airlines to the likes of United & JAL
My son is an employee and I travel on a pass (standby) for just a service charge. With most destinations getting a business class seat is very rare. But I checked SFO-MNL loads for Nov. and unusually economy is full and business class is wide open on most days. This is wonderful for me. I've never been to The Philippines.
Yea I believe on Philippine Airlines as well there is a low yield for premium cabins so that may be the new hack for business class to Asia for us non-revvers 🤫🤫🤫
After having to go through Manila Int. a couple times, I would request United to have a direct flight to Cebu or a stop in Taiwan instead similar to EVA.
Cebu is interesting. But with how long it took for the nonstop to Manila, I’d bet it’ll be years before they are able to add that. My guess is we’d see other United hubs launch Manila flights before Cebu flights start
That’d be a dream… but with Russian airspace closed, UA is almost completely unable to get to India from SFO, hence the reason they cancelled the BLR launch and keep pushing back the DEL launch
I'm so happy now Pittsburgh to SF to manila is so much easier only have to worry about one company and it's A B C done before having to get to lax or SF then to Philippines was really only 1 airlines nostop
Now if a non stop direct flight can be offered from either YVR Vancouver or YYC to MNL or even Clark in Angeles City as so many Filipinos live in Western Canada 🇨🇦 and could easily fill these flights on a regular basis.
@@PatrickSheaAviation no Air Canada unfortunately has cut many routes into Asia from Western Canada. I hope WestJet will eventually step up and fly into the Philippines.
@@PatrickSheaAviation if UAs fare is less and service is better than PAL i am sure it will be successful and more people will fly UA than aging PAL…more option the better for customers..
Glad United is using terminal 3. It's more modern terminal and easy to walk to Sheraton or Marriott hotel by walking bridge. Most complaints are of people going through older terminal 1. My family and I already booked flights for December. Can't wait.
Thanks, great review. Wife and I are booked PAL business SFO-MNL-SYD in September of next year with an MNL stopover. Hope this competition bodes well for us and they upgrade the dated planes, cabins and food service before then. I will say that the PAL customer service and service on the planes has been great, the one other time we flew business from SFO-MNL. Though our connection from Bohol-MNL was very delayed and had to run to make connection to SFO and bags didn't make the flight.
Yea, it does sound like PAL has some issues that need to be ironed out. I’m hoping the competition will be good. Luckily, PAL has their A350-1000s arriving soon with new cabins and should be serving SFO in a couple years
Great video, was wondering who would be the first to review and knew it would be you! Cannot wait to take this same flight in February and also glad there are now other Non-stop options other than Philippines Airlines to Manila.
Thanks Patrick for the review.....good job...and thanks also for the Nord ad.....we finally get to see your always hidden face.....😉😉........dont be shy...do this more often......👍👍
United is not the first US carrier to fly to Manilla, PAN AM and NORTHWEST both flew to Manilla before United . Nice job you have a great voice for this.
With that, you can have a layover there if you want to go to other places in the US. For example, if you want to fly to Denver, take UA from MNL to SFO and UA hub connections from SFO to DEN.
