United Airlines Business Class Review 777-200 – Hong Kong to Newark (HKG-EWR)

Traversing the globe from Hong Kong to New York City takes about fifteen-and-a-half hours – NONSTOP!  Flying United’s Business Class makes it a relaxing and fab experience, all the way.

Wide seats that go fully-flat, luxe bedding, great food and plenty of cocktails is my recipe for a great time. United dishes all of that up on this mega long-haul crossing.

Here’s a review of my recent transoceanic journey.

Seating

United Airlines Business Class Seat - 777-200   Photo: Calvin Wood

United's Boeing 777-200 doesn’t have the new Polaris seating on it, yet – but it’s still lavish. 

The configuration on my flight was 2-2-2 across and all off the seats faced forward (Some of the pre-merger United 777s still have seats pointing forward and backward!).

Generous Space in the Bulkhead Footwell - United 777-200 Business Class   Photo: Calvin Wood

My seat was in the bulkhead – which provided added luxury.  The footwells in the first row have a LOT more room than the rows further back.  This makes it easier to relax and sleep – so consider yourself lucky (or well prepared) if you snag one!

Each seat on the 777-200 also has plenty of room to store items needed in flight – including a pre-departure cocktail.

Pre-Departure Wine - United Business Class   Photo: Calvin Wood

The lay flat capability is the seat's best feature. It goes completely vertical – making it easy to catch some sleep on a crossing. 

In fact, United has rolled out the red carpet to make sure the whole sleeping experience is extra luxe:  They had two pillows (one is constructed with cooling-jell technology), a mattress pad, a duvet, blanket and even PJ’s -- - all in an effort to induce a peaceful slumber...(It worked!).

Lay Flat Seat Controls - 777-200 Business Class United Airlines   Photo: Calvin Wood

Beverages

Wine Tasting at 30,000 Feet!  United Business Class    Photo: Calvin Wood

United’s long-haul business class features a slick cocktail service. 

On my flight, each flight attendant was armed with a bar cart that dispensed champagne, multiple wines, and traditional aperitifs.  They even offered a ‘flight’ of wines to sample prior to committing to a vintage!  I loved that feature.

After dinner – they showcased cognacs, liquors and even port!  I went for the VSOP Courvoisier – which went well with my apple tart!

Cognac and Apple Tart -  United Business Class 777-200    Photo: Calvin Wood

Cuisine

The Starter - United Business Class 777-200   Photo: Calvin Wood

The starter on this flight was a tasty prosciutto appetizer with melon and sun-dried tomatoes.  It came with a salad that was a little low key – but it was all delicious.

Salmon Main Course - United Business Class   Photo: Calvin Wood

The star dish on this flight was the main – a magnificently prepared salmon steak plated with jasmine rice.  I actually bit into right away – even before I even had a chance to snap a picture.  It was scrumptious.  For some reason United always does an exquisite job of preparing fish at 30,000 feet!

The Desert Cart - United Business Class Hong Kong to Newark   Photo: Calvin Wood

The dessert service featured a buffet worthy number of treats including cakes, cookies, ice cream sundaes, tarts and cheeses.  I had to look away!!  The flight attendant wasn’t having any of that though- and convinced me to go for their heavenly cheese plate.

Continental Cheese Plate - United Airlines 777-200   Photo: Calvin Wood

Fifteen hours is a long time – and United made sure no one went hungry.  Throughout the flight –there was a well-stocked snack cart next to the galley.  It featured chocolates, chips, sandwiches, cookies – and fruit.

About an hour prior to landing the flight attendants also wheeled out the last feast: a huge breakfast offering (with Asian and North American selections).  I went for the satisfying baked frittata and steamed spinach.

Business Class Breakfast - United Airlines 777-200   Photo: Calvin Wood

Amenity Kits

Amenity Kits - United Airlines Business Class   Photo: Calvin Wood

United has a cool amenity kit right now: a re-usable tin that commemorates their Boeing 747.  The tin comes in several colors and houses everything one needs inflight including earplugs, eyeshades, hand cream and dental care.

Amenity Kit Contents - United Airlines Business Class   Photo: Calvin Wood

My Verdict

United Airlines Boeing 777-200 Hong Kong    Photo: Calvin Wood

What a fantstic business class flight!

I had time to savor a delectable dinner, sip cognac, catch up on a couple of movies and sleep!  Who could ask for anything more?

United Airlines has a great business product now – and it’s getting even better with the introduction of their new Polaris seats.  In the meantime – their ‘regular flights’ are still a great way to traverse the globe!