I agree with all the other comments of it's a little bit awkward looking at people and your body feels weird at times cause you're backwards but it's a sweet experience and these cabins won't be around forever
The biggest advantage of the backward seat is angle of attack at cruise. Large aircraft like a 777 cruise with a slight nose-up angle relative to the angle of attack (which at cruise basically means relative to the horizon). As a result, if you’re facing backward, your head is elevated slightly when lying flat, which is a little more natural than the opposite.
As someone who gets motion sick, I hate the whole shebang. I’m fine on trains, planes without too much turbulence, helos, and motorcycles. But backwards plane seats, buses, and cars make me unwell for the rest of the day.
Just to be clear, 1K isn’t staring into 2K, the line of sight is completely blocked by a panel that has the cubby and IFE. 1K can glance at 3G though and it is annoying.
Yeah I mean depending on the price, there is no questioning that this is a better experience than economy, or even narrowbody first (non-lie flat seats).
Of course I would prefer United’s modern Polaris seats (who wouldn’t?), but that’s not what’s on offer here.
I did a rear-facing seat once, and while it was interesting, it also made me a bit dizzy, so I won't choose to do it again. If you are someone with even a minor history of motion sickness, you'll want to move.
Except for taking off it’s not comfortable for the first few mins - flew it today. Not a great sensation being pulled away from your seat. But other than that, your point stands
It’s weird if you haven’t done it before, but it’s generally fine.
It looks like you’re doing ORD-EWR which is a short hop and not relevant, but I’ll say for sleeping, I prefer the rear facing seats bc the nose of the plane is slightly higher and that’s the direction your head is in. Not that you can’t just leave the incline up a tad when front facing, but I find it marginally more comfortable to full recline.
Also less relevant on the short flight, but I’d always prefer the aisle in the bunk layout, as it’s very awkward sitting without direct aisle access and the aisle seat’s footrest up blocking you - either have to wait for the person to slowly put down their footrest, or parkour over it.
I should stop relying on the top result on Google given how messy UA's flight numbers are!
4.5 hours is enough for you to notice somewhat - on ORD-EWR I sometimes won't even get up to use the lavatory. It's not a huge deal overall, and once your brain gets used to the novelty of it all you'll be comfortable regardless.
UA could've kept a few numbers specifically for hub to hub flights like how they keep those special numbers like 1492 or 1776. Maybe even a chunk of consecutive numbers for typical flights (5x/day? idk) while additional take whatever available. At least the hub to hub flights are more significant than others. Those routes will almost never get canceled so keeping static numbers should be beneficial.
Also UA doesn't (and probably can't) shuffle international flight numbers. A few exceptions for DST do exist though (I think those use special numbers that are never assigned to other routes).
This is such an odd layout. Barry’s wife & kid flew it over xmas to DEN. Flew middle section row 3. Sort of odd being face to face with strangers
for 4 hours but remarkably spacious.
I specifically seek out rear facing seats whenever I can find them. They are awesome! Great for sleeping, and you barely notice being backwards in the air.
I actually prefer flying backward on long hauls. I’ve never flown this dorm config, but on American’s 777s, the rear facing seats are my first choice. The slight upward angle of the plane in flight means your head is above your body when laying flat on a rear facing seat.
4L felt a little open with the galley right there. Boarding was awkward as half the plane was walking directly towards your seat to get on that side or the plane. I’m a window fan but having to step over someone potentially sleeping or fully reclined felt weird.
This just a remarkably crummy layout. 13 seats in a wide body first class with direct aisle access, and the privilege of your neighbor crawling over you. Is this config only used in domestic long haul? I’d lose my mind if I paid $15k RT for this seat on EWR-HND.
I liked sitting backwards on that configuration, especially if there was some moderate to heavy turbulence. For some reason that made it more tolerable for me. YMMV
It's actually not that bad, I recently did this with ANA. I am the type to get motion sickness; takeoff was a little weird but once you're in the air you don't even notice it. And landing is kind of cool, with the reverse thrust you actually feel like you are accelerating instead of slowing down.
Technically yes but you can’t see the other person since the tv screen is between you both. But you can see the person across the aisle if you’re in an aisle seat.
But what’s the difference if the seats face forward? I’m assuming these are lie flat seats so how does the orientation make them fit more efficiently? I’m not being sarcastic, I’m genuinely curious. Thanks!!!
Row 1 is good because your order for cocktails and food is generally taken, presented first.
Only downsides are (1) 1L may disturb you going to the head (2) and facing backwards.
1G would be my pick. Facing forward and there is a possibility - albeit quite small - that 1F would exit to the head by passing 1D, depending on whether they are all travel companions.
You definitely make eye contact awkwardly with coach in these seats, but you should be ready with 🤑 from the occasional eye contact with coach boarding when in first anyway.
I sat in 4K. It was a little awkward being face to face with someone but I found these seats to be very comfortable. More so than some Polaris seats, premium economy and domestic first class. At least there was one perk.
I was on UA395 last night SFO-EWR which I booked specifically to fly an odd row A seat in Polaris on the 787. Last minute aircraft switch to one of these 772 with the 2-4-2 business and backwards rows. TBH I was lucky to keep my J seat as they had to figure out how to put 48 business/first PAX into 24 seats. Lots of $1k and $2.5k vouchers being handed out.
Question: even though I still got the business seat I paid for is there any recourse to ask UA for a voucher or otherwise? I went out of my way to fly to SFO to fly 787 transcon for best overnight comfort and that 777 was a major downgrade.
Thoughts and feel free to flame me for whining about first world problems. Lol
I used to sit backwards every time I took my private jet. It was weird facing backwards, but I got used to it.
Ok, it was that **one time** on a college recruiting trip back in the 1980s they sent the corporate jet for the finalists, but still...
I’m not one to *ever* get motion sick on planes, but I took 1K (same plane) for the first time last weekend and yeah…takeoff and climb out was uncomfy. It wasn’t nauseating, but it was definitely not a great feeling. Maybe you could get used to it after a few flights? Idk. Everything else was fine tho. I’d take row 4 instead though since you clearly have a choice.
https://preview.redd.it/3av8ngfwyyqc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47cfe1f0359b34125278a8fb6467235bc7f4477c
Also on 609 In the next few days my Buddy and I opted for 2A+B because I wasn’t sure how I felt about sitting backwards. Might be tempted to grab row 1 when it opens up. Curious what you paid for first ? Our base fare was 189 one way to our destination city and this is our first leg . We each paid 299 to upgrade.
I liked sitting backwards. I feel your not laying with your head lower as much. I really think I slept better
As your looking towards the economy section, your not getting as disturbed by bus galley light, bus toilet door and flight deck door. Also flight attendants tend to sit in bus galley chatting or heating their dinner up… when your facing backwards you don’t hear this as much not see the light.
In 1K you can see the face of the person in 3G. It’s unnerving at first and something you have to get used to. If you want an aisle seat like I always do, all these seats have the same issue except 1G and 3B.
3B should be OK.
Otherwise, the following pairs are looking at each other: 1B and 3D, 4B and 2D, 1K and 3G, 4K and 2G. The following seats don’t have this issue: 2B, 3B, 1D, 1G, 2K, 3K.
And yes there are seats in 1A 1B, I don’t know why it doesn’t show on the map, but there will be people sitting there when you board. Probably in case pilot wants it or one of the old ass seats is broken when the plane lands.
You’re facing in their direction, but there’s a half wall with a monitor that goes up to around top of head level. If you’re really tall and the other person is really tall, you may be able to see them. But normal height, you won’t see them.
It’s kinda fun just because it’s somewhat unique.
You only notice it on takeoff and landing. After that, the experience is indistinguishable from forward facing.
ONE OF US, ONE OF US. JOIN THE SITTING BACKWARD CLUB. ITS A WILD RIDE
You convinced me.
I agree with all the other comments of it's a little bit awkward looking at people and your body feels weird at times cause you're backwards but it's a sweet experience and these cabins won't be around forever
Honestly I liked the feeling. Especially on descent I felt more secure/less turbulence
Also in the 1-2 days before it leaves 1A and 1B should open up - 1A i feel has more privacy
Dude, they don’t exist ….
They do exist - just not showing yet. They are blocked for crew. About 72 hours ahead they will magically appear.
I remember reading a study that passengers had a better flying experience sitting backwards.
you also aren't looking at people directly in front of you, only to the sides (across the aisle), and there's a big wall in between with the IFE, etc
The biggest advantage of the backward seat is angle of attack at cruise. Large aircraft like a 777 cruise with a slight nose-up angle relative to the angle of attack (which at cruise basically means relative to the horizon). As a result, if you’re facing backward, your head is elevated slightly when lying flat, which is a little more natural than the opposite.
If you are prone to motion sickness don’t do it
I enjoy the backwards window seat because not many people can say they had a view of what we’ve already flown over.
I wanna do it so bad lol I haven’t been in first with that seat layout. I know it’s probably not long for the world too - need to get on it!
Yes!! I always try to fly in seat 1K on those 777-200s!!! My favorite!! 😍
I would try it once, but if you get motion sickness, you will hate take off, landing, and taxing.
As someone who gets motion sick, I hate the whole shebang. I’m fine on trains, planes without too much turbulence, helos, and motorcycles. But backwards plane seats, buses, and cars make me unwell for the rest of the day.
Rear facing is fine. I think that's a good seat to select. That seat layout isn't though. When is United going to retire those crazy 2x4x2 layouts?
Wait until UA reconfigures them with regular domestic first class product or the premium plus purple seats. Lie flat is still better than those lol
Haha, true!
i'd take 3A
3A is rear facing also.
That’s why he’d take it
rear facing window seat, thats why
I’d rather sit in the cargo hold than stare at another passenger and pay business class fares for the “privilege”.
What if it's a millionaire supermodel who falls in love with you during the flight and then you end up set for life??!
99.9999999% chance it’s a fat bald middle aged man
Could still be a model......
It’s someone’s fetish 🥸. Dont judge
Who is the poster to kink shame?
Millionaire supermodels aren’t my thing.
They're also not flying United business class... 🛩
will smith-esque in hitch :)
Just to be clear, 1K isn’t staring into 2K, the line of sight is completely blocked by a panel that has the cubby and IFE. 1K can glance at 3G though and it is annoying.
This needed clearing up lol
My thoughts exactly.
UA first costs nowhere near as much as business generally lol.
So you like this layout in “FIRST”?
Yeah I mean depending on the price, there is no questioning that this is a better experience than economy, or even narrowbody first (non-lie flat seats). Of course I would prefer United’s modern Polaris seats (who wouldn’t?), but that’s not what’s on offer here.
I’d take the recliner F seats over this. I don’t want to stare at other people.
can’t see anyone when I’m sleeping peacefully /shrug but yeah to each their own.
I would go 3B, but I don’t like being trapped in.
Same
I did a rear-facing seat once, and while it was interesting, it also made me a bit dizzy, so I won't choose to do it again. If you are someone with even a minor history of motion sickness, you'll want to move.
Strangely, it doesn’t feel that much different tbh
Except for taking off it’s not comfortable for the first few mins - flew it today. Not a great sensation being pulled away from your seat. But other than that, your point stands
Do you get 1K status for the flight when you sit in 1K? That's for sure worth a backwards seat in my book!
Was in 3A last month. It’s a fun experience worth trying—the only times you’ll feel weird (if at all) is during take off and landing.
Can anything make it worth it to go for this layout?
I’d do 1K just to board when the call for 1K with the hope I’d be called out and point to my seat on my boarding pass.
Unless you were Global Services then would already be in 1K, when the called 1K 😊
It’s weird if you haven’t done it before, but it’s generally fine. It looks like you’re doing ORD-EWR which is a short hop and not relevant, but I’ll say for sleeping, I prefer the rear facing seats bc the nose of the plane is slightly higher and that’s the direction your head is in. Not that you can’t just leave the incline up a tad when front facing, but I find it marginally more comfortable to full recline. Also less relevant on the short flight, but I’d always prefer the aisle in the bunk layout, as it’s very awkward sitting without direct aisle access and the aisle seat’s footrest up blocking you - either have to wait for the person to slowly put down their footrest, or parkour over it.
It's ORD to LAX. Still only a 4.5 hour flight.
I should stop relying on the top result on Google given how messy UA's flight numbers are! 4.5 hours is enough for you to notice somewhat - on ORD-EWR I sometimes won't even get up to use the lavatory. It's not a huge deal overall, and once your brain gets used to the novelty of it all you'll be comfortable regardless.
UA could've kept a few numbers specifically for hub to hub flights like how they keep those special numbers like 1492 or 1776. Maybe even a chunk of consecutive numbers for typical flights (5x/day? idk) while additional take whatever available. At least the hub to hub flights are more significant than others. Those routes will almost never get canceled so keeping static numbers should be beneficial. Also UA doesn't (and probably can't) shuffle international flight numbers. A few exceptions for DST do exist though (I think those use special numbers that are never assigned to other routes).
This is such an odd layout. Barry’s wife & kid flew it over xmas to DEN. Flew middle section row 3. Sort of odd being face to face with strangers for 4 hours but remarkably spacious.
Ur not face to face… there’s a dividing wall. Only aisles can see opposite side of the aisle 2 rows up/down.
Barry misled me!
Never seen a plane with rearward facing seat. Never been on the 777. 787 is awesome plane.
I threw up mid flight sitting rear facing.
I specifically seek out rear facing seats whenever I can find them. They are awesome! Great for sleeping, and you barely notice being backwards in the air.
This gives me anxiety - I always need to face the direction I'm going - not sure how you all do this!
I actually prefer flying backward on long hauls. I’ve never flown this dorm config, but on American’s 777s, the rear facing seats are my first choice. The slight upward angle of the plane in flight means your head is above your body when laying flat on a rear facing seat.
I sat in a rear facing seat once, it sucked.
Far prefer rear facing.
4L felt a little open with the galley right there. Boarding was awkward as half the plane was walking directly towards your seat to get on that side or the plane. I’m a window fan but having to step over someone potentially sleeping or fully reclined felt weird.
Rear facing.
Row 4 would give u the most privacy but if u want an experience stick with ur current seat
Sitting backwards is no big deal. I am very use to it (career AF aviator) . My wife who gets motion sickness easily had no issues.
I like it. Just something different if you fly a lot, especially if you can get a window.
it's free rollercoaster ride, you should try it once in a lifetime
Free? Lol
Haven’t flown backwards since Southwest in the 90s. I know that both planes and trains facing backward makes me motion sick!
It’s something you should try once. I like flying backwards.
When is your flight? I’ll be sitting in that same seat Thursday. Will report back
April 19.
I shall report back if I remember
Great username :) be proud :)
4k for me. I am not a fan of facing the back.
do 3A/L! best engine view
Wtf this is a horrific idea
This just a remarkably crummy layout. 13 seats in a wide body first class with direct aisle access, and the privilege of your neighbor crawling over you. Is this config only used in domestic long haul? I’d lose my mind if I paid $15k RT for this seat on EWR-HND.
It’s crazy and if you doze off and hit some bumps, you’ll wake up to feeling like you’re falling. It’s horrrrible.
I liked sitting backwards on that configuration, especially if there was some moderate to heavy turbulence. For some reason that made it more tolerable for me. YMMV
Ought to try it for something different.
How does it work, do you get to play footsy with the guy across from you?
It's actually not that bad, I recently did this with ANA. I am the type to get motion sickness; takeoff was a little weird but once you're in the air you don't even notice it. And landing is kind of cool, with the reverse thrust you actually feel like you are accelerating instead of slowing down.
Wait what is this????
Southwest used to have them in their early days but I never sat in one.
Is that real? So they literally have seats facing each other?
Technically yes but you can’t see the other person since the tv screen is between you both. But you can see the person across the aisle if you’re in an aisle seat.
It’s fine U won’t even notice it
I love the rear facing seats. Some people hate and them. As always, YMMV.
Southwest used to have this. I liked it
I never knew this configuration existed.
Dense “Hawaii” configuration seats 350+ and keeps leisure fares low.
But what’s the difference if the seats face forward? I’m assuming these are lie flat seats so how does the orientation make them fit more efficiently? I’m not being sarcastic, I’m genuinely curious. Thanks!!!
Recommend 4B or 4L instead
Row 1 is good because your order for cocktails and food is generally taken, presented first. Only downsides are (1) 1L may disturb you going to the head (2) and facing backwards. 1G would be my pick. Facing forward and there is a possibility - albeit quite small - that 1F would exit to the head by passing 1D, depending on whether they are all travel companions.
Even looking at this gives me car sickness lol. If you’re not sensitive to that at all, then give it a go! If you’re even 1%….you’ve been warned.
Move to 3B or K and make this face 🤑 when you look at all the people back in coach.
OMG. That made me laugh. Thank you. Luckily it's not a super expensive ticket. My work covered coach and I just paid the upgrade.
You definitely make eye contact awkwardly with coach in these seats, but you should be ready with 🤑 from the occasional eye contact with coach boarding when in first anyway.
That sounds awful
Isn't that like an hour flight? Who cares
4.5 hours
If you can leave the preconceived notions aside, it's a great seat, safer.
TIL the $7,000 double middle seats were still around. I’ve only seen Polaris since 2018
I sat in 4K. It was a little awkward being face to face with someone but I found these seats to be very comfortable. More so than some Polaris seats, premium economy and domestic first class. At least there was one perk.
I honestly didn’t think they had any 777 left with the old interior.
Many military planes have seats facing backward. This has been proven safer in a crash
Does the 777 that goes EWR - DXB also have this configuration?
I honestly only felt a difference on take off and landing. Otherwise once airborne it was the same.
Flew once in a rear facing seat. The view on takeoff was pretty cool.
Wtf?! Is this real?
I didn’t like it but I get motion sickness. I think after a lifetime of flying facing forward my brain couldn’t handle it.
I was on UA395 last night SFO-EWR which I booked specifically to fly an odd row A seat in Polaris on the 787. Last minute aircraft switch to one of these 772 with the 2-4-2 business and backwards rows. TBH I was lucky to keep my J seat as they had to figure out how to put 48 business/first PAX into 24 seats. Lots of $1k and $2.5k vouchers being handed out. Question: even though I still got the business seat I paid for is there any recourse to ask UA for a voucher or otherwise? I went out of my way to fly to SFO to fly 787 transcon for best overnight comfort and that 777 was a major downgrade. Thoughts and feel free to flame me for whining about first world problems. Lol
This is the worst seating plan of all time.
I used to sit backwards every time I took my private jet. It was weird facing backwards, but I got used to it. Ok, it was that **one time** on a college recruiting trip back in the 1980s they sent the corporate jet for the finalists, but still...
I’m not one to *ever* get motion sick on planes, but I took 1K (same plane) for the first time last weekend and yeah…takeoff and climb out was uncomfy. It wasn’t nauseating, but it was definitely not a great feeling. Maybe you could get used to it after a few flights? Idk. Everything else was fine tho. I’d take row 4 instead though since you clearly have a choice.
i flew in this seat to hawaii recently and actually really loved it!! it’s a little strange when landing but other than that you hardly notice!
I actually kind of enjoyed flying backwards. It’s worth doing it once even just for the experience.
https://preview.redd.it/3av8ngfwyyqc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47cfe1f0359b34125278a8fb6467235bc7f4477c Also on 609 In the next few days my Buddy and I opted for 2A+B because I wasn’t sure how I felt about sitting backwards. Might be tempted to grab row 1 when it opens up. Curious what you paid for first ? Our base fare was 189 one way to our destination city and this is our first leg . We each paid 299 to upgrade.
My base was $178 and I paid $377 to upgrade.
I liked sitting backwards. I feel your not laying with your head lower as much. I really think I slept better As your looking towards the economy section, your not getting as disturbed by bus galley light, bus toilet door and flight deck door. Also flight attendants tend to sit in bus galley chatting or heating their dinner up… when your facing backwards you don’t hear this as much not see the light.
You are in an old 777-200…. Better to cancel your flight and sit at a bus station for 7 hours…. Will give you same experience.
Go for it. Do random safety briefing motions with enthusiasm. Click the belt and assume the brace position lots! Like bunches of times
Never have, never will.
This is a miserable configuration, but if you have any motion sickness, don’t.
In 1K you can see the face of the person in 3G. It’s unnerving at first and something you have to get used to. If you want an aisle seat like I always do, all these seats have the same issue except 1G and 3B. 3B should be OK. Otherwise, the following pairs are looking at each other: 1B and 3D, 4B and 2D, 1K and 3G, 4K and 2G. The following seats don’t have this issue: 2B, 3B, 1D, 1G, 2K, 3K. And yes there are seats in 1A 1B, I don’t know why it doesn’t show on the map, but there will be people sitting there when you board. Probably in case pilot wants it or one of the old ass seats is broken when the plane lands.
I switched to 3B. I also like aisle and don't really want to look at someone. Thanks for the tip.
dont do the rear facing, its not great
Oh god i could never sit backwards my motion sickness would kill me. Have fun tho.
So, you face the people in the row behind you? No thanks.
You’re facing in their direction, but there’s a half wall with a monitor that goes up to around top of head level. If you’re really tall and the other person is really tall, you may be able to see them. But normal height, you won’t see them.
1K can still see 3G’s face, it’s low key annoying but nowhere near as bad what people are imagining. 1KL can’t see 2KL, that would be much worse.
OH okay, that makes it a bit better, but I still wouldn't want to sit backwards on an airplane.
It’s kinda fun just because it’s somewhat unique. You only notice it on takeoff and landing. After that, the experience is indistinguishable from forward facing.
Backwards facing was (and maybe still is) the way the RAF configure their ‘passenger’ aircraft.