Review: United Airlines Business Class B737 San Francisco to Mexico City

United Airlines 412
San Francisco (SFO) – Mexico City (MEX)
Boeing 737-800
25 May 2016

I had about a four hour connection in San Francisco and I spent the majority of that time relaxing at the AMEX Centurion Lounge before heading to the United Club in the International Terminal.

I was able to enjoy a nice dinner at the Centurion Lounge and then later a warm shower, something I needed after a long day. The staff at the Centurion Lounges are fantastic – I wish more lounges had the professionalism and great service that AMEX has.

The scheduled departure time of my flight was 23:20, but unfortunately due to a late inbound arrival, we departed at ~00:40. Instead of heading back to the lounge, I decided to walk around San Francisco’s International Terminal and visit some (very expensive) stores to kill some time.

Boarding eventually began a few minutes past midnight, at gate 94. I usually love to take this flight (I’ve flown it in 2013, 2014, and 2015), but I have a feeling flying it again this year is going to be the last. Why? I’m getting a bit older (turning 21 this year!) and I was just so exhausted after not being able to sleep on the plane. So no more redeye flights for me that don’t involve a flatbed. I basically spent the entire day after the flight sleeping instead of enjoying Mexico City. I don’t know what it was, but this particular time I just felt super tired and exhausted.. something I normally don’t experience after a redeye.

The flight was operated by a Boeing 737-800, with a full Business Class cabin. There actually weren’t a ton of people on the upgrade list, but it looks like they ended up upgrading more people than expected, otherwise I would’ve had an empty seat next to me.

The flight attendants were particularly awesome on this flight and they thanked me for my continuous loyalty with United and the Star Alliance. They were super professional and friendly at the same time – something that I love.

As usual, legroom was very generous and I’ve mentioned several times before that United has some of the most generous legroom in domestic First Class (or North American Business Class flights).

Pre-departure beverages were served during boarding and I decided to have some water as it was getting late and I didn’t feel like having anything else. The beverages were promptly served with a smile.

We departed San Francisco about 1hr20min late and were scheduled to arrive one hour late into Mexico City. Once we were above 10k feet, the lovely flight crew began meal preparations. Drink orders were taken and drinks were distributed with warm, mixed nuts. I ordered some tea with lemon and sugar.

There was one choice for the snack: chicken pasta with a fruit salad. Some delicious warm bread was included along with the meal; a chocolate truffle was waiting for dessert. The chicken didn’t taste especially fresh, but was totally edible. I didn’t feel particularly well the next day, and it makes me wonder if it had anything to do with something I ate on the aircraft. Everything tasted fine, so I’m not sure what it was.

I tried to sleep for the remainder of the flight, but had a hard time doing so. The cabin was super cold and they didn’t have extra blankets, which kind of sucked. I was feeling tired, exhausted, and generally not well a few hours into the flight; I had the hardest time trying to relax.

We eventually began to descend into Mexico City, where it was still dark. I was excited to be back in one of my favourite cities in the world, but wasn’t too happy with how I was feeling.

We landed about an hour late and made it to the gate shortly thereafter. Immigration was quick and I was soon with my friend who took me to his house.

The flight was overall okay and the crew was phenomenal. The food was also not too bad, but I think the way I was feeling just contributed to my exhaustion and being tired. I was able to sleep it off during the day and felt a bit better the next day. I don’t know if it is because I’ve been flying so much lately that my body hasn’t been able to keep up and these redeye flights are starting to really have a major effect on me if I can’t sleep for a few hours.

Either way, it was nice to be able to fly with United again and I was also happy that I was in Mexico City for a great weekend ahead!