1 hour ago
1
December 9, 2025 — 5:00am
The airline: United Airlines
- Route Sydney to Los Angeles (SYD-LAX), flight UA 842
- Frequency Daily
- Aircraft Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
- Class Economy; seat 45C, aisle on left side of plane
- Flight time 13 hours and 35 minutes (we arrive right on time at 6.05am in LA)
Checking in
A direct check-in link is sent 24 hours before flying. I check in online in about two minutes, then use my mobile boarding pass for bag drop. The whole thing takes less than 15 minutes, with only a very short queue. I like the live updates on boarding – I’m one of those people who need to be at the gate early.
Baggage
One checked bag up to 23 kilograms, one carry-on up to seven kilograms, plus a small personal item.
Loyalty scheme
United Mileage Plus – part of the Star Alliance network. The airline also has a partnership with Virgin Australia, allowing Velocity members to earn and spend points with United. I use my Velocity points to buy this flight and it’s reasonable (59,000 points – but that’s to get all the way to my final destination, Chicago).
The seat
Flying on this Dreamliner really does feel like you’ve been upgraded from economy to premium economy. After enduring a recent American Airlines flight on the same route aboard a Boeing 777 I feel I can stretch out. I’m tall (184cms) and my knees were touching the seat in front on the 777. But I have plenty of room today. Seat pitch is 31 inches (78 centimetres), width is 17 inches (44 centimetres), with a decent recline. There’s also good lumbar support; I’m really quite comfy.
Entertainment + tech
There’s plenty of viewing on this 12-inch (30-centimetre) screen – with an impressive range of everything from new-release movies to the latest series from streaming services like HBO. The flight summary shows information like meal times and when the lights will dim. (The flight attendants must love that – what questions must they answer now instead?) There’s free messaging and paid Wi-Fi with options for an hour or the whole flight. Every seat also has a personal power outlet and a USB charger.
Service
US airlines often get a bad rap for service but I think that’s unfair. You wouldn’t meet more obliging staff than this team. There’s something old-school about their ways, like I’m flying in the ’70s (minus the cigarette smoke). Nothing seems too much trouble and, even as someone who lingers at the flight attendant’s area at the back of the plane, I’m always met with a smile, and another bag of pretzels.
Food
It’s not bad but it’s certainly a long way from great. It’s food reheated for economy class so we’re not talking lobster bisque here. Lunch is served an hour after take-off and the chicken dish is decent, served with green beans, rice and a salad, with a Tim Tam. There’s a mid-flight snack before breakfast – served at Sydney’s 9.30pm, LA’s 4.30am. It gets the job done: a passable spinach omelette with sausage and hash browns, providing sustenance for my transition through Immigration.
Sustainability
United has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 without the use of carbon offsets. It aims to halve emissions by 2035 through replacing older aircraft and developing sustainable aviation fuel.*
One more thing
While nothing seems wrong to me with these ‘old’ Dreamliners, new Dreamliners with better interiors (including bigger TV screens) will be introduced across United’s fleet in 2026. It’s yet to be determined if these will service this route.
The price
From about $1200 return for “Basic Economy” (which does not include seat selection), return from Sydney to LA.**
The verdict
For the price – which is often cheapest of all airlines servicing this route – you can’t beat UA842, particularly given the roominess of a Dreamliner. Staff are fantastic and the journey flies by (pardon the pun). What more can you ask for?
Our rating out of five
★★★★
The writer travelled at his own expense. See united.com
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.
