Originally Posted by
Rock
It is probably worth pointing out that United is aware its 2-4-2 business seating sucks. So it is getting rid of it. And like most (almost every) other airline, it is phasing out its dedicated international first class. You won't find anything higher than business class on any 787, 777X or the A350. The 747 and older 777s and their great first class pod options are rapidly going the way of the dinosaur on most international carriers. But as a few people have pointed out, the new business class configurations that are replacing the old first class configurations are almost as nice, and depending on the carrier, even nicer. And within a few years, with very rare exceptions, that is all that will be available regardless of what our CBA does or doesn't require.
I know American carriers are all headed to a 2 class cabin if not already there. Regretfully we aren't the standard to strive for in international travel. We rank at the bottom for service and condition of aircraft.
Korean Air, Thai, Cathay, Singapore, Quantas, Emirates and China Southern are some that have first class cabins and lounges on newer aircraft with no plans to get rid of them at least in the near future.