United channel 9 still up and running?

[Chananya Freedman]

Now that Continental has completely merged with United, is channel 9 (ATC) still operational on some or most flights?

[rpd]

A friend of mine recently flew on a 757 from SFO to IAD and it had channel 9.  That was an original UAL route and aircraft.  A former COA aircraft may not have it.

[Chananya Freedman]

Sorry it took so long to reply, but here's my follow up question:  Don't COA and UAL both use some Boeing 757-200's and 300's?  How can you tell the difference?  The only thing I notice about the actual Continental planes is they use 737s.  Are they giving up their 757 fleet?  How is this exactly going to work?  More details would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Oh  yeah, and before I forget, Happy New Year to everyone!

[makonyy15]

Only COA flies the 757-300 so that's one way to tell the difference. Also, the tail number could be a give-a-way for the 200s. Typical United tails are N###UA while COA are N#####. Obviously doesn't always hold true but could give you a bit of an idea. I know COA's website used to (may still) would allow you to see all details (engines, configurations, etc) of an aircraft assigned to your flight.

[tszarek]

Also, I would imagine if Economy Plus is available, then it is a United airplane or an old Continental one that had the interior upgraded.  I can't say for sure, but I would think when the interior is updated, they would also upgrade the in-flight entertainment equipment to make channel 9 available.

[joeyb747]

Only COA flies the 757-300 so that's one way to tell the difference. Also, the tail number could be a give-a-way for the 200s. Typical United tails are N###UA while COA are N#####. Obviously doesn't always hold true but could give you a bit of an idea. I know COA's website used to (may still) would allow you to see all details (engines, configurations, etc) of an aircraft assigned to your flight.

To give prime examples of both points, COA's B757-200 fleet are powered by Rolls-Royce RB211 series turbofans, while UAL's B757-200 fleet features Pratt & Whitney PW2000 series turbofans.

See the pics below:

#1 is former Continental Airlines B757-224 N13110 exterior shot. Note the RR RB211 powerplants.
#2 is former Continental Airlines B757-224 N13110 interior shot of the Coach Class Cabin (Circa 2010). Not the entertainment system at each seat.
#3 is United Airlines B757-222 N520UA exterior shot. Note the P&W powerplants.
#4 is United Airlines B757-222 N520UA interior shot of the Coach Class Cabin (Circa 2010). While UAL has Channel 9, I think the COA 757 fleet has a better entertainment package.

[joeyb747]

And, just for grins, here are a couple pics of former COA B757-33N N57863. Rolls-Royce RB211 and winglet equipped with United titles.

#1 is Interior.
#2 is Exterior.

[tyketto]

Only COA flies the 757-300 so that's one way to tell the difference. Also, the tail number could be a give-a-way for the 200s. Typical United tails are N###UA while COA are N#####. Obviously doesn't always hold true but could give you a bit of an idea. I know COA's website used to (may still) would allow you to see all details (engines, configurations, etc) of an aircraft assigned to your flight.

Did DAL sell off the B753s they inherited when they bought NWA? I know NWA flew them.

Anyway, the easiest way I've been able to tell the 752s apart from the 753s is the forward section of the fuselage. On the -300, That section is stretched a bit more between the main cabin door and the next emergency door, as compared to the -200. After that, they pretty much are the same.

The other way I could tell them apart (now obsolete), was that when the FAA had the 250,000lb MTOW limit between large and heavy aircraft, the B753 was always a Heavy jet. now that it's raised, you won't hear that. But mainly for me, I can tell by the forward section of the fuselage.

BL.

[joeyb747]

Only COA flies the 757-300 so that's one way to tell the difference. Also, the tail number could be a give-a-way for the 200s. Typical United tails are N###UA while COA are N#####. Obviously doesn't always hold true but could give you a bit of an idea. I know COA's website used to (may still) would allow you to see all details (engines, configurations, etc) of an aircraft assigned to your flight.

Did DAL sell off the B753s they inherited when they bought NWA? I know NWA flew them.

NWA's B757-351's are alive and well at Delta. See the pic below.

Below is Boeing 757-351 N587NW (cn 32986/1023) in full Delta Colors, still carrying the "NW" in the reg number... :