Yeah, United doesn't have personal screens in each seat in couch. Makes for a long trip!!! I can't complain coming from WN though. Hahaha!!! I've heard from friends that SFO is the way to go to SYD/MEL out of the states on United. Unless you're on a buddy pass or you're attached to an employee somehow, you're not gonna make it on out of LAX (weight restrictions, plus the tickets agents are friendlier in SFO). I also got word through a friend that when traveling to MEL you will have to be ticketed twice on ZL. Once for the SFO-SYD leg and then again for the SYD-MEL leg. (SYD-MEL is ALWAYS empty!!!) Hope this helps out! Qantas has a sale on right now for the time of the year that you're planning to travel, I think. Check them out...... I just flew the A380 and it's IFE in coach blows any IFE that I've had in first class out of the water. Definitely give it a try if you have an option! Hope this helps....