It’s been teased enough for some time, but United Airlines have placed their Premium Economy product – Premium Plus – for sale.
United Premium Plus cabin – Image, United Airlines
The product will fly depending on different routes and as its own fare class from 30th March 2019. It will fly on selected Boeing 777-200, Boeing 777-300ER and the brand new Boeing 787-10
| Boeing 777-300ER | Boeing 777-200ER | Boeing 787-10 |
| Commencing 30th March 2019
UA179/180 Newark – Hong Kong |
Commencing 30th March 2019
UA999/998 Newark – Brussels |
Commences 30th March 2019
UA960/961 Newark – Frankfurt |
| Commencing 29th April 2019
UA901/UA900 San Francisco – London Heathrow |
Commencing 29th April 2019
UA990/989 San Francisco – Paris CDG |
Commences 29th April 2019
UA57/56 Newark – Paris CDG |
| Commencing 22nd May 2019
UA72 Washington Dulles – Tel Aviv |
Commences 22nd May 2019 UA999/998 Newark – Brussels |
United Premium Plus will offer a larger seat, more space than the current economy plus cabin.
On the ground, passengers will get complimentary check bags, Premier Access check-in and priority boarding (and discounted lounge access)
On-board, a welcome meal and a pre-arrival snack are in the catering package, as well as the all important mid-flight snacks. Drinks are also complimentary on-board
In terms of amenities, there will be a passenger amenity kit , a Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and plush pillow, as well as noise-reducing headphones to connect to the IFE system. The seats will be kitted out with both mains power and USB outlets
Cabin featuring IFE system and headphones – Image, United Airlines
With Saks Fifth Avenue amenities. Image, United Airlines
In quotes
Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer states
“United Premium Plus gives our customers more options so they can choose the best experience that fits their wants and needs when they travel,”
“United Premium Plus includes some of our high-end amenities from United Polaris, and is the perfect option for someone who wants an upgraded experience in the Economy cabin.”
Get your tickets!
In terms of ticketing, booking can now be made for Premium Plus. I’ve check the Brussels route for example, and it is pricing up on United.com
In addition to purchasing a United Premium Plus seat, MileagePlus members will have the option to book award travel in United Premium Plus by using their MileagePlus miles. For upgrades, either a single Global Premier Upgrade or a MileagePlus Upgrade Award can be used to move up to a United Premium Plus seat or to United’s Polaris business class cabin.
The introduction of a new cabin into a plane is an important step – more so when it is bridging your premium and economy products together. As usual, it will be down to the implementation of product and service that will fill this cabin.
And there-in is the real challenge.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to the European reader.