United Airlines will soon let you see your plane before you step on it, with 3D, high-definition virtual cabin images that allow you to see the plane that you will soon step on.
Unveiled by Linda Jojo, United’s Chief Digital Office, in an Apple-like presentation at Media Day last Friday, the new technology will take the mystery out of what seats your flight will have.
The new virtual tours have already rolled out on United’s new CRJ-550 aircraft. By the end of the year, United plans to roll out the new images fleet-wide. You can see the virtual cabin tours during the online booking process (after you input your personal information on the seat assignment page) or on the fleet page.
Suddenly, you will no longer have to guess which seats are missing windows or whether aircraft has seat-back screens.
United explains the new technology with this video:
Tour your ✈️ before you board. Our new virtual tour lets you experience seats + cabin features during the booking process. Live this weekend for flights on our CRJ-550 and on additional fleet types soon. So go on and select that perfect window (or aisle) spot. #UnitedFlightPlan pic.twitter.com/QcNpFDlKfN
— United Airlines (@united) October 25, 2019
CONCLUSION
United has different domestic first class seats, different economy class seats, and different business class seats, sometimes even on the same aircraft type. This new technology is not unique to United (Air France has something similar), but certainly is a simple step that adds great transparency to every booking.
Now if only United would also make it easier to assign seats on partner/codeshare flights on united.com or the mobile app.
Will the new tech allow you to seat your seat with the seat in front of you reclined? Will you be able to see IFE boxes that block under seat foot space?
We will find out.
I’m hoping I can get a view of the bulkhead to see whether it has a cut out for your feet or if it extends all the way to the ground. Row 7 seating can be a gamble