What is United’s new Premium Plus product like on domestic transcontinental flights?
I’ve reviewed United’s new premium economy “Premium Plus” product on an international flight from San Francisco to Frankfurt, but United recently introduced Premium Plus on select premium transcontinental flights between Newark and Los Angeles/San Francisco.
> Read More: United 777-200 Premium Plus San Francisco – Frankfurt Review
United has been somewhat vague about what enhanced levels of service Premium Plus passengers will receive onboard, which is now sold as a separate class of service on select aircraft.
Benefits include:
- At The Airport
- Premier Access check-in and priority boarding
- Two standard checked bags
- Onboard
- More spacious seats with additional legroom, recline and width
- Larger inflight entertainment monitors (up to 13 inches)
- An elevated dining experience with complimentary alcoholic beverages
> Read More: United’s Perplexing Rollout Of Premium Plus On Transcontinental Routes (New Details)
I was most curious about what United’s “elevated dining experience” would look like. Would meals look like international flights, with plated foods similar to what is served in domestic first class? Or would it look more like the complimentary meals already provided in EconomyPlus on these flights?
Reader Max was kind enough to share some photos from his recent 787-10 flight from Newark to San Francisco. Here they are:
Based on Max’s photos, it appears the only upgrade in terms of soft product is the seat itself, the headphones from business class, and complimentary alcohol. The meals are identical to what is offered in EconomyPlus.
> Read More: United’s Free Coach Meals on Domestic Transcons
Premium Plus is 2-3-2 on the 787-10. Here are a couple stock photos from United of the seat itself:
CONCLUSION
When weighing whether to buy Premium Plus on domestic flights, expect a far more comfortable seat and free booze, but the meal will be no different than in EconomyPlus.
Premium plus is not 2-3-3 on a 787-10, it’s 2-3-2…
Was just a typo. Thank you.
I’ve been very curious about the wine selection. Do Premium Economy passengers enjoy the same wine that those in business get? Based on the food offering, I’m guessing not.
No, it was from the cart for Economy passengers only. The person behind me asked for a certain wine and was told they had run out already. He asked if they could check up front and was told they had a separate stock for business class
Bummer. But thanks for the confirmation. It’s best to walk into such situations with realistic expectations.
Not surprised United is trying to charge a premium for a near-economy experience
We were flying out 5 dec with thai to Bangkok for our xmas how ever that changed after reading the mess this airline is in.
We cancelled our flights and went straight to Singapore airlines and booked..yes we lost $200 per ticket but we have peace of mind now, shame because i always liked flying with thai
Looks like first class from 25 years ago 🙂
Wow. Can’t believe it’s not plated… That’s the same slop (and drinks) you’d get in E+ on that route.
FWIW, I think the United seat is a distinct step down from other PE offerings…found SAS and EVA much more comfortable (maybe due to them being a nice fabric and with a bit more body contour).
Too bad they phoned it in with food once again
Actually, the beverage is water, but your point stands.
I hope this is not the final rollout of P+, since it’s basically the same soft product as E+, except better seating and headphone. Complimentary alcohol is also available in E+.
Aren’t many premium economy soft products the same as economy, but with better plating when it comes to the food (see Lufthansa, Singapore, Air France, etc)?
If that’s all it is, shameful they kicked out premium members who already reserved those seats so they could sell the product.
I flew Premium Economy from EWR-LAX last week and here are my thoughts:
1) Seat was ok (maybe a 6 out of 10). I found the width very nice and the cushion comfy for 5 hours. I did not like the fold out leg rest (I was in 20L, the bulkhead on a 787-10). Tough to get comfortable using it. ended up just having my feet on the wall or the floor most of the trip.
2) Can’t imagine trying to sleep in one of these seats for an international flight. The leg rest was of no help so its basically a newer version of a domestic first class seat. glad I tested this out on a short daytime flight though
3) The food was not great. I had the chicken which ended up being chicken with a lot of cheese and cream sauce and orzo. I did enjoy the fresh fruit and brownie. But it was the same meal from Economy Plus, not plated at all.
4) Drink service was pretty standard for economy, having the FA’s come by a couple times in the 5 hour flight. The FA did get annoyed every time the people behind me rang the call button to request an alcoholic drink (because they are free).
5) Service was fine but unmemorable.
Overall it was a nice comfy way to fly 5 hours across the US. I bought a sandwich beforehand just in case the food wasn’t great and was very happy I did.