United Airlines Premium Economy Review: Worth the Upgrade?
United Airlines launched their new premium economy cabins, called Premium Plus, and we tested it out on a 12 hour flight.
United Airlines launched their new Premium economy cabins, called Premium Plus, in October last year as part of its expansion of flights into Australia. The airline flies from Melbourne and Sydney to San Francisco and Los Angeles. It also operates flights between Brisbane and San Francisco and will start flying from Brisbane to LA in December.
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UA97
Brisbane-San Francisco, departs early at 10.26am (10.30am) and arrives 6.01am (scheduled 6.35am)
Boeing 787-900
20E (middle seat of first row in Premium Plus cabin)
12 hours, 35 minutes
There is no lounge access for United Airlines Premium Plus passengers, so I grab a coffee in the airport terminal and walk the length of the concourse ahead of the long flight. Assigned to boarding group two, I’m in my seat in no time.
The Premium Plus cabin is small but thoughtfully executed, with just three rows in a 2-3-2 format on the 787-9. The seats are a roomy 46cm wide, offer 97cm (or 38 inches) of pitch but a mere 15cm recline.
Each one has a Saks Fifth Avenue pillow and soft blanket, a natty amenity bag with eye mask, socks, hand cream, lip balm and ear plugs, plus a cosy pair of slippers.
In the bulkhead seat, the in-flight entertainment screen tucks into the arm rest, and the footrest folds down, providing welcome leg support.
The flight is enhanced by the chatty cabin manager, who offers a frank description of the wi-fi. “This flight has wi-fi allegedly,” he tells bemused passengers.
“It’s at best intermittent particularly over the water.” Probably not worth the $US8 ($12.60) cost then.
There is no menu provided for Premium Plus passengers so the lunch service arrives unannounced. Drinks are offered first, with a range of spirits, soft drinks, juice, beer or wine. The meal, a fillet of salmon on a warm risoni salad, is perfectly cooked, fresh and delicious. It’s served with a side salad, bread roll and a Tim Tam for dessert.
Unlike some international flights I’ve taken, the crew are present throughout, bringing through cups of water, snacks of chips and pretzels, and breakfast two hours before landing. Pancakes or eggs are offered, ensuring I arrive in San Franciscoready to go.
United has a vast library of movies, TV shows, podcasts and music, as well as games for children and the young at heart. Films are in alphabetical order as well as in categories such as “based on true stories” and “pride”, making it easy to find something to watch.
The US crew are charming, with the cabin supervisor suggesting a helpful “game plan” early on. “Limit alcohol, drink lots of water,” he says and the crew do their best to ensure passengers remain hydrated. Before landing, useful advice is dispensed on navigating San Francisco Airport, collecting bags and so on.
The flip side to staying well hydrated is several trips from the Premium Plus cabin through economy to the four toilets available for both cabins. They are in constant use, and queuing is necessary although never for long.
The Premium Plus fare includes two checked bags at a maximum 23kg each plus a standard carry-on bag and small personal item.
United Airlines is a partner of Virgin Australia, and points can be earned and redeemed via either the MileagePlus or Velocity programs.
Don’t make the mistake I did and upgrade your booking on a domestic connection with United after a Premium Plus flight.
Paying extra to fly first class with United does not qualify domestic travellers for pre-flight lounge access. Unless it’s important to get on and off the flight first, it’s not worth it.
You won’t go hungry in United Premium Plus but sleep can be hard to come by in the limited-recline seats. At less than half the price of business class, though, it’s definitely worth a try.
What it costs
From $3,919 based on airline website search, departing one month from February 2024.
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Robyn Ironside was a guest of Virgin Australia on United Airlines.