Touring United's First 777-300ER With CEO Oscar Munoz
United just began flying its latest and greatest, the 777-300ER (77W), and who better to take you on a tour than the CEO? We happened to catch Oscar Munoz on his first visit to the aircraft, just before UA's preview flight from Chicago O'Hare to San Francisco today.
Before we get to that, though, let's let TPG take you on a tour of the plane via Facebook Live:
While the 777-300ER has been flying with other carriers for years, UA is the latest airline to take delivery of this plane — and it's a huge step up from United's existing 777s (which will eventually be retrofitted with the airline's latest interior).
Cockpit and Galleys
Starting up front, the cockpit should be familiar to 777 pilots — the -200 and -300 both have the same type rating, so pilots can fly both versions of Boeing's largest current-gen plane.
This 77W version offers refreshed instruments, and some tech options that you may not find on older planes, such as multiple exterior camera views (below).
Moving on back — far back — is the large rear galley, which is where flight attendants will prepare economy meals (United's Executive Chef Gerry McLoughlin is posing below).
And that's where we first ran into Oscar, who spent a few minutes exploring the plane as he chatted and posed for pictures with crew members.
Polaris Cabin
The 777-300ER offers 60 lie-flat Polaris business-class seats in a modified 1-2-1 configuration, divided between two cabins.
Oscar was understandably very excited to be checking out the plane.
He spent some time exploring the features of a window seat in the rear business cabin, including the new lie-flat position wheel (more on that tomorrow!).
Polaris seats are staggered, meaning some are closer to the window and some are positioned next to the aisle.
Odd-numbered seats, such as Oscar's pick of 15L, offer quite a bit more privacy.
Those famous Polaris teddy bears (that were available to passengers during the first week or so of Polaris service) made an appearance on today's media flight — according to a certain UA exec, these stuffed animals have been fetching sums approaching $100 on eBay (so be sure to take yours home if you're lucky enough to get one).
Oscar stopped by to chat with TPG as well — seen here in seats 1D and 1G (ideal for passengers traveling together).
Based on appearances alone, the new cabin is clearly a huge improvement — we'll be digging in more over the days to come.
Economy Cabin
What's a bit less exciting, however, is the dense 3-4-3 economy configuration — even Economy Plus seats are just 17 inches across, compared to 18 inches on United's international 777-200s.
Oscar seemed comfy enough in 19F, a bulkhead Economy Plus seat located just behind the Polaris cabin.
Just like the rest of us, Oscar likes to check out the lavs — economy-class restrooms are definitely compact.
There are some slightly larger lavatories to choose from, including this one at the back of the rear economy cabin.
Gate and Boarding
After our early aircraft visit and some remarks back in the Polaris Lounge, it was time for a ribbon cutting ceremony with United execs and crew.
Then, the CEO himself announced that the plane was ready to board.
He then proceeded to scan each and every boarding pass — with just over 60 passengers on the flight, it didn't take very long to get everyone through.
Bottom Line
From the CEO down to the ground support staff, everyone was very excited about United's new plane.
Tune in tomorrow for a full report from the preview flight, followed by detailed cabin tours (and seat recommendations). For now, it's time to fly right on back to NYC.
Will I see you on United's EWR-SFO inaugural flight this Thursday?
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.