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United Moves up the 787-10 Dreamliner Inaugural to... Right Now

Dec. 20, 2018
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3 min read
United 787-10 Dreamliner Polaris Premium Plus Tour
United Moves up the 787-10 Dreamliner Inaugural to... Right Now
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Update 12/20/18: Business class is now entirely sold out.

United's been planning a big event for its 787-10 Dreamliner inaugural, flying from Los Angeles (LAX) to Newark (EWR) on Jan. 7. The airline even launched a special MileagePlus Exclusives auction, with bidding ending in the 500,000-mile range. The winners are not going to be happy to read this news...

One of today's round-trips between LAX and Newark was supposed to be operated by the smaller 787-8 Dreamliner, which for some reason "wasn't available" — United swapped in the 787-10, instead, marking the first time the extended-length plane is operating a passenger flight.

Passengers will find United's first 787 Polaris cabin. Photo by Zach Honig.

Per United:



"There will be some holiday magic on United flights 25 and 275 between Los Angeles to New York/Newark, which will be operated by our new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. The aircraft that was scheduled to operate the flights wasn’t available so we swapped in our new 787-10 to save the day, and get customers on their way. The aircraft is expected to enter regular service beginning on January 7, 2019 between our hubs in Los Angeles and New York/Newark."

Holiday magic, indeed — at least for those able to travel today. While the LAX flight is just about ready to depart, as of this writing, there are saver award seats in United's new Polaris business-class cabin on the return flight from Newark, priced at 35,000 miles each way, with seats open in economy for 12,500 miles.

This is also the first Dreamliner to offer United's new Premium Plus seat — while full premium-economy service isn't available just yet, passengers booking an Economy Plus seat can choose to sit in the premium economy cabin when traveling on a regular coach ticket.

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The -10 is United's first Dreamliner to offer Premium Plus. Photo by Zach Honig.

If you're flying from Newark to LAX today, it might be worth taking advantage of United's same-day change policy to move to the 787-10 — any travelers on a regular (non-Basic Economy) ticket should be able switch to the 787 for $75, while Gold members and above can make the move for free. Otherwise, you'll most likely need to wait until January 7, 2019, when the -10 begins daily service on this same transcon route.

For more on United's extended-length Dreamliner, see:

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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)

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  • 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.