Touring United's First 787-10 Dreamliner (Polaris, Premium Plus, Economy)
At the beginning of last week, United took delivery of its very first Boeing 787-10, making the airline the first carrier in the world to operate all three Dreamliner variants. Since then, the first United 787-10, registered N14001, has been undergoing modifications at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), where I visited today for our very first tour.
The -10 is by far the largest version of Boeing's efficient wide-body plane, and it represents a huge Dreamliner upgrade for United — it's the first 787 to offer the airline's new Polaris business-class seat, as well as Premium Plus.
As a Newark-based United flyer, I'm especially excited about this latest addition. The new Dreamliner will launch on the Newark (EWR)-Los Angeles (LAX) route on January 7, 2019, where it will remain indefinitely, with regular Newark-San Francisco (SFO) service shortly behind, followed by five routes between EWR and Europe and one daily flight to Tel Aviv (TLV) — in other words, Newark flyers are going to be seeing a lot of United's 787-10.
Polaris Business Class
United's 787-10 has a grand total of 44 Polaris seats, spread between 11 rows in one large business-class cabin.
The 787-9, United's smaller Dreamliner, actually offers more lie-flat seats — with 48 spread between two cabins — but those are arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration, compared with 1-2-1 on the -10.
With 11 rows of lie-flat seats, the cabin really feels gigantic.
United's Polaris seats are staggered, so the position switches back and forth between rows.
Odd-numbered rows have window seats up against the window (above), while even-numbered rows have window seats closer to the aisle.
Center seats alternate as well — in odd-numbered rows, they're positioned side by side (below), while there's significant separation in even-numbered rows.
The side by side center seats (odd rows) are ideal for passengers traveling with a companion.
You can easily raise a motorized center divider if you end up next to a stranger, though.
Aisle-facing center seats are much more exposed to the aisle, though there's more separation from your immediate neighbor.
Premium Plus
The -10 is United's first Dreamliner to offer Premium Plus, with one cabin of 21 seats.
Premium Plus is United's new premium-economy product — the airline has yet to begin selling these seats as a separate class of service, so they're available as Economy Plus (and free for elites) for now.
There are three rows of Premium Plus, with Row 20, located just behind the bulkhead, offering significantly more legroom. That extra space comes at a cost, though — bulkhead seats have an 11.5-inch display that flips out from the center console, while regular seats have a noticeably larger 13-inch screen.
With a 2-3-2 configuration, each row has a middle seat — you'll want to avoid selecting an "E" seat if traveling alone, though it could be a good option for a couple flying with a child.
Premium Plus seats measure 19 inches wide and offer 7 inches of recline — considerably more than regular coach.
Bulkhead seats in row 20 offer a fold-out leg and footrest, while rows 21 and 22 have a slide-down footrest, instead.
My favorite feature is the large, high-definition display — if you're hoping to maximize your screen real estate, avoid the bulkhead row.
Economy
United's latest Dreamliner offers 54 Economy Plus seats — the airline's brand of extra-legroom coach.
It's a big drop from the 88 Economy Plus seats on the 787-9, but elites should still be able to get an extra-legroom seat for free when booking far in advance.
As with United's other Dreamliners, seats behind Door 3 have loads of legroom — on the 787-10, row 42's the place to be.
You'll also find one row of Economy Plus at the center bulkhead in the rear cabin, at 44DEF. Economy Plus seats offer 4 inches of recline.
The -10 sports 199 regular economy seats, a 72% jump over United's next-biggest Dreamliner, the 787-9.
United's economy seats offer 3 inches of recline and measure 17.5 inches between the armrests, which are fixed at bulkhead rows, but can be raised to create a bit more space throughout the rest of the plane. Each coach seat also includes a 10-inch HD screen (9.75 inches at bulkhead rows), a USB charging port and a universal power outlet between seats.
How to Fly United's 787-10 Dreamliner
United will begin flying the 787-10 on January 7, 2019, when it launches daily service between Newark and LA. San Francisco flights will join from there, followed by Europe and Israel in the spring. Domestic flights include:
Newark (EWR) to Los Angeles (LAX) — beginning January 7 (2x some days)
- UA275 Newark (EWR) 6:00pm Departure ⇒ Los Angeles (LAX) 9:06pm Arrival
- UA2418 Los Angeles (LAX) 8:15am Departure ⇒ Newark (EWR) 4:17pm Arrival
Newark (EWR) to San Francisco (SFO) — beginning February 14 (2x some days)
- UA637 Newark (EWR) 9:00am Departure ⇒ San Francisco (SFO) 12:16pm Arrival
- UA2319 San Francisco (SFO) 2:00pm Departure ⇒ Newark (EWR) 9:59pm Arrival
The 787-10's five flights to Europe, plus one daily flight to Israel include:
Newark (EWR) to Frankfurt (FRA) — beginning March 30
- UA960 Newark (EWR) 7:40pm Departure ⇒ Frankfurt (FRA) 9:20am (+1) Arrival
- UA961 Frankfurt (FRA) 11:20am Departure ⇒ Newark (EWR) 2:00pm Arrival
Newark (EWR) to Tel Aviv (TLV) — beginning March 30
- UA84 Newark (EWR) 4:55pm Departure ⇒ Tel Aviv (TLV) 10:15am (+1) Arrival
- UA85 Tel Aviv (TLV) 12:15pm Departure ⇒ Newark (EWR) 5:15pm Arrival
Newark (EWR) to Paris (CDG) — beginning April 29
- UA57 Newark (EWR) 6:20pm Departure ⇒ Paris (CDG) 7:45am (+1) Arrival
- UA56 Paris (CDG) 9:45am Departure ⇒ Newark (EWR) 12:15pm Arrival
Newark (EWR) to Barcelona (BCN) — beginning April 29
- UA120 Newark (EWR) 7:25pm Departure ⇒ Barcelona (BCN) 9:00am (+1) Arrival
- UA121 Barcelona (BCN) 12:00pm Departure ⇒ Newark (EWR) 2:45pm Arrival
Newark (EWR) to Brussels (BRU) — beginning May 22
- UA999 Newark (EWR) 6:25pm Departure ⇒ Brussels (BRU) 7:45am (+1) Arrival
- UA998 Brussels (BRU) 10:00am Departure ⇒ Newark (EWR) 12:35pm Arrival
Newark (EWR) to Dublin (DUB) — beginning May 22
- UA23 Newark (EWR) 7:35pm Departure ⇒ Dublin (DUB) 7:05am (+1) Arrival
- UA22 Dublin (DUB) 9:20am Departure ⇒ Newark (EWR) 11:35am Arrival
Overall Impression
While the biggest improvements are obviously in the Polaris business cabin, passengers will find positive tweaks throughout the plane, such as with the airline's new in-flight entertainment system, available in all three cabins.
United has a total of 14 787-10s on the way — while Newark is the only hub to get international service at this point, I wouldn't be surprised to see the -10 make an appearance on transatlantic flights from Washington Dulles as well. And you'll be able to catch it on transcons from both LAX and SFO, where it'll operate the airline's premium service indefinitely.
For more on United's 787-10 Dreamliner, see:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
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.