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United now selling Premium Plus on select domestic flights

Sept. 28, 2019
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3 min read
20190927_United Boing 787-10 Premium Economy FRA EWR_ZGriff-12
United now selling Premium Plus on select domestic flights
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Bad news, United elites: The jig is up. As of Wednesday, October 2, United's domestic Premium Plus seats will be sold as a separate cabin on flights between Newark and Los Angeles and San Francisco — it'll no longer be possible for elites to assign these seats for free — meaning you'll actually need to purchase a Premium Plus fare (in the O, ON, A, R, RN fare classes) in order to sit there. Meanwhile, if you've already assigned yourself a Premium Plus seat for flights after Wednesday, you've likely been moved to Economy Plus.

Fares appear to start at $413 each way, though they're priced relative to the lowest economy fare: If economy is more expensive on any given flight, Premium Plus will be, too. The good news is that with this launch, customers will earn additional elite-qualifying credits, accruing Premier Qualifying Miles (PQMs) and Premier Qualifying Segments (PQSs) at a 150% rate. Additionally, customers in a paid Premium Plus fare class have the highest priority for upgrades.

On board, Premium Plus customers will find a seat that's similar to what you'll get in domestic first class — essentially a larger recliner, with an HD seat-back entertainment system — but with service that's more aligned with what United offers in economy. Premium Plus passengers will also get a complimentary meal, though it's not yet clear whether this will be identical to business class or what's typically available to transcon Economy Plus flyers.

United's 787-10 Premium Plus cabin. Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy.

Naturally, as is typical for Premium Plus fares in the international market, redemption rates are bonkers. For example, the lowest awards I'm seeing are priced at 40,000 miles each way, compared with 12,500 miles for economy.

Meanwhile, you can book limited saver lie-flat business awards for 35,000 miles each way — in some cases, even on the same day! (Uhh, definitely do that, instead.)

Considering Everyday Awards in business class are available for 50,000 miles on almost every day of the year, I'd definitely spend the extra 10k miles for United's true Polaris seat, which you'll find on all flights operated by the 787-10. So, unless the fare is exceptional, or United reduces redemption rates, I'd generally avoid Premium Plus for now.

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Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

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  • 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.
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  • $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.
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