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United Is Adding Lie-Flat Seats on All Boston-LAX Flights

Aug. 22, 2018
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2 min read
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United Is Adding Lie-Flat Seats on All Boston-LAX Flights
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Following a successful launch on the Boston (BOS) to San Francisco (SFO) route last year, United's just confirmed plans to extend lie-flat service to all of its BOS to Los Angeles (LAX) flights as well.

Beginning October 29, the airline will add 757-200s to all BOS-LAX flights, replacing the 737s that operate on that route today. Premium-cabin service is still being marketed as first class, though that's expected to change as United gets closer to launch.

As one of the airline's premium routes, business-class passengers will receive multi-course international meals, just as they do on the BOS-SFO flights. Pillows and blankets will be available as well. JetBlue has offered Mint on this route since 2016, with lie-flat seats and private suites.

Seating will be identical on both flights between Boston and California, and since BOS-LAX is still being sold as first class, fares are a bit more reasonable — one-way tickets start at $509, for example, compared with $699 for the flights to San Francisco. I imagine fares will increase a bit once these flights switch over to biz, so consider booking now if you'd like to lock in a slightly lower price.

Unfortunately, the move to premium service isn't good news for United elites — you won't be eligible for complimentary upgrades to a lie-flat seat, so you'll need to use a Regional Premier Upgrade certificate or miles as you do on Boston-SFO. Award rates will also increase — saver awards, assuming you can find them, will run 35,000 miles each way once the flights are coded as business class.

United's 2-2 business class on a 757-200. Photo by Ravi Ghelani.

Economy Plus passengers will also benefit from the change, as they'll receive the complimentary meals offered on BOS-SFO flights. Connectivity isn't quite as speedy, though — these 757s also offer Panasonic Wi-Fi, which is far slower than the ViaSat connectivity available on the carrier's 737 fleet.

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