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