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United's Launching Premium Economy Sooner Than Expected

June 14, 2018
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3 min read
United Polaris Lounge EWR Review
United's Launching Premium Economy Sooner Than Expected
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Earlier this year, United announced plans to launch its new Premium Plus cabin in 2018. The carrier's a bit late to the premium-economy game — American Airlines and Delta have both offered a true premium product on international flights — but better late than never.

In a note to crew members Wednesday, United confirmed that Premium Plus will begin flying later this month, initially on its retrofitted 777-200s followed by the one yet-to-be-delivered 777-300ER.

This version of the retrofitted 777-200 will offer 50 Polaris seats, 24 Premium Plus seats and 202 economy seats — a drop from the 242 coach seats on the configuration that excludes a premium-economy cabin. Internally, the premium-economy-equipped model will be referred to as "77N."

United's new Premium Plus seat.

Since it'll take some time for premium economy to roll out throughout the fleet, the cabin will initially be sold as Economy Plus, with regular economy service. That means United elites will be able to select those seats free of charge — at booking for Gold, Platinum and 1K members, and at check-in for Premier Silver members. Non-elites will be able to reserve a Premier Plus seat with regular Economy Plus pricing.

Eventually, these seats will come along with enhanced service, including complimentary cocktails and improved dining. Once the hard product is installed, though, passengers can expect a leg and foot rest, improved recline, adjustable armrests and additional storage, in addition to a wider seat with more legroom. The airline does not expect to adjust staffing levels to accommodate the new cabin.

These new seats will be able to accommodate bassinets — at 20DEFG on the 777s, 21DF on 767s and all of row 20 on the 787-10, once that becomes available later this year. Unfortunately these new seats cannot accommodate an in-cabin pet in a carrier, as there isn't enough room underneath the seats, however emotional support and service animals can be accommodated in some rows.

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While it isn't yet clear how United will process upgrades in the future, elites should be quite pleased to find this new cabin onboard initially, given that they'll be able to score a far better seat without any additional payment. It remains to be seen how this addition will affect frequent flyers in the long run, but for now, landing a Premium Plus-equipped aircraft should result in a more comfortable experience at no additional cost.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Recommended Credit

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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)

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.