United Airlines starts early roll-out of premium economy seats
United Airlines has started an earlier than expected roll-out of its new premium economy product on international routes, but the airline doesn’t plan to start charging extra for the bigger seats immediately, instead its Mileage Plus Premier frequent flyer members will be able to book them at no extra cost.
Once the full roll out its complete, the extra legroom Premium Plus seats will include an upgraded meal service, complimentary drinks, amenity kits and Saks Fifth Avenue blankets and pillows.
In the meantime, the Premium Plus seats will be available on some international flights, but passengers will receive the standard inflight service. These will be offered to frequent flyers first while other passengers will be offered an upgrade for the same price as an Economy Plus seat.
Speaking at the Collette Global Travel Forum in Rhode Island last week, United’s MD sales strategy Amos Khim said: "We’ve had Economy Plus for some years but Premium Plus will be something different, it will be a completely redesigned seat and an upgraded inflight service, bringing us into line with out Star Alliance partners, including Lufthansa.
"Aircraft will start appearing with Premium Economy seats later this year, but we won’t start selling the Premium service until we can guarantee its availability."
However, he could not confirm when the seats will first be available on aircraft operating to and from the UK.
Economy Plus seats, which are the same as standard economy but offer additional legroom, will be retained and sold alongside Premium Economy, he said.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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