Summary

  • United Airlines Premium Plus offers balanced, enhanced service between the economy and the business class.
  • Premium Plus provides priority benefits at the airport, wider seats, premium amenities, and an upgraded meal service onboard.
  • United’s Premium Plus is worth considering for a higher cost if you’re looking for a little more luxury than economy class.

Star Alliance

member United Airlines first launched its premium economy class product in early 2019. This was a logical solution to bridge the gap between economy and business class and is now a common sight on its entire widebody fleet. Its ‘W’ class cabin is adequately named Premium Plus, and travelers at the airport will enjoy priority check-in, additional checked bags, and plenty of other enhancements once they step onto the aircraft.

A perfect balance between economy and business

Premium economy class offers the perfect balance for customers who want a little bit more than

economy class

but can’t afford it or aren’t suitable to opt for business class. The cost of the premium economy usually averages halfway between economy and business class, and its service is to match. Those booked in premium can expect extra benefits once onboard, including a wider seat with an extended recline, more

legroom

, an improved menu, and a larger entertainment screen. Just to name a few!

United Airlines Premium Plus is available across the majority of its widebody fleet, which constitutes (with capacity) below:

Variant

W capacity

Notes

Boeing 767-300ER (option 1)

24

To be retired by 2030

Boeing 767-300ER (option 2)

22

To be retired by 2030

Boeing 767-400ER

24

To be retired by 2030

Boeing 777-200ER

24

Boeing 777-300ER

24

Boeing 787-8

21

To replace 767 and domestically configured 777 aircraft

Boeing 787-9

21

To replace 767 and domestically configured 777 aircraft

Boeing 787-10

21

To replace 767 and domestically configured 777 aircraft

The full Premium Plus experience

To understand the full benefit of Premium Plus, one would have to buy a ticket and take a flight. However, this isn’t always practical. Simple Flying breaks it down from arriving at the airport until you disembark at your destination. So read on, to understand if

United Airlines

Premium Plus class is worth it:

At the airport

You can make the most of Premier Access benefits as soon as you arrive at the airport. These include the opportunity to use priority check-in or the fast check-in lane. At participating airports, you can use exclusive security lanes to get you to the front of the line for

security

screenings.

Priority boarding will see you be one of the first onboard and nestled into your comfy seat before economy class passengers board the aircraft. Another benefit includes priority bag handling, which will see your bag as one of the first off the aircraft, enabling you to beat the queues and pass through arrival customs before other travelers.

Onboard

The difference between economy and

Premium Plus

will become apparent when seated. The airline’s signature purple seats are bigger and wider than standard economy, and you can stretch out with extra legroom, a footrest, and more reclining.

An amenity kit, blanket, power outlet, and USB will have you all set. A 13″ inflight entertainment screen will allow you to watch your favorite films and TV shows, and complementary noise-reducing headphones will be provided.

United Airlines Boeing 787-10 departing Frankfurt Airport FRA shutterstock_1918656908

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

Your meal is enhanced compared to the economy, served with upgraded dinnerware and cutlery. Feeling thirsty? Complimentary wine, beer, and spirits are available to enjoy in moderation.

Bridging the gap

In a post-pandemic world, where every penny counts,

Simple Flying

decided to look at availability and costs for United Premium Plus on some of its most popular routes, and the prices might surprise you. Please note these costs were subject to availability at the time of research, and airline prices fluctuate subject to demand. The dates searched were for the first week of November 2024 and are based on direct flights only.

Newark (EWR) to Amsterdam (AMS) return:

  • Basic economy: $698
  • Economy: $896
  • Fully refundable economy: $1,146
  • Premium Plus: $4,162
  • Business: $4,661

San Francisco (SFO) to Sydney (SYD) return:

  • Basic economy: $1,177
  • Economy: $1,327
  • Fully refundable economy: $1,647
  • Premium Plus: $7,150
  • Business: $11,136
ua premium plus

Source: GCMap

Washington Dulles (IAD) to London Heathrow (LHR) return:

  • Basic economy: $901
  • Economy: $1,101
  • Fully refundable economy: $1,351
  • Premium Plus: $3,411
  • Business: $4,575

Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) return:

  • Basic economy: $1,363
  • Economy: $1,523
  • Fully refundable economy: $2,030
  • Premium Plus: $6,196
  • Business: $9,585

More cash to splash?

Those who have previously traveled United’s Premium Plus class and are up for taking the next step to business are set to join a strong base of fans for the airline’s business product ‘Polaris.’ Polaris business class is the carrier’s premier onboard experience.

Polaris passengers enjoy benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to private lounges before long-haul flights. The Polaris business class seating provides comfort with lie-flat seats, premium dining options, entertainment, and WiFi for a relaxing journey.

United Polaris shutterstock_1130507666

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

The cabin competes with American Airlines’ Flagship First and business class and Delta Air Lines’ Delta One but has its own distinct features. Additionally, United operates different aircraft than both of its US legacy competitors, such as the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, which sets Polaris apart from other business classes.

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