Seeking a luxurious experience while staying on a budget? United Premium Economy services, known as Premium Plus, can be a game-changer for you. With its wider seats, separate cabins, free alcoholic beverages, and extended baggage allowances, you can upgrade your overall flight journey. This service is currently available on selected destinations with long-haul routes, including a few transcontinental national routes as well.
On this page, we are going to explore every amenity and service you’ll get when booked with the Premium Plus fare.
What Exactly is United Premium Economy?
Think of United Premium Economy as something without extremes—not too basic, not too fancy, but just right. It brings that magical middle ground between the economy and the business class that gives you a little extra room and comfort. The airline has carefully designed this option for travelers who want something more than the standard economy but aren’t ready to spend extra pennies on business class.
How exciting it would be to slide into a seat that feels like it’s made for humans, not just for commercial purposes. More legroom, wider seats, and a few extra perks that make you feel like you have some kind of travel lottery. This is not just another fare option for travelers; it’s something that can transform the complete journey from miserable to manageable.
We think of United Airlines Premium Plus as a thoughtful solution, not as a marketing gimmick.
Things to Expect in Premium Economy with United
Once you go through the United Airlines facilities on the premium economy, you’ll know the real deal. Keep in mind that your experience can vary depending on the selected route, destination, and class of service. However, there are still some things that you are definitely going to get, no matter what.
Complimentary Baggage Allowance
United Premium Plus brings an extended baggage allowance for passengers that, too, is free of charge. Travelers get two complimentary checked bags combined with a reserved spot in an overhead compartment. Those with economy tickets don’t get any free checked baggage allowance, just one on selected international flights. You can get complimentary services, but only if you possess the airline co-branded credit card.
Premier Access Benefits
This fare will make passengers eligible for Premier Access! This means you get dedicated lanes at the airport for flight check-in and security screening, combined with priority boarding and baggage handling. Other basic fares do not come with such an attached status unless you hold elite status (Star Alliance Gold status or United Credit Card).
Of course, you can purchase the Premier Access add-on on economy fare, but then what’s the point of purchasing cheap fare when you have to spend extra pennies? It’s better to upgrade to United Premium Plus at this point.
Comfortable Seats
The most comforting benefit of this fare class is having to sit on wider seats, which have about 19 inches of width. Plus, they feature a 38-inch seat pitch, leaving you with approximately 7 inches of legroom, something impossible to get in economy seats. Wait, there’s more to the story; the seats can recline back to 6 inches, allowing passengers to be extra comfortable mid-air.
Along with this, you’ll get an adjustable leg rest, footrest, and power and USB outlets. United Premium Economy seats are allocated at the front part of the plane, meaning you can get on and off the plane without much hassle.
Ticket to Airport Lounge
Passengers with United Premium Plus boarding passes get discounted access to the United Club lounges at the airport. The price of the lounge pass is lowered than the $59. Unfortunately, only the price of the access pass is lowered; you cannot have free access. You can purchase these passes when booked on selected long-haul international flights. Passengers might get complimentary access if they hold elite status or a specific credit card.
Upgraded Entertainment
Passengers can find out 24 hours before the flight regarding the inflight entertainment options on the flight with Premium Plus. This way, you can plan out what devices you need and need not to bring on board with you. Inside the flight cabins, the seats have attached screens on the back that are 13 inches (a lot wider as compared to basic economy 9 inches seatback screens). In addition to this, the noise-reducing headphones. And if you wish to get cozy, you can use the provided Saks Fifth Avenue pillows and blankets.
Inflight Meals and Beverages
Enjoy a little booze mid-air? You’d be happy to know that United Premium Plus serves alcoholic beverages for free. Economy flights offer free drinks only on selected flights, especially on transatlantic routes and flights between the U.S. and some South American countries, including a few between transpacific flights.
And not just drinks, meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and coffee are on the house for passengers boarding United premium economy cabins. Moreover, the food options are also different from those of the economy. On most routes, attendants serve a hot meal, fruit, dessert, and alcoholic beverages.
Book United Airlines Premium Plus
Ready to book the United Premium Economy experience? But it is not always easy to find and book the premium plus tickets since they get sold quickly. We recommend booking the flight early, especially when flying on popular routes. Go through these steps to understand the ticket purchasing process.
- Start by visiting the official website and putting in the travel details, such as dates and destinations, on the homepage.
- Before clicking on the “find flights,” make sure to select the “Premium Economy” fare option. If you wish to get an award flight, select the “book with miles” option on the booking dialog.
- When flight options show up, find flight options under the premium plus column. At this point, you will come across the “mixed cabin” term. Such flight options refer to the premium plus cabins that are not allotted throughout the flight segment. For this, we would recommend checking the flight details.
- Once you have decided on the flight option, you can preview the available seat options by clicking on the “seats” option, which is beside the “details” one.
- From thereon, you can proceed further to make the payment and receive confirmation at the given email address.
Should You Switch to United Premium Economy?
Without a doubt, United Premium Economy offers upgraded and better experiences than Economy Plus. It has the added benefits of roomier cabins, reclining seats, extra space for legs, extended entertainment options, complimentary checked bags, fine dining, and premier access. If you prefer an upgrade in terms of the above-mentioned facilities, you should get the premium plus ticket. Those who occasionally fly economy on United Airlines can improve their flight experience with Premium Plus benefits. Having access to priority boarding, two free checked bags, and discounted lounge access can really make a difference.
Additionally, you can maximize the attached benefits and get a good value from your United Premium Plus ticket. For this, book long-haul flights, use miles, and purchase tickets with Star Alliance partner airline miles.
Find Out More
Passengers get many benefits on United Airlines premium economy, such as two free checked bags, priority boarding, baggage handling, and an upgraded cabin with wider seats and better dining options.
No. United Premium Plus is not the same as the Economy Plus. There is a difference in spacious seats and upgraded amenities between the two.
Yes. Passengers get discounted lounge access with premium economy on United Airlines. The pass will be cheaper than the $59 access pass.
If you want to upgrade your standard economy experience and are willing to go slightly over the budget, then Premium Economy can be a good option.
You cannot fully lie down in a United Premium Plus seat; however, the seats are reclinable up to 6 inches and 19 inches wider.
Yes. It is true that United Premium Economy serves complimentary alcoholic beverages, and not just that, you also get free meals, soft drinks, snacks, and coffee.
Yes. With United’s premium plus fare option, passengers get priority boarding. They get to embark on the plane under the Group 2 boarding class.
Yes. In comparison to economy cabins, United Premium Plus serves better food options and also includes free wine and beer.
Yes. There are a couple of options to get upgraded to a United Premium Economy ticket, such as with PlusPoints, MileagePlus miles, and elite status.
Yes. This fare is worth it for international flights, especially on long-haul routes. Premium Plus offers the comfort you need for a long-hour travel duration.
Yes. Premium Plus offers wider and bigger seats than the economy; passengers get 19 inches of width, 7 inches of legroom, and a 38-inch seat pitch.
No. Premium Plus is not the same as business class. It is actually a mid-tier cabin that offers premium experiences to passengers on a budget.
