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Photos: United Debuts Premium Plus Seating on a Boeing 777-200

United went with a slightly different color for these seats: purple.

United is joining other major U.S. carriers with the addition of a premium economy cabin. This new cabin, called Premium Plus, will serve as the airline’s first premium economy product and will officially debut as early as the fall. For now, these seats are being sold as Economy Plus until the full product can be unveiled, similar to when American Airlines rolled out its premium economy cabin, initially selling the seats as Main Cabin Extra.

Once launched later this year, Premium Plus passengers can expect additional amenities, including a larger seat and Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow, along with better dining options than standard economy fare. Premium economy fares, just as their name implies, gives travelers and premium experience without paying for premium cabins such as business or first class.

A sign clearly designates the Premium Plus cabin from economy.

In an email to customers sent earlier this month, the airline detailed its plans for the Premium Plus product, saying, “Later this year, we’ll begin to introduce United’s Premium Plus. Available on select international flights, United Premium Plus will give you more space, comfort and amenities. The seats will be more spacious and you’ll enjoy upgraded dining on china dinnerware, free alcoholic beverages, a Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow, an amenity kit and more.”

The Premium Plus seats themselves reside in their own cabin, which is exclusively divided from economy and Polaris. The cabin occupies only three rows of the Boeing 777-200 aircraft, featuring a 2-4-2 seating configuration. While the cabin may be small, the seats aren’t.

Looking down the center aisle of Premium Plus.

Seats in Premium Plus have a larger in-flight entertainment screen with a tethered remote, power outlets with 3-prong and USB capabilities at every seat, a footrest and significant pitch compared to their standard economy counterparts. United has yet to release specific numbers regarding the seat.

A wider seat design for United’s Premium Plus cabin.

After being retrofitted in Xiamen, China, N796UA was the first aircraft in United’s fleet to receive Premium Plus. So far, this 777-200 has flown to San Francisco, Paris, Washington and Frankfurt on some of the airline’s most popular routes. The aircraft is also scheduled to fly from San Francisco to London later this week.

Premium Plus is in a 2-4-2 configuration on the 777-200.

N796UA won’t be the only aircraft to receive Premium Plus, with the airline’s soon-to-be-delivered 787-10s expected to feature the cabin as well. Although already largely embraced by the international airline community, United joins a growing list of U.S. airlines adding premium economy to its long-haul fleets with both American and Delta offering it on select long-haul international flights.

Ryan Ewing
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  • Ryan Ewing

    Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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