Flying does cost a lot of money these days, and travelers might wonder if paying for a better seat is worth it when everything is quite expensive already. In the middle of this, the United Airlines Premium Economy gives you an optimal choice by not being too cheap nor expensive like business class seats. This travel class actually gives you more comfort without emptying your pockets like those premium cabin seats. Going through this guide, you will come across points that will help you decide if United Premium Economy is right for your upcoming trip.
First, Understand What Premium Economy Actually Is
Premium economy does have “Economy” in its name, but it’s pretty different from that in terms of services. So, What is Premium Economy? It is a type of seat that comes between the two types of airplane seats: cheap economy and business class. The airline also refers to it as United Economy Premium Plus, which gives you more legroom, better food, and extra services compared to cheap economy seats. However, you cannot compare its amenities or any other facilities with luxury cabin seats. Premium economy costs more than cheap economy but much less than business class tickets. So, basically, you get to experience a little touch of luxury while still staying under the budget.
The Type of Seats You Get With United Airlines Premium Economy
The most important thing that’s attached to every travel class is SEAT! The kind seat you’ll rest on will decide the level of your comfort while flying. So, it’s crucial to learn about the premium economy plus United seat.
Regular Economy Seats
Your cheapest choice when flying with United Airlines is its regular economy seats. They come with basic services and no complementary facilities. These seats provide very small legroom and no ancillaries, such as free checked bags or early boarding. If you choose a regular economy cabin, you will get on the plane last and will be served basic meals on long flights. You must have understood by now why these seats are the cheapest. Despite the fact that it lacks many things, these seats work well for short trips and budget-minded travelers.
Economy Plus United Seats
Another fare class under the main cabin is the Economy Plus United seats that give you extra legroom than regular economy. You will find these seats usually located at the front of the economy section and give you about 6 inches more of legroom. People with Economy Plus United tickets board the plane earlier than regular economy passengers.
United Premium Plus Seats (aka Premium Economy)
Coming to the focus of this blog—United Airlines Premium Plus Seats! These seats are the airline’s premium economy product, which is generally found on international flights and some flights within America. These seats are in their own cabin section, separate from regular economy. The cabin comes with seats that give you 38 inches of seat space and 18.5 inches of seat width, with leg rests and foot rests that you can move. Amazing, right? Premium Plus cabin includes early check-in and boarding, free checked bags, and more recline compared to other economy products.
Time for a Quick Comparison: United Economy vs Premium Economy Plus
You already know that United Premium Economy is winning the game. But comparing its services side by side with other economy products will help you see clearly what better things you’re getting.
Seat Space and Comfort
When comparing United Economy vs Economy Plus, the main difference you’ll come across is legroom and seat location. Regular economy gets you seats with 30-31 inches of legroom, while premium economy plus has 34-36 inches. In terms of location, Premium Economy Plus seats are closer to the front of the plane, so you get off faster when landing. Regular economy seats are spread throughout the main cabin and can feel more crowded.
Boarding and Services
Premium Economy Plus people board in Group 2, while regular economy people board in Group 3-5, depending on their tickets. So, there’s a huge difference already. Both seat types get the same meals and in-flight entertainment system on the flight. However, Premium Economy Plus passengers have the privilege to pick their seats for free, while regular economy passengers might have to pay extra fees.
Price Differences
Let’s talk money! Premium Economy Plus usually costs $50-200 more than regular economy, depending on how long the flight is and the selected destination. In short, the addition you get on premium economy is somewhat covered in the cost, but the price different is usually worth it on flights longer than 4 hours.
Benefits That Make United Premium Economy Worth It
Besides all the good things that we have discussed so far about the United Premium Plus, there are actually more benefits that make this travel class totally worth it.
United Premium Economy International Flights
United Premium Economy International flights give you the most benefits compared to domestic Premium Plus seats. You get two free checked bags, weighing up to 50 pounds each, compared to one bag in regular economy. Additionally, this cabin serves better meals with many courses and free alcoholic drinks throughout the flight.
Ground Services and Early Benefits
Travelers with a United Airlines Premium Economy ticket get early check-in at the airport and can use shorter security lanes. The checked bags come out first at the baggage claim section, saving time when you land at your destination.
In-Flight Comfort Features
Premium Economy United seats have more storage space and better entertainment screens than regular economy. Each seat has many power outlets and USB ports to charge your devices during the flight. The cabin is smaller and quieter than the main cabin section, meaning fewer people will be around you.
How United Airlines Premium Economy is Good for Different Types of Travelers
Travelling for business purposes? Or planning a vacation with your children? Choose United Premium Economy, as this cabin can serve you with a better in-flight experience.
For Business People
Is United Airlines Economy Plus worth it? This depends on your travel needs and budget for the trip. Business people often find Economy Plus worth the cost because they can work more comfortably with extra space. The early boarding helps business people get overhead bin space for their carry-on bags. The time saved with early services at the airport is good for busy business schedules.
For Vacation Travelers
Vacation travelers should think about Economy Plus on flights longer than 5 hours for comfort reasons. Families with children benefit from the extra space and early boarding to get settled quickly. The extra legroom helps tall people or anyone who wants to stretch during long flights. Budget-minded travelers might skip Economy Plus on short flights within America to save money.
For International Flights
International flights show the biggest value for Premium Plus because of the free checked bags. Two free 50-pound bags can save you $200-400 in baggage fees on international routes. The better meals and free drinks add value on 8+ hour international flights. Premium Plus makes sense money-wise if you need to check bags on international trips
Frequently Asked Questions:
With United Airlines premium economy tickets, you get access to wider seats, extra legroom, recline feature, priority boarding, free checked bags, and enhanced meals.
The United Premium Economy has decent reclining seats, allowing passengers to have a good nap during the flight.
Yes. United Airlines has a good premium economy cabin that offers enhanced onboard meals, entertainment, seats, and other amenities.
Basic economy on United Airlines comes with more restrictions and fewer flexible features. Whereas, United Premium Economy offers additional services with wider seats and complimentary services.
Premium economy is worth it if you don’t mind paying a little extra out of your pocket to access additional services, as it is expensive than your regular economy seats.
