Jun 7, 2013, 9:51 am
Last edit by: FlyinHawaiian
...and just another milestone update here, Sunday night's UA1748 JFK-SFO on #5355 was the last scheduled flight of the previous p.s. configuration.
As of today [2 December 2013], all p.s. flights on JFK-LAX/SFO are scheduled with the new configuration.
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
As of today [2 December 2013], all p.s. flights on JFK-LAX/SFO are scheduled with the new configuration.
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
p.s. Reconfiguration and Transition Update
Feb 1, 2013, 2:50 pm
#1
Company Representative, United Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
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p.s. Reconfiguration and Transition Update
Hi Everyone,
It’s been a while since we first announced the improvements we’re making to our p.s. Premium Service between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO), and today I have an update for you.
First, a recap of some of the key features of our refreshed p.s. product:
This first aircraft to be reconfigured is already in modification and will take to the skies by March. Over the subsequent 8-9 months we will complete the transition, but during this period, there will be a mix of B757 aircraft flying on these routes. Since the configurations are very different, we will be taking some steps to ease us through the transition and minimize the impact of aircraft changes. Here are some of the highlights:
We’ll publish more details on the transition in an article on the United Hub in the coming days. As always, thanks for your feedback, and please “pardon our dust” while we work to give you a refreshed p.s. experience.
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager – Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
It’s been a while since we first announced the improvements we’re making to our p.s. Premium Service between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO), and today I have an update for you.
First, a recap of some of the key features of our refreshed p.s. product:
- 28 seats in United BusinessFirst with 180-degree flat-bed seats
- 48 seats in Economy Plus with even more legroom than before (36 inches)
- 66 seats in United Economy
- Complimentary in-seat audio video on-demand entertainment
- USB and standard 110v power outlets accessible from every seat
- Gogo Wi-Fi (and coming later this year: connection speeds up to 3x faster)
- All p.s. flights will operate as 2-cabin regardless of actual configuration starting on Jun. 6. By the summer, we expect to have already reconfigured several B757 aircraft. However, in order to minimize the impact of unexpected substitutions, we will only sell p.s. flights as 2-cabin. We will update our systems this weekend to reflect this change.
- Wondering about who gets to sit in those first three rows in the previous United First cabin? We’re reserving these seats for customers who had previously booked in United First, as well as Premier members who are already confirmed in United Business. Specifically, Global Services, Premier 1K, Premier Platinum and Premier Gold members can select one of these seats at any time if available, and Premier Silver members will have access to them at check-in. Note that during the transition, these seats will be branded as United Business, rather than United First. Nearer to the end of the reconfiguration process, we’ll start marketing the premium cabin on all aircraft as United BusinessFirst.
- How to tell if you’re on a newly configured aircraft. The best way to know is to look at the seat map on united.com, which would show 28 seats in United Business. However, keep in mind this is always subject to change. Also worth noting, seat maps will generally reflect the older configuration until a few months before departure, when we start to have a better idea of what kind of aircraft will be scheduled for a specific flight.
- The Global First Lounge at JFK is scheduled to remain open after June 6, welcoming Global Services members seated in United Business on p.s. flights, as well as customers on connecting United Global First itineraries. We’ll share more information about the future of our lounges at JFK later this year.
- Upgrade policies are the same. You can still request an upgrade on p.s. using RPUs, GPUs and award miles. And, we continue to waive the co-pay for Premier members requesting MileagePlus Upgrade Awards.
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager – Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
Feb 1, 2013, 2:53 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Thanks for the update!
Feb 1, 2013, 3:06 pm
#3
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Thanks Aaron. I don't fly that route much, but I like the news. Keep up the good work and thanks for your update^^
Feb 1, 2013, 3:23 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Thanks for the update!
Fwiw, I still will prefer pre-config 9 in C to pre-config F!
Fwiw, I still will prefer pre-config 9 in C to pre-config F!
Feb 1, 2013, 3:35 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SFO, LAX
Programs: UA 1K, SPG G, #1 CG 5☆
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Hi Everyone,
It’s been a while since we first announced the improvements we’re making to our p.s. Premium Service between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO), and today I have an update for you.
First, a recap of some of the key features of our refreshed p.s. product:
[*]Nearer to the end of the reconfiguration process, we’ll start marketing the premium cabin on all aircraft as United BusinessFirst.
The Global First Lounge at JFK is scheduled to remain open after June 6, welcoming Global Services members seated in United Business on p.s. flights, as well as customers on connecting United Global First itineraries. We’ll share more information about the future of our lounges at JFK later this year.
[*]Upgrade policies are the same. You can still request an upgrade on p.s. using RPUs, GPUs and award miles. And, we continue to waive the co-pay for Premier members requesting MileagePlus Upgrade Awards.[/LIST][/INDENT]
It’s been a while since we first announced the improvements we’re making to our p.s. Premium Service between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO), and today I have an update for you.
First, a recap of some of the key features of our refreshed p.s. product:
- 66 seats in United Economy
The Global First Lounge at JFK is scheduled to remain open after June 6, welcoming Global Services members seated in United Business on p.s. flights, as well as customers on connecting United Global First itineraries. We’ll share more information about the future of our lounges at JFK later this year.
[*]Upgrade policies are the same. You can still request an upgrade on p.s. using RPUs, GPUs and award miles. And, we continue to waive the co-pay for Premier members requesting MileagePlus Upgrade Awards.[/LIST][/INDENT]
Thanks for the update on improvements to the p.s. product.
1. When you say that UA will start marketing all premium cabin flights as BusinessFirst towards the end of the reconfiguration process, are you saying that there won't be a p.s. product?
2. When you are saying that the IFL at Kennedy won't be available to 1Ks booked in the highest available premium cabin on a p.s. flight after June 6, are you saying that there will now be a GS/GlobalFirst lounge product?
3. Since p.s. will be marketed as BusinessFirst nearer the end of the reconfiguration process and RPUs/GPUs/miles are still required for an upgrade, should we interpret this as a precursor to CPUs ending once all premium cabin flights are marketed as BusinessFirst?
Last edited by UA900; Feb 1, 2013 at 3:54 pm
Feb 1, 2013, 3:52 pm
#6
Formerly known as CollegeFlyer
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^ to free AVOD.
However, this branding is very confusing: "Note that during the transition, these seats will be branded as United Business, rather than United First. Nearer to the end of the reconfiguration process, we’ll start marketing the premium cabin on all aircraft as United BusinessFirst."
It causes two branding changes rather than one, and, in addition, conflicts with the prevously announced branding rules stated in 2011, in which all domestic flights would have "United First" and, if it is a three-cabin flight, "United Business," but not "BusinessFirst" which was reserved for international flight marketing..
However, this branding is very confusing: "Note that during the transition, these seats will be branded as United Business, rather than United First. Nearer to the end of the reconfiguration process, we’ll start marketing the premium cabin on all aircraft as United BusinessFirst."
It causes two branding changes rather than one, and, in addition, conflicts with the prevously announced branding rules stated in 2011, in which all domestic flights would have "United First" and, if it is a three-cabin flight, "United Business," but not "BusinessFirst" which was reserved for international flight marketing..
Feb 1, 2013, 4:20 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2012
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Feb 1, 2013, 4:25 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K
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For those of us already choosing seats in the new cabins, can you give us an idea of the configuration (i.e., what are the bulkhead and exit rows like?)
Feb 1, 2013, 4:57 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2009
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I'm looking forward to my first segment on a newly configured P.S. bird...
ultimately, the question is whether I will be looking forward to my second flight on a newly configured P.S. bird...
or if I will be reminiscing about the old P.S. config.
ultimately, the question is whether I will be looking forward to my second flight on a newly configured P.S. bird...
or if I will be reminiscing about the old P.S. config.
Feb 1, 2013, 5:06 pm
#10
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Nice to hear!
Feb 1, 2013, 5:14 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2007
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As for a GS/GlobalFirst lounge product - that already exists in part. GS have access to GlobalFirst lounges when travelling on any BusinessFirst international ticket. So, in some way, the concept of "ps" being akin to "international" carries over here. Then, later on, as noted, these flights will be marketed as BusinessFirst, making the link even more obvious.
Feb 1, 2013, 5:16 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2000
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wow E-
So, they are bringing BACK E- on these flights?
Feb 1, 2013, 5:29 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
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[B]The Global First Lounge at JFK is scheduled to remain open after June 6, welcoming Global Services members seated in United Business on p.s. flights, as well as customers on connecting United Global First itineraries. We’ll share more information about the future of our lounges at JFK later this year.
So you get an F lounge at JFK, fly in a J seat with J service on UA for 6-7 hours and then fly UA F for over the Pacific. Or you fly F for 6-7 hours on AA and then QF or CX F over the water. How competitive.
***
Thanks for the update, as always. ^ The transition is pretty sensible.
Because UA was giving away something for free that isn't free. They want to make money selling those seats.
However, this branding is very confusing: "Note that during the transition, these seats will be branded as United Business, rather than United First. Nearer to the end of the reconfiguration process, we’ll start marketing the premium cabin on all aircraft as United BusinessFirst."
It causes two branding changes rather than one, and, in addition, conflicts with the prevously announced branding rules stated in 2011, in which all domestic flights would have "United First" and, if it is a three-cabin flight, "United Business," but not "BusinessFirst" which was reserved for international flight marketing..
It causes two branding changes rather than one, and, in addition, conflicts with the prevously announced branding rules stated in 2011, in which all domestic flights would have "United First" and, if it is a three-cabin flight, "United Business," but not "BusinessFirst" which was reserved for international flight marketing..
Perhaps they should call it "BusiessSecond" in the meantime?
AA will not be able to say that for a while nor will LH
Last edited by Ari; Feb 1, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Feb 1, 2013, 5:33 pm
#15
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Thank you for the update ^ and also for bringing back real e+ on these flights ^