Oct 29, 2018, 2:14 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
UA has started installing Premium Plus / Premium Economy seats in 772s and 773s. Other long haul aircraft will also be receiving these new seats.
For 77x it is a 2-4-2 (vs economy 3-4-3) with 3 rows - 24 seats
For 76x it is believe it will be 2-2-2 (vs 2-3-2) with 3 rows ( and maybe a partial row) - 22 seats
For 78x it is believed it will be 2-3-2 (vs 3-3-3) with 3 rows - 21 seats
UA has not yet started selling this new cabin but has restructured its fare class -- which appears to be in preparation of selling the new cabin (and removed 3-class F)
In the meantime, the Premium Plus cabin is being treated as an extension of E+ and those with E+ access can select the new seats.
In many cases UA is initially using an interim seat maps, such as https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-airlines-mileageplus/1926142-interim-772-seat-map-polaris-potentially-premium-economy-2018-a.html
Things start to firm up about 2 days prior but last minute changes can happen
For 77x it is a 2-4-2 (vs economy 3-4-3) with 3 rows - 24 seats
For 76x it is believe it will be 2-2-2 (vs 2-3-2) with 3 rows ( and maybe a partial row) - 22 seats
For 78x it is believed it will be 2-3-2 (vs 3-3-3) with 3 rows - 21 seats
UA has not yet started selling this new cabin but has restructured its fare class -- which appears to be in preparation of selling the new cabin (and removed 3-class F)
In the meantime, the Premium Plus cabin is being treated as an extension of E+ and those with E+ access can select the new seats.
In many cases UA is initially using an interim seat maps, such as https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-airlines-mileageplus/1926142-interim-772-seat-map-polaris-potentially-premium-economy-2018-a.html
Things start to firm up about 2 days prior but last minute changes can happen
Real Premium Economy is Coming [Update: UA studying "Real" Prem Y in domestic market]
Jan 18, 2018, 1:46 pm
#46
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bellingham/Gainesville
Programs: UA-G MM, Priority Club Platinum, Avis First, Hertz 5*, Red Lion
Posts: 2,808
It does not look much wider than 18.5" seat, similar to DL which is too narrow for my preference and really the same as the old 777 E seat width. AA has 19", NZ 19.3, EVA has 19.5, CI 20. If it is 19" then they have a chance, otherwise it is going to be a cramped product.
Jan 18, 2018, 1:46 pm
#47
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: UA GS, Marriott (Plat Premier, LT Plat)
Posts: 257
Doubt GPU usage would change
I’m pretty confident that GPUs would still take you from Y/PE to C.. AA clarified that earlier this year when they launched their PE. UA won’t buck that trend! Now I’m also sure that upgrade priority will change for MP members who book PE and then upgrade to C vs. people booking W and trying to get to C.
Jan 18, 2018, 1:55 pm
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,410
As to some of the "sky is falling" comments.. I don't see any reason to believe a PE cabin would be any different than it is on AA/DL/LH/etc. There is already a clearly established product level, market, and price for Premium Economy. Upgrade instruments on all of those carriers go from Y to J (for now). I fully expect this to be a source of $1,xxx sale fares and $2,xxx regular fares to cross oceans while being treated like a human again (sort of like Y back when you had decent seat pitch, respectable service, and empty middles were basically guaranteed).
At a minimum, this would mean being able to book UA metal and waitlist a GPU, something I am absolutely unwilling to do right now.
Yes.. and I think it's a nine or ten figure gamble they're taking as to whether companies currently paying for J will jump ship. However, I still think there's such a strong argument for "make me sleep, give me a bed".
At a minimum, this would mean being able to book UA metal and waitlist a GPU, something I am absolutely unwilling to do right now.
Yes.. and I think it's a nine or ten figure gamble they're taking as to whether companies currently paying for J will jump ship. However, I still think there's such a strong argument for "make me sleep, give me a bed".
Jan 18, 2018, 1:56 pm
#49
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Carolina
Programs: UA LT Gold, American Kettle, Hertz #1 Presidents Circle, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 927
Jan 18, 2018, 2:03 pm
#50
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
I've always been on the fence about whether I wanted PE. Currently, I tend to favor good P fares on Intl. flights. I suspect those P fares become PE and now business class is unreachable for me. I also suspect that the PE seats replace E+. Since I won't sit in E- for a 10 hour flight, that likely means I'm now paying the same I paid for business before and only getting PE.
I'll wait to see how it's implemented, but if my guesses are accurate, it will probably make me a free agent for Intl flights (which are all personal/vacation for me).
I'll wait to see how it's implemented, but if my guesses are accurate, it will probably make me a free agent for Intl flights (which are all personal/vacation for me).
Jan 18, 2018, 2:04 pm
#51
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Later this year.
Jan 18, 2018, 2:07 pm
#52
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: WN, AA, UA, DL
Posts: 1,313
I’m pretty confident that GPUs would still take you from Y/PE to C.. AA clarified that earlier this year when they launched their PE. UA won’t buck that trend! Now I’m also sure that upgrade priority will change for MP members who book PE and then upgrade to C vs. people booking W and trying to get to C.
Jan 18, 2018, 2:07 pm
#53
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NYC: UA 1K, DL Platinum, AAirpass, Avis PC
Posts: 4,599
Unfortunately I expect a loss of J and E+ seats and J upgrade availability with this if AA's and DL's configurations are any clue. It's part of why I'm not a big PE fan. I'm not in the niche that wants it, and instead I'm part of the group that has loses out on the J/Y side.
Let's see if they go more the BA approach - keep the biz class density, take it out of coach. But I suspect it will be more like AA/DL which is a net loss of lie flat seats, and extra legroom economy seats, which makes upgrades and discount fares harder to come by.
It's a net benefit for the inflexible fliers who can't get into J for work and need something a little more palatable.
Jan 18, 2018, 2:09 pm
#54
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SJC / DPS
Programs: AS G75K, UA Silver
Posts: 1,757
Since the 777's have yet to go into mod (or maybe the first one just went in), I wonder if it's perfect timing to get these seats installed in tandem with the Polaris seats?
Jan 18, 2018, 2:10 pm
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,395
I've always been on the fence about whether I wanted PE. Currently, I tend to favor good P fares on Intl. flights. I suspect those P fares become PE and now business class is unreachable for me. I also suspect that the PE seats replace E+. Since I won't sit in E- for a 10 hour flight, that likely means I'm now paying the same I paid for business before and only getting PE.
SFO-LHR: $980
SFO-BCN: $933
SFO-CPH: $838
SFO-HKG: $1185
SFO-SIN: $1248
LAX-BKK: $1365
LAX-SYD: $1793
DFW-MUC: $1655
DFW-NRT: $2023
DFW-PEK: $1150
If those are the P fares you're seeing, well, pass them along when you find them, would you?
Jan 18, 2018, 2:11 pm
#57
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
During the two years that I flew with BA, I did enjoy their Premium Economy. I know I can survive on long haul flights in Premium Economy. When it comes to UA, I will make use of it when Polaris Business is too expensive. Because, at this point, in UA's Economy on long haul flights, I can only survive in the bulkhead or exit seats and there are not too many of those.
Jan 18, 2018, 2:16 pm
#58
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,919
This is great news! Almost all my recent TATL travel has been going to AC because of their Prem Y product which nets me 150% Miles. Now I will be able to bring some back to UA.
Jan 18, 2018, 2:17 pm
#59
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K & 2MM, MR Titanium
Posts: 458
Jan 18, 2018, 2:23 pm
#60
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
I'm with a few others who see the Polaris product as the premium offering, and PE as a pseudo-biz. Let's face it, United has pretty much given up on the idea of promoting a real F product; everything's going into Polaris. If you didn't know any better, you'd assume Polaris was United's best offering (and maybe it is?). Why name your best offering something associated with middle-of-the-road (business) on a true 3-class aircraft?
Wonder what the lounge access situation will be? And of course, mostly I'm wondering about what it will take to upgrade. For me, my usual SFO-CDG trip would be far more tolerable in PE than E+. If they offer an upgrade with just miles, no cash, I'm in.
Wonder what the lounge access situation will be? And of course, mostly I'm wondering about what it will take to upgrade. For me, my usual SFO-CDG trip would be far more tolerable in PE than E+. If they offer an upgrade with just miles, no cash, I'm in.