United Airlines Economy Plus?
Discussion
We're flying from LHR to LAX at the end of June and just had a look at United Airlines website and they give the option ($99 per flight) to upgrade from Economy to Economy Plus.
They say EPlus has upto 5 inches more legroom than Economy which sounds appealing especially on a 12 hour flight, but at $198 Return (about £120) it's quite expensive on top of the normal ticket. The seats are also the same width as economy, so no real benefit there.
Has anyone ever flown on a long haul flight with Economy Plus etc before? Is it worth it?
I think we got boosted up to World Traveller Plus with BA once on a 6 or 7 hour flight, and that was quite good.
They say EPlus has upto 5 inches more legroom than Economy which sounds appealing especially on a 12 hour flight, but at $198 Return (about £120) it's quite expensive on top of the normal ticket. The seats are also the same width as economy, so no real benefit there.
Has anyone ever flown on a long haul flight with Economy Plus etc before? Is it worth it?
I think we got boosted up to World Traveller Plus with BA once on a 6 or 7 hour flight, and that was quite good.
Used E+ a fair bit when my travel policy was economy only.
It's only a few inches extra but you're at the front of economy. I'd go for it every time to be honest - especially if you have a connection. Also makes it a lot easier to use a laptop on the plane.
edit - LHR -> LAX - no brainer. Well worth $99 each way!
It's only a few inches extra but you're at the front of economy. I'd go for it every time to be honest - especially if you have a connection. Also makes it a lot easier to use a laptop on the plane.
edit - LHR -> LAX - no brainer. Well worth $99 each way!
Edited by Ynox on Tuesday 7th June 22:30
Is it the 757 ?
If it is you'll be paying for the exit row, nothing more.
Row 7 IIRC is OK as it's by the door with nothing in front. You just have to use those daft folding tables and you'll probably have a baby to your right. Board last if you get this row or you'll get trampled on, however you'll be first to immigration.
Seatguru.com is your friend once you know which aircraft you'll be using.
If it is you'll be paying for the exit row, nothing more.
Row 7 IIRC is OK as it's by the door with nothing in front. You just have to use those daft folding tables and you'll probably have a baby to your right. Board last if you get this row or you'll get trampled on, however you'll be first to immigration.
Seatguru.com is your friend once you know which aircraft you'll be using.
GT03ROB said:
Last time I flew United to LAX was booked economy and had a nice chat with check in staff at heathrow they offered a very cheap upgrade to business, £150 each, tried same on way back & got economy plus for free. Can't say I'd have bothered paying for it.
How long ago was that, and is there any secret to sweet talking an upgrade?I'd try that anyway, but I'd like to know beforehand to avoid any disappointment.
Another thing; if a passenger has bad knee or injury are there any grounds for a potential upgrade?
Doubtful - even with a bad knee / injury.
Majority of the trips I've been on to/from the US in the past 12-18 months have been rammed. Any upgrades would go based on frequent flyer status. Only thing going for you in terms of that is LAX isn't a big United hub so there *may* be less people with status, I kinda doubt it though.
United's J product (if on a 767 / a refitted 777) is pretty decent though. Nice flat seats and reasonable 'soft' product. The non-refitted 777s are s
t though (still better than eco though).
Majority of the trips I've been on to/from the US in the past 12-18 months have been rammed. Any upgrades would go based on frequent flyer status. Only thing going for you in terms of that is LAX isn't a big United hub so there *may* be less people with status, I kinda doubt it though.
United's J product (if on a 767 / a refitted 777) is pretty decent though. Nice flat seats and reasonable 'soft' product. The non-refitted 777s are s
t though (still better than eco though).We did it last Sept for LHR to SFO. Definately worth it, I'd say. The extra legroom is enough but the seat pitch makes a big differnce to the cabin density.
I can't remember how many seats were in that cabin but it must have been something like 8-10 rows.
United do an annual pass for just over $400 which allows you and a companion to upgrade but I'm not certain the upgrade is guaranteed.
I can't remember how many seats were in that cabin but it must have been something like 8-10 rows.
United do an annual pass for just over $400 which allows you and a companion to upgrade but I'm not certain the upgrade is guaranteed.
United and Continental have merged now, so all their top teirs are going to be bumped first.
Lots of staff have space available for business, or just get bumped anyway.
The cockpit crew normally have a rest seat blocked in business too.
US carriers are really touchy about protecting the exclusivity of premium seats, and frown upon unwarranted upgrades.
I haven't worked with United directly, but with Continental it's the concierge and the concierge only who deals with upgrades.
Lots of staff have space available for business, or just get bumped anyway.
The cockpit crew normally have a rest seat blocked in business too.
US carriers are really touchy about protecting the exclusivity of premium seats, and frown upon unwarranted upgrades.
I haven't worked with United directly, but with Continental it's the concierge and the concierge only who deals with upgrades.
Conor D said:
GT03ROB said:
Last time I flew United to LAX was booked economy and had a nice chat with check in staff at heathrow they offered a very cheap upgrade to business, £150 each, tried same on way back & got economy plus for free. Can't say I'd have bothered paying for it.
How long ago was that, and is there any secret to sweet talking an upgrade?I'd try that anyway, but I'd like to know beforehand to avoid any disappointment.
Another thing; if a passenger has bad knee or injury are there any grounds for a potential upgrade?
Just to be clear I offered to pay so was not trying to blag a freebe. I got the impression they had some spare seats in business & were just looking to get any extra revenue they could.
Economy plus is free with enough status and I find those five extra inches to be worth maintaining the status level for as I usually make a few West Coast (of US) trips per year (I'm 6'2", so leg room is a premium). If you don't want to pay for the upgrade then there is a trick to play. First don't select which seat you want, if economy fills up, then they should put in you in E+. However you do risk a bad seat, but the opportunity to pay for the upgrade should still be available at check in.
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