Prologue:

Hello and welcome to this special Flight Review on YTR in which I experience a new cabin on UA. - Premier Plus which is the name given to its Premium Economy cabin on intl flights.

Well technically I purchased an Economy tkt from SFO-EWR for $70 one way but instead of taking a boring nonstop I saw that I could change my tkt for free and when I found out that there was a widebody operating with Premier Plus as Economy SFO-IAD that allowed me to connect to EWR I jumped at the change to try this cabin.

Back in 2020 I was supposed to take my first Premier Plus flight from SFO-LHR and was really looking forward to it. Then covid hit and my trip was cancelled. So about a year later here I am flying it on a domestic segment.

I checked in at the Premier desk since I am *A Gold through TK and the process went smoothly. The agent that helped me was very friendly and enthusiastic.

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Security was empty. What a contrast from the crowded scene when I flew in March.

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UA Global reception desk.

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I had plenty of time so I headed towards the E gates at the UA terminal in SFO. This area received a major renovation some time ago.

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It is quite a modern and stylish terminal.

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Time to visit the UA Club which is quite familiar to me but this time I discovered a "hidden" corner inside the club that I have never seen before.

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Maritime theme.

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I was looking forward to some clam chowder soup. Imagine my surprise when I inquired at the bar and they told me that they did not have it anymore. Someone should have pulled these signs away. These bean and cheese burritos were the only hot items.

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Not the healthiest dinner but it will do.

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I settled in an individual cubicle in the back of the lounge.

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Imagine my delight when I discovered this "hidden" corner.

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The gate was just a few steps away from the UA Club.

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Full flight with lots of people boarding in Group 1 and 2.

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A FA was welcoming pax and handing out alcohol wipes.

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Business class.

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Premier Plus cabin.

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My seat 20B

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View from across my seat.

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The WC was diagonal to my seat.

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Seat controls.

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Tray table.

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Tablet holder.

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Headphones and snack bag. There was also a beverage service.

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Throughout the night there were people from J and Y using this WC.

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J amenities inside. This WC was part of the J cabin.

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Entertainment system.

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Arriving in IAD.

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Full beverage service before arrival.

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========== San Francisco Intl Arpt (SFO) - ==========



Security/Immigration efficiency: 10/10
Access and parking: 9/10
Services and activities: 9/10
General cleanliness: 10/10

========== United Club ==========



Staff Service: 7/10
Entertainment: 8/10
Business Center: /10
Food: 5/10
Lounge Design: 9/10
Spa and Bathroom: 9/10
Wifi: 10/10

========== United Airlines - Airline ==========



Cabine comfort: 9/10
Crew: 9/10
Entertainment: 10/10
On-time performance: 10/10
Appetizer: 0/10
Starter: 0/10
Main Meal: 0/10
Main Meal-2: 0/10
Cheese: 0/10
Desserts: 0/10
Alcohols: 0/10
Mid-flight snack: 9/10
Breakfast or light meal before arrival: 0/10

========== Washington Dulles Intl (IAD) - ==========



Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10
Access and parking: 8/10
Services and activities: 9/10
General cleanliness: 9/10

Summary:

I am glad that I was finally able to try UA Premier Plus cabin seats. The seats felt comfortable and spacious although I would have preferred a bit more recline. The leg and foot rest feature were nice additions that made the seat more appealing.

20 Comments

  • samlecorsaire


    Hello Panda
    thank you for this new cabin experience. What a lovely one.
    Sorry but I found the lounge offer poor and cheap.
    next step?

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Salut Sam,

    I think the new Premium Economy cabin is comfortable and competitive with AA and DL as far as the hard product.

    I agree that the lounge is not the best at the moment. There are still a lot of UA lounges that have not been renovated to the new standards but I hope they don't touch the SFO one. It's a classic.

    Hopefully we should be able to travel internationally soon. Keeping my fingers crossed.

  • Thomas


    Thanks my friend for this new report. The lounge is depressing but as discussed the worst is yet to come :(
    Good move to have changed your trip for free :)
    Have a great Sunday.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hi Thomas,

    Depressing and inconsistent. A month ago they used to give bottles of water at the bar. This time they did not have them and offered to pour me a glass. Go figure!

    I'm glad that I changed the flight. I experienced the seats of a new cabin and was able to do lounge hopping at IAD. I have never visited the UA Clubs at IAD before so this was new for me.

    Hope you enjoyed your weekend my friend.
  • Bibopaul


    Thanks for this report Jetset, I'm not impressed by the UA product.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hi Paul,

    Sans mots. :P
  • Emile


    Once again, a very good review Adan. Thanks for taking the time.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Salut Emile,

    Thanks for your visit and comment as always.
  • AAFlyer


    You should fly with AA or DL instead ! Thanks Panda.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hi AAFlyer,

    AA has a better experience but unfortunately I'm hooked to *A and its partners. :(
  • Nomascoach


    Nothing is great with UA currently.
    Hope the next leg will be better.

    Thank you JetSet.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hi Nomascoach,

    I agree. I feel that most airlines have used the current crisis to cut costs drastically.
  • Vendredi13


    Woof ! JetSetPanda !

    Well done Panda ! 70$ seems like great value.
    Great pictures too ! This new Premium Economy cabin looks nice (except the view from your seat^^)
    And I am so happy to see a full flight. People want to fly. This flight schedule was not too hard ?
    The only regret is this so light catering.

    Thanks, JetSet' for this interesting TR. As usual !

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Oauf!

    That was a fantastic price for a transcontinental trip. I would do it again.
    Yes the flight was full. People want to just get out and regain their freedom.
    Not a bad Premium Economy cabin. Hopefully I get to ride it in the future. Red eye flights are bad for me. I can't sleep on planes and I arrive like a zombie.
    No catering aboard. This was sold as economy. :P
    See you later ;)
  • Capoune


    Hi Panda!

    A nice flight onboard this UA Premier Plus cabin.
    Thank you for sharing.

    Take care

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hi Seb,

    It's a comfortable cabin for sure. Hopefully I can try it again on a long haul.

    Ciao.
  • Casper


    You're brave amigo for this overnight in Y. Thanks for this report.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hola Casper,

    I rather take an overnight before waking up early the next day. ;)

    See you later amigo.
  • Alex


    Hello Jetsetpanda,

    Thank you for sharing this nice report.

    Alex

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hi Alex,

    Thanks for commenting.

    See you.

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