United Airlines Premium Plus (Boeing 787-8/9)

Since its’ introduction, I haven’t had a chance to fly in this United Premium Plus, or “Purple Section” as sometimes called. I don’t usually fly United Airlines that much, but I’ve had such a great experience with them as much as I can remember. Like Alaska Airlines (my favorite), United staff offers great customer service overall.

Having flown over hundred thousand miles in domestic flights during this COVID-19, I’ve learnt to set a very-low expectations for all flights until things are back to normal. 

Being a United Mileage Plus Platinum elite means that I could select a Premium Plus seat for me and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.

The ground experience for my flight out of San Francisco (SFO) to Newark (EWR) was a great one. United Airline offers up to 70lbs per bag on its domestic flights, and I personally think this is a great gesture by the airline. Since I could barely check-in any bag above 50lbs on Alaska even with my MVP GOLD 75K status. But even with that, Alaska is still my favorite airline of all time.

Being able to still access an airport lounge during this pandemic has been a plus, and The Centurion Lounge SFO saved the day before this flight. With limited time on my hands (lounge opens at 8am, boarding starts at 8:10am – international terminal, flight departs at 9am), I quickly grabbed a light breakfast at the lounge before heading to the boarding gate.

My flight UA2244 SFO – EWR boarded at Gate G6, which is located in the international terminal at San Francisco International Airport. This flight had earlier arrived from Delhi, India. While United operates most of its domestic flights out of Terminal 3 in SFO, many of its transcon flights usually departs from Terminal G (international terminal).

Boarding was almost completed with no passenger waiting at the boarding gate, I quickly scanned my boarding pass and walked down the jet bridge. The moment I walked into the aircraft; admittedly I was impressed.

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The Premium Plus seats are identical to the First Class seats on some Airbus A320s. The seat does have a footrest. Although in my own opinion, I felt like the footrest could be better since you could barely stretch your legs.

My seat 20D was located at the front row of the United Premium Plus cabin, and the seat featured its own personal screen tucked on one side of the seat, tray table tucked in the armrest, AC power outlet, USB port, and a mini storage for small items. Although this small storage had some crumbs in it. There were crumbs also on the floor which proves that the aircraft wasn’t properly cleaned after the previous flight.

As pictured above, the entertainment / remote controller is located on one side of the seat.

Noise canceling Headsets are provided in Premium Plus. Although the headphones didn’t cancel out the noise entirely, but it was more than okay. And in case you missed it, United recently sent change fees packing forever. 

Inflight service was more than okay, although with no amenity kit and no blanket or pillow provided. About an hour into the flight, the first round of beverage service was conducted. An all-in-one snack bag containing a hand sanitizer, wafer, pretzels, and bottled water was distributed. Only non-alcoholic drinks were being offered in Premium Plus cabin.

The flight attendants were also coming through regularly asking if one needs anything or not.

Entertainment wise; the flight had more than enough movies (old and new releases) available. More than enough that I don’t think anyone would run out of options even on a round-trip long-haul flight. There were also more than enough TV shows available on the flight.

My favorite part of the United Polaris entertainment was the ’Relax Mode’. With seat reclined, nature videos of National Parks showing on the screen, plus some slow classical music in the background. It felt like the flight was headed to Paradise.

The lavatory featured a touchless technology. I found this to be very useful as this will ensure less surface touching for passengers. With the world still battling with the global pandemic, this element of health and safety is an added plus.

Bottom line:

It was a smooth ride from San Francisco to Newark. Great service overall I must say. We landed at 4:45 pm, about 30 minutes earlier than estimated.
Though the Premium Plus seat wasn’t in any way comparable to a lie-flat seat, but I honestly wouldn’t mind flying it again and again, even on international routes that is less than or equal to 8 hours. I just wish the seat reclines even further, and the footrest much better than it is.

Have you flown United Premium Plus before? If not, will you spend some extra bucks (typically a little over hundred) to sit in this cabin? Share your thoughts below.