This was published 1 year ago
Airline review: United Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, premium economy (Premium Plus), Los Angeles to Sydney
Premium Plus is the real deal – a separate cabin with only 21 seats in a 2-3-2 arrangement.
THE FLIGHT
Flight UA839, Los Angeles to Sydney; Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in Premium Plus, seat 21D; scheduled flight time is 14 hours and 55 minute, however, a maintenance issue causes a 1.5-hour delay. Once daily.
THE LOYALTY SCHEME
Welcome design features include an adjustable footrest and a tray table in the armrest rather than attached to the seat in front. Credit: Wayne Slezak
United MileagePlus, part of the Star Alliance network. A new partnership between United Airlines and Virgin Australia, means Velocity members can earn and redeem points on United flights.
CARBON EMISSIONS
Passengers can offset their flight using United's global charity partner, Conservation International (CI). According to CI's calculator (united.conservation.org), this flight produces 0.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide and would cost $US16.63 ($26.10) to offset.
HEALTH
Despite signs throughout LAX saying that masks must be worn at all times, very few passengers or staff are doing so. The advice on the Los Angeles County website is that masks are "strongly recommended" on public transport and in airports. During the flight, masks are not required and disinfectant wipes are provided on boarding. Passengers can check the latest health requirements in the Travel-Ready Center in the United app.
CHECKING IN
I'm connecting via a United Airlines flight from New York so am spared the ordeal of checking in again at LAX. However, staff assure me that the process is painless because Premium Plus passengers can use the separate Premier Access line at check-in and security. The flight also leaves from Terminal 7, United's dedicated hub at LAX, which benefited from a $US573 million upgrade in 2018, including additional check-in kiosks and more automated screening lines.
THE SEAT
Previously, United's only "premium" offering was Economy Plus, which is an economy seat with an additional 15 centimetres of legroom. Premium Plus, however, is the real deal – a separate cabin with only 21 seats in a 2-3-2 arrangement. The seats themselves are larger (48 centimetres wide; 96.5 centimetres of pitch) and considerably more comfortable. Even when the person in front reclines, there's still an 18-centimetre gap between my knees and their seat. Among the other premium touches are a pair of slippers, a snazzy amenities kit and a luxurious Saks Fifth Avenue pillow and blanket. Welcome design features include an adjustable footrest and a tray table in the armrest rather than attached to the seat in front. Questionable ones include a power outlet inside the narrow armrest storage compartment (so my adaptor doesn't fit) and not sealing the bottom of the seatback storage pouch in front (so things keeps falling out).
BAGGAGE
Two pieces of checked luggage (up to 23 kilograms each), one carry-on bag and one personal item.
ENTERTAINMENT
There's a wide range of movies, box sets, games, podcasts and music delivered via a responsive 33-centimetre touch-sensitive screen with noise reducing headphones. Useful features include IMDB movie ratings, a favourites system and the ability to preview what will be showing beforehand using the United app. There's also the option to play content through a laptop or tablet for free via the onboard Wi-Fi. The use of messaging apps such as Messenger and WhatsApp is also complimentary but full-blown Wi-Fi access costs $US17.99.
SERVICE
Unpredictable. One cabin crew member is attentive and fun ("I'll give you the plastic cup, it holds more wine"); another is brusque and uninterested ("It's either chicken or turkey"). It takes three attempts to get my screen reset when it freezes, however, when I ask for a cup of tea, it's delivered promptly with a smile. Premium Plus passengers get priority boarding and have dedicated overhead bin space.
FOOD
A notable upgrade from economy. Dishes are served plated on a tray with proper cutlery, a cloth napkin and a wine glass. My Thai chicken curry dinner is filling and flavoursome and the breakfast oatmeal with horchata, pear and cranberries is deliciously different. The wine choice, however, is disappointing (only one red and one white and both are underwhelming), as is the mid-flight sandwich, which turns out to be turkey.
ONE MORE THING
Premium Plus passengers can buy discounted access to Terminal 7's United Club Lounge while booking online for $US35 (normally $US59). While not as fancy as the separate Polaris business class lounge, it's still a lovely, light-filled space with plenty of seating, a standalone bar and a rare outdoor terrace.
THE VERDICT
United's long-awaited premium offering is a significant upgrade from both economy and economy plus. It might not have all the bells and whistles found in other carriers' premium cabins but it's still a game-changer on a flight of this length.
OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★★
Rob McFarland travelled as a guest of Aurora Expeditions (auroraexpeditions.com.au) and was upgraded by United Airlines (united.com).
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