Airline review: United Airlines Economy Plus, San Francisco to Sydney

DURATION

14 hours 55 minutes.

FREQUENCY

Daily.

THE SEAT

The Economy Plus seats offer five inches (12.7 centimetres) of extra legroom and are to the front of the economy cabin, which means first choice of meals and a quicker exit. The seats are the same width (18 inches or 45.7 centimetres) as standard economy. My aisle seat had a disconcerting view of Business Class passengers (who unfortunately face backwards) so I could see them during their meal service.

BAGGAGE

One piece of checked luggage weighing 23 kilograms plus one item of hand luggage and a personal item.

ENTERTAINMENT

I used to dread travelling on United's ageing 747s because of the antiquated entertainment system, or lack thereof. The 777s blessedly feature seat-back touchscreens, albeit teeny-weeny – at 17.8cm by 10 cm, not much bigger than my phone. The on-demand system (operable from gate to gate) features 29 relatively new releases as well as three Tribeca Film Festival selections. Wi-Fi is also now available on board.

COMFORT

Several passengers from standard economy were moved to spare Economy Plus seats, with much excitement and chatter. And I must say, that little bit of extra legroom makes all the difference on a long-haul flight, making the extra outlay (about $240 for an aisle or window) well worth considering. Blankets and reasonably sized pillows are available, but no other amenities or extras.

SERVICE

The cabin crew were cheery and professional, coming through at regular intervals during the night to offer water. A request for an extra blanket was met with a smile and prompt service.

FOOD

In this age of budgetary cuts, it's astonishing that United has just upgraded its economy food and beverage service. It now offers a multi-course evening meal, with salad, an edible bread roll, cheese and crackers, and a gelato dessert. There were two choices for the main meal: a turkey meatloaf served with mashed sweet potato and vegetables, and a vegetarian pasta dish. I was delighted to find that the vegie ravioli with red pepper sauce was delicious and substantial in portion, served with a side of quinoa salad. Yes, quinoa. Arguably one of the better airline meals I've eaten. And, joy of joys, beer and wine are now available at no extra cost.

ONE MORE THING

There are only five bathrooms in the entire economy cabin, which means you often have to queue in the aisles.

THE VERDICT

Keep your customers well fed and occupied with movies, and there will be fewer complaints. This was my first flight with United where passengers and staff didn't appear grumpy and disgruntled. A much improved performance, United – bravo! See www.united.com.

Note: United announced last week that it plans to replace its Boeing 777-200 planes with new 787-9 Dreamliners on its Sydney routes from the end of March next year.

Tested by Julie Miller, who flew courtesy of United Airlines.