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United Airlines Premium Economy: What You Need to Know
United's premium economy fare offers seats in a separate cabin, discounted lounge access, select complimentary food and free alcohol.
Benjamin Din is a lead travel writer at NerdWallet. He previously was a technology reporter at Politico, where he authored a daily newsletter covering tech and telecom policy.
Benjamin loves to travel — both for work and for fun. He’s reported from three continents and visited more than 45 countries. He has written for The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News, The Washington Post, The San Francisco Chronicle and The (Johannesburg) Star, as well as covered two Olympics with NBC Sports.
His goal is to visit a new country and a new state each year.
Meghan Coyle is an editor on the Travel Rewards team and the co-host of the Smart Travel podcast. She covers travel credit cards, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. Meghan is based in Los Angeles and has a love-hate relationship with LAX.
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United Airlines offers a premium economy product on international long-haul and select transcontinental routes. Known as Premium Plus, it offers United flyers extra comfort without the high price tag of business class. While it doesn't come with lie-flat seats, you can expect larger seats in a semi-separate cabins, complimentary alcohol and two free checked bags.
Here’s what to expect with United Premium Plus and how to book it with MileagePlus miles.
What to expect flying premium economy with United
(Photo by Benjamin Din/NerdWallet)
Many airlines now offer premium economy, as passengers increasingly look to upgrade their travel experience. On United, your Premium Plus experience may differ depending on the route you fly, but there are some things you should expect no matter what.
Bag allowance
United Premium Plus passengers get two free checked bags as part of their ticket, plus dedicated overhead bin space for their carry-ons. If you're flying in standard economy, you don't get any free checked bags on domestic flights and only one checked bag on select international flights. (While certain United Airlines credit cards offer cardholders one or two free bags, keep in mind that those don't stack with your Premium Plus baggage allowance.)
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Premier Access
If you're flying in Premium Plus, you also get Premier Access travel benefits, including dedicated airport check-in lines, exclusive security lanes at select airports, priority bag handling and priority boarding. Those flying in economy do not get Premier Access benefits unless they have United elite status, Star Alliance Gold status, an eligible United credit card or have purchased the Premier Access add-on. Passengers flying in business class, first class or United Polaris also receive Premier Access.
United’s Premium Plus seats are up to 19 inches wide and feature a 38-inch seat pitch, providing up to 7 more inches of legroom than most standard economy and Economy Plus seats. Seats also recline 6 inches, meaning you have more room to spread out and get comfy.
Since the seats are bigger, there are also less seats per row compared to economy. As seen in the image above of United’s Boeing 777-200, the Premium Plus cabin has eight seats per row while the economy cabin has 10 seats per row. Note that depending on the plane, the number of seats per row may differ, but there will still be less seats per row in Premium Plus vs. economy. Typically, United's Premium Plus cabins feature a 2-2-2, 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 configuration.
Premium Plus seats are closer to the front of the plane so you can get to your seat and off the plane faster, and each has an adjustable leg rest, footrest, power outlet and USB outlet.
Which economy fare do you go for when flying United?
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
"I exclusively book standard economy when I fly on United. Generally, I'm traveling with a roller bag and a backpack, both of which would cost extra if I booked in basic economy. I also like being able to select my seat assignment at the time of booking."
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer, Travel Rewards
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
"Basic economy on United is wild because carry-on bags are not included on domestic flights. Luckily, I'm wild. Yes, I often travel with just a personal item. If you want a carry-on bag, most people are best off switching to standard economy. But if you're someone who packs practically nothing, basic economy on United is often unbeatable in terms of price."
Sally French
Lead Writer/ Spokesperson, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
"The only time I would ever consider basic economy is if on a short regional jet flight since it is always 2-2 seating, and you won't be stuck in a middle seat. As an elite status member and United credit card holder, I can still check a bag and enjoy early boarding."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
"United's premium economy offering can be worth the splurge, with a deeper recline, more legroom and significantly improved dining options. The giant screen is also a huge plus if you plan on watching movies. However, I found the storage space at the seat lacking, and the somewhat awkward footrest made it difficult to slide my backpack under the seat in front of me. Pro tip: If you want to be able to select a meal, try to reserve a seat in the first few rows. They'll often run out of meal choices by the time they get to the last row."
Benjamin Din
Lead Writer
Lounges
Premium Plus tickets do not come with lounge access. However, you’ll have access to discounted United Club passes when booking select long-haul international flights.
Entertainment
Don’t worry about bringing your own technology for entertainment purposes: Seatback screens in Premium Plus are up to 13 inches (compared with the standard 9 inches). On international flights, you’ll also get premium noise-reducing headphones and wellness amenity kits.
Food and beverages
United’s Premium Plus food choices are different from those provided to economy passengers. Expect to see one or two of the complimentary hot entree options offered to United's business or first class passengers, as well as salad, fruit and dessert, depending on the meal. You'll also get a more substantial pre-arrival meal compared to economy passengers.
(Photo by Benjamin Din/NerdWallet)
As a Premium Plus passenger, you may be able to preorder your meal up to five days before departure. Preorders generally close 24 hours prior to departure. If preorders aren't available, it can be a smart choice to choose a seat toward the front of the Premium Plus cabin, as popular menu items may go quickly.
Alcoholic beverages are also free in Premium Plus. In regular economy, alcoholic drinks are only free on transatlantic flights, flights between the U.S. and some South American countries, and certain transpacific flights.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You can access the menu for your flight ahead of time by viewing your trip details on the United app or website. Look for the link that says "View menu."
It’s not as easy or straightforward to find a Premium Plus fare as it is to locate, say, a business or first class ticket. Start on United.com and enter your travel dates and destinations.
Make sure to choose “Premium economy” where you see the cabin class and, if you want to book an award ticket, choose “Book with miles.” Then, select “Find flights” to start the search.
When the flight options populate, look under the premium economy column to see if a Premium Plus seat is available. You may encounter a ticket with the label “Mixed cabin.”
Some flights that include connections may not offer Premium Plus seating on all flight segments. It’s a good idea to look more closely at the ticket to view the seat type offered with the premium economy ticket. Select “Details” for any flight you’d like to view, and you will see the available seat type listed for each flight segment.
After choosing your flight, you’ll be able to select your seat choice as you complete the booking process. However, you can also preview the seats available by selecting “Seats,” which is right next to “Details.”
United Premium Plus vs. Economy Plus
United’s economy offerings are divided into four ticket types:
While Economy Plus and Premium Plus may sound similar, keep in mind that Premium Plus is United’s premium economy fare and comes with the perks mentioned above, including Premier Access, upgraded food, free alcoholic drinks, discounted United Club lounge access, baggage allowance, roomier seats in a separate cabin and a larger seatback screen.
Economy Plus, on the other hand, is an economy seat with extra legroom that’s typically located near the front of the economy cabin or by the exit row. Economy Plus is an option that you can purchase during or after booking a standard economy ticket. You can also purchase an annual Economy Plus subscription. If you’re a United elite member, you can select an Economy Plus seat for free when you buy a standard economy fare.
Economy Plus tickets don't include a free checked bag. However, if you use a United-branded credit card, you can get your bag fees waived, as well as enjoy priority boarding and, depending on the card, even access the United Club airport lounges. Credit card options include:
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Here’s how to get the most out of every Premium Plus award booking on United.
1. Book Premium Plus using United miles
Booking with miles is typically a great way to save money and get the best value out of points. In one search for flights from Los Angeles to London, an economy ticket cost $2,288 for a refundable fare or 30,000 miles for a valuation of 7.6 cents per mile. A Premium Plus fare cost $2,714 or 56,600 miles for a valuation of 4.8 cents per mile.
Since NerdWallet values United miles at 1.2 cents per mile, both of these tickets reflect a great use of miles. But ticket prices can vary greatly, so make sure to do the math before booking to see if you’re getting a good return on your mileage investment.
2. Book Premium Plus using Star Alliance partners
Since United is a member of Star Alliance, you may be able to find a good deal on award flights when booking a United Premium Plus ticket using partner airline miles. You can search for United award availability using programs like Avianca LifeMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
3. Take advantage of lounge pass discounts
If your flight includes multiple stops, the option to purchase a discounted lounge pass may come in handy to assuage the pain of long-haul international flights and extended layovers. You can purchase a pass during booking to guarantee access.
4. Travel off-peak to save miles
United doesn’t publish a set award chart. Instead, mileage requirements for award flights are based on a variety of factors, including demand. So booking during off-peak times and seasons may provide you with a better deal.
Hovering somewhere between business class and regular economy is United's Premium Plus product. It offers roomier seats in a separate cabin, free alcohol, upgraded meals, free checked bags and discounted United Club lounge access, but it comes with a higher price tag (although not as high as business class).
Additionally, not all flights offer Premium Plus, so it can be tricky to find. But if Premium Plus is available, it’s worth checking to see if you can score a good deal for long flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is United Premium Plus? What is United Premium Plus?
United’s premium economy product is called Premium Plus. It is available on all wide-body international flights. Premium Plus seats are larger and in a separate cabin.
When flying Premium Plus, passengers get enhanced food options, free alcoholic beverages, Premier Access, additional baggage allowance and upgraded entertainment options.
Does United Premium Plus get lounge access? Does United Premium Plus get lounge access?
Yes, those flying in Premium Plus receive discounted access to United Club lounges. United doesn’t disclose the cost of lounge access for Premium Plus passengers upfront, but the price of entry should be lower than the $59 United Club day pass. On one route, NerdWallet found they were $42 each.
Are United premium economy tickets refundable? Are United premium economy tickets refundable?
Unless it's an involuntary change imposed by United (e.g., oversold flight, canceled flight, flight change or inability to accommodate a passenger in a premium cabin), Premium Plus seats are nonrefundable if canceled more than 24 hours after booking.
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