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United Airlines expands Premium Plus cabins amid growing demand

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United Airlines expands Premium Plus cabins amid growing demand
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Zach Griff Senior reporter | The Points Guy

United Airlines is set to expand its Premium Plus cabin in response to increasing demand for premium economy seats. The Chicago-based airline plans to add more high-end seating options, including Polaris suites and domestic first-class recliners, as well as premium recliners on long-haul flights.

During the company's second-quarter earnings call, United's chief commercial officer, Andrew Nocella, acknowledged that the airline had underestimated the demand for its premium economy product when it was introduced in the late 2010s. "We undersized the Premium Plus cabin," Nocella stated. "And that's a cabin, I think, that's generating very good returns, and the one that we'll probably lean more into going forward."

United debuted its distinct Premium Plus cabin in 2019 to offer a higher-end experience than coach at a more affordable price than Polaris business class. By 2023, this offering was available across United's entire long-haul fleet.

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Premium Plus passengers enjoy some business class perks such as priority check-in and boarding. Onboard amenities include larger recliners similar to domestic first class and enhanced meals compared to those in the main cabin.

Despite being popular with customers seeking higher-end seats, Premium Plus currently occupies a small section of United's planes. For example, on Boeing 777-300ER aircrafts, only 24 out of all seats are designated as Premium Plus.

Nocella highlighted expanding these premium offerings as one of United's significant growth opportunities. "Premium Plus is, I think, really a very exciting opportunity as a mid-range product," he remarked.

This trend aligns with other U.S. airlines' strategies; Delta Air Lines plans to reevaluate its cabin layouts while American Airlines aims to increase its mix of premium seats by 50% by decade’s end.

United’s expansion comes alongside preparations for introducing next-generation Polaris products featuring ultra-luxurious studio suites on some Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners—alongside enhancements within their Premium Plus sections too.

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