United Premium Plus Review: Is It Worth It?

Economy class might be the least expensive option for flying, but the basic amenities and lack of comfort can make a long-haul journey feel never-ending. Luckily, many airlines are incorporating new, higher tier products, such as United’s Premium Plus.

With wider seats, extra recline, footrests, upgraded dining, and priority services, this premium economy option is designed for travelers looking for a relaxing flight experience. Whether you’re taking a long-haul United Premium Plus international flight or upgrading for a smoother domestic journey, the added perks can make a notable difference. 

But is United Premium Plus worth it? Here, we’re reviewing United Premium Plus benefits, how the experience can change between aircrafts, and the comparisons between United Premium Plus vs business and United Economy Plus vs premium economy.

Key takeaways

• United Premium Plus is more comfortable than economy, with wider seats, extra recline, and footrests.
• Passengers enjoy priority boarding, two free checked bags, and premium food and drink options on board.
• It is available on key routes in Europe, Asia, and South America, plus select domestic routes.
• While better than economy, United Premium Plus lacks lie-flat seats and lounge access (except for United Club members).
• Going’s Elite membership is great for nailing those hard-to-find discounts on Premium Plus United Airlines tickets.

Going experts’ United Premium Plus review & score

United Premium Plus can be a noticeable step up from economy, but in the end, the quality of the experience depends on the aircraft and route. The United Premium Plus 787 and 777 configurations offer some of the best layouts thanks to their wider seats, extra recline, and leg rests, which make long-haul flights far more comfortable.

The in-flight dining experience is a definite plus for this product, with upgraded meals and complimentary alcoholic beverages. However, it’s not quite at the level of business class, and some travelers may find the difference between United Premium Plus vs Premium Economy meals is not as dramatic.

One of the best United Premium Plus perks is the enhanced service. This category also comes with a generous baggage policy allowing for two free checked bags, which can be extra helpful for a frequent traveler. Polaris Lounge access, however, is limited for United Premium Plus ticket holders. 

Overall, is United Premium Plus worth it? If you’re on a long-haul international route and want added comfort without the steep price tag of Polaris, then it’s a great choice. However, for shorter flights or routes with limited seat upgrades, the difference may not justify the cost. If you find a good deal—especially by signing up for Going’s fare alerts—it’s a worthwhile investment for a better flying experience.

Expert score: 7/10

Become a Going Elite member to score the lowest prices in premium classes.

What to know about United Premium Plus class

United Premium Plus vs Economy Plus

While both United Premium Plus and  Economy Plus provide more comfort than standard economy, there is one key difference: Economy Plus mainly offers extra legroom, but it still shares the same cabin, meal service, and boarding process as regular economy passengers. 

On the other hand, Premium Plus United Airlines is a separate class with significantly more spacious seats, premium meal service, complimentary alcoholic beverages, and priority boarding. The difference in seat width, recline, and extra perks, such as noise-reducing headphones and larger entertainment screens, make Premium Plus a more enjoyable experience, especially on long-haul flights. 

Which domestic routes have United Premium Plus?

While United Premium Plus is primarily designed for international flights, it is also available on some domestic transcontinental routes where longer travel times make the upgrade worthwhile. Passengers flying between major hubs such as New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Newark (EWR), or Chicago (ORD) and Honolulu (HNL) may appreciate Premium Plus seats. However, availability can vary depending on the aircraft assigned to the route, so it’s always best to check before booking.

United Premium Plus international routes

United Premium Plus international flights provide a solid middle ground between economy and business class that’s great for long-haul flights. This option is commonly available on routes to major European destinations like London, Paris, and Frankfurt, as well as Asian hubs such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Travelers heading to South America, including São Paulo and Buenos Aires, may also find United Airlines Premium Plus seats on their aircraft.

Which planes have United Premium Plus? 

United Premium Plus 787-10 Dreamliner

The Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner is one of the most modern aircraft in United’s fleet. The United Premium Plus seats are spacious, with more recline, legroom, and a larger entertainment screen compared to older aircraft.

The Dreamliner’s advanced cabin pressurization and humidity control make long-haul flights more comfortable, which can help you sleep better and reduce jet lag. Additionally, larger windows with electronic dimming, quieter engines, and a more private Premium Plus section make it one of the best aircraft for this fare class, especially for longer flights.

United Premium Plus 777-200 & 777-300ER

The Boeing 777-200 and 777-300ER are some of the most common wide-body aircraft in United’s long-haul fleet, and they often have a well-equipped Premium Plus cabin. 

The seats are wide and well-padded, with additional recline and legroom, but because the 777s are older aircraft, some passengers may find the seating design a bit more dated compared to the 787-10. The entertainment screens are large, and passengers receive the usual Premium Plus perks, including noise-reducing headphones and premium meal service. Cabin noise is slightly higher than on the Dreamliner, and the seat layout on some configurations can feel a bit more cramped.

United 767-300 Premium Plus

The Boeing 767-300 is the smallest of the aircraft that offer United Premium Plus, and this can have both advantages and drawbacks. The cabin is more intimate, with fewer seats, which can create a quieter, more relaxed experience. However, because the 767 is an older aircraft, some of the features feel slightly outdated.

The seats are comfortable but may lack some of the sleek design elements found on United’s newer planes. Additionally, the overhead bins and windows are smaller, which might make the cabin feel a bit more confined.

Disclaimer: Not all United flights offer Premium Plus seating, so it’s essential to verify the aircraft type when booking to ensure you’ll receive the extra comfort and benefits expected with this fare class.

Examples of deals we've found for our members in United Premium Plus 

Finding affordable United Premium Plus fares can be a challenge, but Going helps members secure incredible discounts. Some of the best deals we’ve found include:

• Dallas to Tokyo for $2,403 roundtrip
• New York City to Zürich for $1,379 roundtrip
• Columbus to Dublin for $1,351 roundtrip
• Chicago to Manila for $1,998 roundtrip

What does United Premium Plus include?

The United Premium Plus experience in the air

United Premium Plus seats

One of the biggest advantages of United Premium Plus is the upgraded seating. The seats are wider and more padded, with up to 38 inches of pitch, giving you more legroom to stretch out. They also come with adjustable leg rests and footrests, offering extra comfort—especially on long-haul flights. The seat recline is also noticeably deeper, making it easier to relax and sleep compared to standard economy seats.

Amenities & perks

United Premium Plus benefits include plush blankets and pillows from Saks Fifth Avenue. Unlike in economy, passengers also receive noise-reducing headphones to enhance their in-flight entertainment experience. On international routes, amenity kits are provided, featuring basic travel essentials like an eye mask, socks, and skincare items, helping passengers stay refreshed during long flights.

Meals & alcohol

While the meals might not be at the level of United Polaris Business Class, the dining options in Premium Plus are a step above what’s served in economy. Passengers receive chef-curated meals, typically served on real dinnerware with metal cutlery, making the experience feel like a gourmet restaurant. Another big question is: Is alcohol free on United Premium Plus? The answer is yes! Passengers receive complimentary alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits.

For travelers flying United Premium Plus international, meals are generally more substantial, with a choice of entrees and additional snacks throughout the flight. On shorter domestic routes, the meal service may be more limited but still includes upgraded food and drink options compared to standard economy.

Entertainment

It is almost impossible to be bored on a United Premium Plus flight, as passengers have access to a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, games, and even live TV on select flights. Besides, each seat comes with noise-reducing headphones, which provide a better listening experience than standard earbuds.

But, does United Premium Plus get free Wifi? Unfortunately, passengers must purchase a Wifi plan based on the flight duration. However, United does offer free messaging services, allowing travelers to stay connected via apps like iMessage and WhatsApp.

How to book United Premium Plus

Can you upgrade to United Premium Plus after purchase?

If you have already bought your United ticket and have decided you want to fly in United Premium Plus instead, don’t worry. Passengers can upgrade to this category even after booking. The process can be done through the United Airlines website, mobile app, or at check-in, provided there are available seats. The cost of the upgrade depends on the route, demand, and timing, but last-minute upgrades, when available, may be available at a discounted rate compared to booking Premium Plus from the start.

How do I upgrade to United Premium Plus for free?

Frequent flyers with United MileagePlus Premier status have the best chance of securing a free upgrade to Premium Plus. In general, complimentary upgrades are granted based on availability and elite status ranking. This means that Premier 1K and Platinum members receive priority.

If there’s availability, some travelers may also receive free upgrades through United’s PlusPoints system, which allows MileagePlus members to use points for upgrades.

Using credit cards to book United Premium Plus

If you fly with United Airlines often, using a co-branded United credit card can be a smart way to earn miles and receive travel perks. Depending on the card, benefits might include things like earning bonus miles on purchases, receiving a free checked bag, gaining priority boarding, or even qualifying for upgrades. These perks make it easier to afford Premium Plus or even earn enough miles to upgrade to business class in the future.

To learn more about what these cards typically offer, check out our guide on the best airline credit cards.

Join Going to catch the best United Premium Plus deals

Going makes it easy to track affordable United Premium Plus fares tailored to your preferences. Our team constantly searches for discounted fares and mistake prices, ensuring that members get notified when Premium Plus tickets drop in price. With Going’s Elite membership, you don’t have to spend hours searching for high-class ticket deals—we bring them to you in the most convenient way. Sign up today, and never overpay for United Premium Plus again!