Unveiling the United 787 Premium Plus Experience: A Journey from Hong Kong to Bangkok
Imagine a unique travel experience, a glimpse into the world of premium economy on a United Airlines Boeing 787. This is a story of a short yet memorable flight, a journey that offers a glimpse into the world between economy and business class.
United's 787 Premium Plus: A Unique In-Between Experience
As I embarked on this journey, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity. United's Premium Plus, a class often overlooked, promises an enhanced experience. But is it truly a step up from economy, or does it fall short of business class expectations?
The United Club in Hong Kong, a rare gem outside the US, brought back a flood of memories. It's one of those hidden gems that makes travel so special. United's strategy of utilizing its 787-9 aircraft with a tag flight between Hong Kong and Bangkok is an interesting move, offering a unique travel option for passengers.
Ticket Pricing: A Complex Picture
Here's where it gets interesting. Ticket prices vary significantly depending on your origin. While flights originating in the USA offer reasonable deals, tickets between HKG and BKK can be pricier, even when compared to competitors like Cathay Pacific. It's a pricing strategy that might leave some travelers scratching their heads.
Upgrading with PlusPoints: A Challenging Task
I attempted to upgrade using PlusPoints, but the system presented a challenge. It would have taken a significant number of points (80) to move from my economy class fare to business, and even a modest upgrade to Premium Plus required 20 points. A missed opportunity, especially on my last flight as a Premier 1K.
The Premium Plus Cabin: A Unique Layout
The Premium Plus section, located behind business class, offers a unique 2-3-2 configuration with 21 seats. I was fortunate to have an aisle seat in the first row, with the middle seat remaining empty. The purple seats, while not my preferred color, offer a welcome upgrade in width and recline compared to economy, with leg rests that provide additional comfort.
A Comfortable Seat, But...
For a short flight, the seat is perfectly adequate, and even for longer daytime flights, it's a comfortable option. However, I can't help but feel that it falls short of the business class experience. Sleeping on this seat would be a challenge, despite the neck pillows provided by United.
A Personalized Welcome: A Nice Touch
The purser's personal introduction to passengers, offering a warm welcome and some light details, was a pleasant surprise. It's these small touches that can make a flight memorable.
Breakfast: A Mixed Bag
Breakfast was served after takeoff, offering a choice between congee and scrambled eggs. I opted for eggs, which were excellent, served with sausage, potatoes, and fruit. However, the croissant left much to be desired, a disappointing addition to an otherwise enjoyable meal.
Flight Time: Shorter Than Expected
Although the flight was scheduled for three hours, the actual flight time was closer to two hours. A pleasant surprise, but one that might leave some passengers feeling a little rushed.
A Comprehensive Review Coming Soon
I'll be delving deeper into the seat features, in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, service, amenities, and lavatory situation in my full trip report. Stay tuned for a detailed review.
In Summary: A Nice Upgrade, But...
United's Premium Plus offers a nice upgrade over economy class, but it's a far cry from the luxury of business class. It's a unique experience, one that leaves you with a sense of curiosity and a desire to explore more. So, is Premium Plus worth it? That's a question I'll leave for you to ponder. What are your thoughts on this unique travel class? Feel free to share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
