With excellent service, good comfort and food, this was a more interesting proposition than expected. United Airlines premium economy to Hawaii.
With excellent service, good comfort and food, this was a more interesting proposition than expected. United Airlines premium economy to Hawaii.
I wish they had done this sooner. I had terrible back pain after 10 hours flight from same flight Dulles to Honolulu last Christmas 2022. I was bunked when they offered premium seat which wasn’t really premium. Regular blue seat with extra legroom. Then, I took Hawaiian Airlines to LAX with their premium seat, which was a lot nicer.
I liked your article on UA Premium Seating Plus. My wife and I along with another couple and are traveling UA Polaris/First from Boston with a 1hr stop in LAX. Is there anything you can provide re what experience we can expect during our flights such as Bluetooth vs Plug noise cancelation headphones; are pillows provided; is there a need for neck pillows when sitting upright? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Hi Stephen.
We don’t recall getting pillows recently in the United First. Just in Polaris. We had them between Hawaii and Denver (which they called Plaris) and between Europe and the mainland in real Polaris. Others may have had different experiences they can share.
On the Bluetooth, it seems to just vary by which planes have had that upgrade and which have not. We’ve had those on Dreamliner, and 737 recently.
Aloha.
I have flown from ORD to HNL in premium economy many times. I love it. I always book well in advance so that I can get a seat in the first row of premium economy. The leg room is fantastic in that row (at least on the Dreamliner), though there’s no place to store things during takeoff and landing. I’m a little concerned because I’m planning an October flight, and I see very few premium economy options. Does anyone know if United is phasing out premium economy on the Dreamliner?
We always fly American’s premium economy from DFW to Hawaii. We always get a pillow and blanket, but this year they included headphones, socks, and eye covers. Everyone on American’s Flagship gets a meal, not just the upgrade seats. Those who pay for preferred seats in economy w/more leg room get free cocktails as well.
I have flown UA PE from DEN to LHR and LHR to ORD. I like it for the extra room compared to Economy on long haul. I really don’t get too excited over the food or amenity kit. It’s all about the extra room. Biz is usually out of my budget so it’s a nice compromise.
Excellent thoughts and review of UA Premium Economy to Hawaii. As a million miler lifetime premiere Gold, I fly UA a lot on the mainland, but not so much anymore to Hawaii. I have really enjoyed HA’s AUS/HNL nonstop over the past few years. However as I have stated before, HA’s new 787 product is a good change, but their seating configuration in economy, and no premium economy product is discouraging. I might have to consider flying UA again to Hawaii.
Aloha!
United’s Premium Plus is the exact same seat as American’s Premium Economy, but having flown both recently to/from Latin America, there’s a world of difference in service.
United’s service was friendly, even cheerful, helpful, and attentive. While the boarding drink, as always, was served in a plastic cup, wine was served in a proper glass with dinner.
The kindest thing I can say about American’s service is that it was indifferent. Flight attendants couldn’t be bothered to make eye contact, and their beverage service used plastic cups throughout, including with dinner.
Hi,
I just flew AA PE to HNL from DFW on Jan 23, I had no complaints at all. The cabin crew was cheerful and attentive, beverage service (coffee for me) was served in a china mug (came back twice to top off).
I have to stand often to stretch bad knees and had a nice chat with them in the galley section. Even though the return flight was badly late, the crew was just as nice.
I actually avoid UA because of the hideous 772 FC seating and often cold fish crews. Totally opposite experience right??? 😀
Best Regards
Have you ever done a ranking list of all the airline/seating option types available from the various airline?
I’m flying Delta Comfort + in May, originally it too was scheduled on a 767, but it’s been abruptly changed to an A330 a few days ago. Demand seems to be picking up for the late spring “slow” season. Folks trying to lower costs of travel to the islands may be a factor. In regard to First Class on these Delta 767s? Don’t do it. The lie flat seating is short, Very uncomfortable, and confining. You actually have to position your arm in a slot under the window side armrest to be able to fit Before you can even fully recline the seat…
Hi Jay.
We get it about uncomfortable lie-flat seating. Many people complain about the current Hawaiian A330 Optimares lie-flats. They’re quite odd. After many attempts, we get them to work by pushing up as high as possible to the top of the seat when flat. Otherwise, legs hang out in the aisle. Also, United has some super-short lie-flat seats – on the 757-200.
Aloha.
There wasn’t much in the way of reasonably (for this route anyway) priced Biz/First class back to the CONUS at the end of May (most were 767’s and 757’s at the time of booking) so I opted instead to fly Hawaiian P Economy ( $700 ish)to LAS (leaves at ~ 08:00 HST and arrives ~ 3:30 pm local LAS). Visit some friends then fly back on SW Biz Select $320. WAAAAY Mod Bedda if you know what I mean… 😀
Best Regards
So I equate the United Econ Plus to what used to be called Business Class on some flights back in the past. The layout is the same, if a little more roomy on some flights, and the service is at or about that level.
Hi Stan.
That’s very true.
Aloha.