United Airlines has been talking about this all year, and the "p.S Premium Service" cabins are finally here.
The new premium cabin configurations have been installed on the 15 Boeing 757-200s that fly designated long-haul domestic p.S. routes: currently limited to JFK to LAX and JFK to SFO.
The new configurations include 28 lie-flat United BusinessFirst seats that offer a full 180 degrees of flatness with 6 feet and 4 inches of actual sleeping space.
There's also 42 of the EconomyPlus seats with extra legroom.
Other premium features on aircraft flying these routes include an increasing push towards technology as a means of differentiation. This includes on-demand screens in every seat on p.S. flights, with screens coming in at 15.4 inches in BusinessFirst and 9 inches in Economy.
However, United has been a bit behind the push into certain tech amenities, such as WiFi.
Here's what the p.S. routes will feature:
- WiFi
- Power outlets with USB at each seat
- Two additional inches of legroom for those in premium economy
- Multi-course meals up front on most flights
- Selections from the airline's Master Sommelier
This marks the latest salvo in an increasingly turbulent competition for domestic long-haul business travelers who want to arrive rested and ready via red-eye flights.
Other airlines are already eagerly courting business travelers, with JetBlue even rolling out a premium first-class seating area on select flights this past year. Given the rebound in business travel, airlines are clearly doubling down to angle for market share and loyalty of this lucrative segment.