United Airlines (Chicago) today introduced its first aircraft equipped with flat-bed seats in a revamped premium cabin, all-new interiors, personal on-demand entertainment, Wi-Fi connectivity, in-seat power and USB ports on its transcontinental “p.s.” Premium Service. United flight 651, the first flight with the completely new cabin experience, departed Los Angeles International Airport this morning to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
United offers its p.s. service on all nonstop flights between New York Kennedy and both Los Angeles, with 40 flights each way per week, and San Francisco, with 46 flights each way per week.
The fully refreshed interior offers 28 flat-bed premium-cabin seats, replacing the 12 angled lie-flat and 26 reclining seats in the premium cabins on the traditional p.s. fleet. The new configuration also features 48 extra-legroom Economy Plus seats and 66 seats in United Economy.
United’s customers traveling on p.s. flights will experience a higher level of service in the air and on the ground, including amenities usually reserved for long-haul international flights according to the airline.
The reconfigured p.s. aircraft will offer travelers:
- New Seats: Customers in the premium cabin enjoy 180-degree flat-bed seats, which offer up to 6’4″ of sleeping space and more storage.
- Inflight Entertainment: Customers throughout the aircraft have access to personal on-demand entertainment featuring a newly designed interactive touchscreen and more than 150 hours of programming. Individual monitors are 15.4″ in the premium cabin and 9″ in United Economy.
- Inflight Dining: United gives premium-cabin customers several dining options and wine selections recommended by Doug Frost, United’s Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.
- Inflight Connectivity: Customers throughout the aircraft can opt to stay connected with Gogo® inflight Internet service. The aircraft also features power outlets and USB ports in every seat.
- On the Ground Perks: Customers in the premium cabin and premier-level MileagePlus members have access to United Premier Access check-in and priority boarding lanes. Premium-cabin customers also have access to United Club locations at New York Kennedy, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Copyright Photo Below: United Airlines.
United launched p.s. service in 2004, becoming the first airline to offer premium international-style service on transcontinental flights, including lie-flat seats and personal entertainment devices for United First customers, and reclining seats in United Business. In 2009, United began offering Gogo® inflight Internet service to customers on p.s. flights.
In October 2012, United became the first airline to offer regularly scheduled service with 180-degree flat beds in premium cabins on these routes. These aircraft also feature extra-legroom Economy Plus seating and personal on-demand entertainment throughout the aircraft.
The newly configured p.s. aircraft that United is introducing today offer a similar but expanded premium cabin, an upgraded inflight entertainment system and Gogo® inflight Internet service.
United anticipates launching more reconfigured aircraft into service in June. Until then, most flights on these routes will offer the traditional p.s. service. United expects to reconfigure the entire p.s. fleet by the end of the year. Until the project is complete, the airline will operate these flights with a mix of aircraft.
Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 757-224 N14102 (msn 27292) departs from Los Angeles International Airport.
United Airlines: 
