This was my first time flying United Airlines’ premium economy product aka “United Premium Plus” on a long-haul flight and I can honestly say that I was very impressed. The seat, service, and amenities provided were all top-notch and I think the overall product provides a great balance between business-class comfort and economy-class prices. In this trip report, I will review my United Premium Plus flight from Rome Fiumicino to Chicago O’Hare on their Boeing 787-10 aircraft.
United Premium Plus Ground Services
At Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino International Airpot (FCO), United operates from Terminal 3. Their check-in counters are located in area 406, at the very far end of the terminal. When you arrive at the terminal, make a left and walk all the way down to the end of the terminal. All flights bound for the United States will be located in this area.
On the ground, United provides their premium economy passengers with expedited check-in, baggage handling and boarding. Premium Plus passengers are invited to use the Premier Access lane for expedited check-in and Group 2 for priority boarding. At the time of my arrival, there was no one in line and check-in was a breeze.
VAT Refund at Rome Fiumicino Airport
If you went on a shopping spree and need to collect your VAT refund, you can now do so before or after security at Rome Fiumicino Airport. If you need to collect your refund for items to be checked in, you can get your refund from the respective companies in area 210 before dropping off your bags. Just make sure to get your boarding pass first.
But if you can carry your items in your carry-on baggage, you can get your refund after security. My recommendation is that you do so after security because the lines for the VAT refund companies (Planet, Global Blue, etc.) are very crowded prior to security. Also, if you used Planet or Global Blue, you no longer need to go to customs first to get a stamp. You can go straight to the company to process your refund. Also, if you want cash, then you will have to wait in line for an agent. If you are okay with a refund back to your credit card, you can use the kiosk.
United Premium Plus Lounge Access at Rome
Unfortunately, United does not provide their premium economy passengers with lounge access. However, if you have a Priority Pass membership, you can use the Plaza Premium Lounge or the Prime Class Lounge, both located in Terminal 3 in the E Gates area. On this trip, I used the Plaza Premium Lounge for a quick bite to eat. I didn’t have time to explore the Prime Class Lounge but from what I read, I think the Plaza Premium Lounge is the better of the two lounges.
United Airlines Boeing 787 Premium Plus
I left the lounge around 8:30 AM and made my way to gate E39 for my flight. Keep in mind that if your departure gate is E31 to E44, you will have to take an airport train to your gate. It’s not a very long ride but make sure to add a few extra minutes to get to your gate.
I got there a little early so I just took a seat and waited for boarding to be called. Boarding started with pre-boarders and then Group 1.
Flight: UA 971
Aircraft: Boeing 787-10
Rome (FCO) to Chicago (ORD)
Depart: 9:45 AM (9:44 AM actual) on Thursday
Arrive: 1:00 PM (1:12 PM actual) same day
Duration: 10hrs 28mns
Seat: 22F Premium Economy Class
This flight was operated with a one-year-old Boeing 787-10, registration N14019. This aircraft is equipped with three rows of premium economy class seating arranged in a 2-3-2 layout. According to aeroLOPA, these seats offer 18.7 inches in width and provide 38 inches of pitch. Each seat is equipped with a personal in-flight entertainment system, USB port, universal electrical outlet, and an overhead reading lamp. Additionally, each seat also features an adjustable headrest, leg rest, footrest, and a personal air vent.
On this flight, I self-selected seat 22F, an aisle seat located in the last row of the center column of seats. I like these seats in the last row because there is no one behind to kick or pull on your seat and you still get a full recline. I also don’t have to feel bad for having my seat reclined into someone’s face when they’re trying to work or whatever.
The USB port, electrical outlet, TV remote, and seat controls are all located on the inside armrest.
Storage-wise, you can store your belongings in the seatback pocket in front of you or in the small bin on the inside of your seat. Because this was the last row, you can also store your belongings behind your seat as well.
Entertainment-wise, the United entertainment system was loaded with a large selection of new Hollywood and international movies, TV shows, video games, and music entertainment. I was definitely able to find enough content to keep me entertained for the whole flight. WiFi was also provided on this flight and the prices were reasonable. And the best part, T-Mobile customers get free internet access.
Waiting at our seats were Sak’s Fifth Avenue branded pillows and blankets, an amenity kit, and a set of headphones. The headphones were nothing special but both the pillow and blanket were very nice. The pillow was plush and the blanket was large and super soft.
I really love United’s partnership with various companies and brands. I think they are unique (and quirky) and this amenity kit was no different. The particular kit was branded in partnership with the Wrexham AFC and it was pretty cool. I’m not the biggest soccer fan but again, I think it’s unique. The reusable canvas kit was branded with a simple Wrexham logo on the bottom and inside, there were socks, earplugs and a small pack of tissues. TheraFace branded hand cream, lip balm, and a cleansing towelette were also included along with a dental hygiene kit. **I’m doing an amenity kit giveaway with this post. Keep reading below to see how you can win one of these Wrexham-branded premium economy kits.**
As the final passengers were boarded, the Captain came on the PA to make his welcome announcements. He welcomed us on board and provided us with the details of our flight. We then pushed back from the gate and made our way to the runway for our 9-hour and 40-minute flight to Chicago.
Once we reached our cruising altitude, the seatbelt signs were turned off and the flight attendants prepared for our beverage service. I should note that the first service on this flight was very slow. It took about 45 minutes for the beverage cart to come down the aisle and the meal wasn’t served for another hour after that. It just felt very long. Drinks were served with a small bag of almonds.
For lunch, our options were either a chicken and rice or a vegetarian curry. I went with the chicken dish and it was pretty good. The rice pilaf was perfectly cooked and the chicken was moist and flavorful. The side Caesar salad though, was bitter and not great. The dessert was a package of chocolate truffles.
After lunch, my tray was taken away and the cabin lights were dimmed. The flight attendants then dimmed all the electronic window shades but did not lock them so that people could still control their own view.
Comfort-wise, these premium economy class seats were very comfortable. The padding was good; the recline was generous (about 6 inches) and the adjustable leg, foot and headrests were very supportive. Even though this was a daytime flight, I was able to put my seat back and get a couple of hours of shuteye comfortably. Honestly, this was a great premium economy class seat and I had zero complaints about it.
Service-wise, this crew was great. They were friendly and personable and they walked the cabin frequently. They were proactive in serving water cups throughout the flights and quality snacks were provided in the galleys in between meals.
About an hour and a half outside of Chicago, the cabin lights were turned on, and a pre-arrival meal was served. I don’t really know what it was, some sort of baked vegetable wrap, but it was tasty. It was served with a small side salad. Our plates were cleared shortly after that and the flight attendants then prepared for our arrival to Chicago.
United Airlines Premium Plus Overall Thoughts
Overall, I was very impressed with this flight. The seat, service, and amenities provided were all top-notch and it definitely felt “more premium” than regular economy class. Of note, the Sak’s branded pillow and blanket were very comfortable. The meals were tasty and even though everything was served on one tray, it felt more elevated than an economy-class meal.
What are your thoughts? Have you flown United Airlines Premium Plus product? If so, please leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
The other reviews in this series include:
- United Airlines Economy Class, San Francisco to Frankfurt
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Rome
- United Airlines Premium Plus, Rome to Chicago
- The Best Economy Class Seats on a United 787 Dreamliner
Amenity Kit Giveaway
I have two amenity kits to give away. All you have to do is comment below with your favorite soccer team and let me know if you want the white or black one. A winner will be chosen at random and I’ll respond to your comment if you are selected. This contest is open to anyone with a mailing address in the United States only. I’ll draw a winner on October 31, 2024.
