Kyliebaby3

I just wanted to say thanks for the 411 on this thread. I used it to decide on E+ for the ORD-MUC leg of my trip in October. I haven't flow in E+ before, but I'm certainly aware of how cramped and uncomfortable Economy can be, so I decided to make the -$100 investment, esp since it was an award ticket.

I'm excited to see if it's truly as great as everyone has said. Sure hope so Thx again!

misterfuss

If you buy the annual E+ option and the economy plus seats don't show availability, phone reservations and have them remove your mileage plus number and then re-enter it. When I attained Premier status one year mid trip, I wanted the E+ seats for my return but couldn't see any. Once the reservation agent re-entered my mileage number, I could then see them.

ronkala

I chose row 17 A&B on a 777 for our IAD/AMS-BRU/IAD flights. The AMS flight was changed to a 767, so we ended up in 28 A&B, still in E+. The flight back was a 777 and those seats right behind the divider from business were great. No one in front of us, and my feet barely touched the wall when I stretched out.
We're using E+ for our September trip to Albuquerque also.

andrews98682

With United E+, all your getting is some extra legroom. The seats and service are the same as economy. That extra legroom certainly helps, but it's nothing like flying in biz.

"I just wanted to say thanks for the 411 on this thread. I used it to decide on E+ for the ORD-MUC leg of my trip in October. I haven't flow in E+ before, but I'm certainly aware of how cramped and uncomfortable Economy can be, so I decided to make the -$100 investment, esp since it was an award ticket.

I'm excited to see if it's truly as great as everyone has said. Sure hope so Thx again!"

tinabina

It felt very worth it to me! I also think the seat was an inch or two wider? Maybe it was my imagination...But it really felt much roomier. I zonked out for a couple of hours and I never sleep on planes...except first class.

rkkwan

It's the same seat. Definitely not wider.

Kyliebaby3

Right, but the legroom is what's generally really annoying about economy. You have hardly any room to move in a normal economy seat, and on a 8-hour flight, it can really be unpleasant. I'm not assuming that upgrading to E+ is anything like biz/first class. If I had the money, I might pay for one of those tickets, but I'm not even sure about that. I'm small, so I don't need a throne or anything at 30,000 feet. Just a few beers, perhaps a Tylenol PM, and enough room to stretch myself out for some zzzz's. I'm hoping E+ provides for at least one of those things.

andrews98682

You'll have enough room, particularly if you're small. The extra inches definitely help.

annw

It's not like it's THAT great, or anything like business, but those few extra inches of legroom make a lot of difference for many of us.

mrwunrfl

<i>"Just a few beers, perhaps a Tylenol PM, and enough room to stretch myself out for some zzzz's. I'm hoping E+ provides for at least one of those things.</i>

E+ doesn't provide the beers (they cost extra) or the Tylenol PM (bring your own) but it does give enough room to stretch out your legs.

If you are short then a bulkhead seat might give enough room.

Newton1

Be Warned! We have booked a trip from Chicago to Frankfurt through mileage plus. We selected our seats on a Boeing 777 in economy plus. We booked early to be assured of two seats between the window and the aisle. United has changed the configuration to three seats on the window, four in the center, and three at the window as opposed to the seating displayed of 2/5/2. We were not notified that one more seat is being added to the overall seat width. We moved to the center where we would not have a possible problem exiting.

rkkwan

UA is gradually switching their 777 to 3-3-3. Not 3-4-3.

ms_go

A 3-4-3 configuration sounds like maybe a switch to a 747. I don't see 747s on the ORD-FRA schedule now, but United switches between 777s and 747s on that route occasionally (we were on ORD-FRA-ORD just a month ago, both flights on 747s).

mowmow

I flew E+ on my last 5 hr leg home from Africa and it was worth it not to have a seat back crammed in my face.

I wouldn't do it if I was planning to sleep the whole time, but I'm short and don't need the extra leg room.

The only downside was being assigned to the last boarding group (front,aisle) and had a hard time finding a spot for my small carry-on bag. I finally insisted that somebody's HUGE non-carryon size suitcase be gate-checked.

ncounty

I found the upgrade on United from E to E+ akin to going from miserable to just bad. The last time I flew United was in 2004 from california to Buenos Aires. I am only 5'3" and even for me, economy was unbelievably cramped and tiny. I think their space and seats were the worst of any airlines. On the way back, I was able to upgrade at the airport for $75 so I did, looking forward to a nice experience. It was only marginally better. Yes, there were a few more inches but the same tight seat that was hard and uncomfortable. OTOH, Jet Blue has the nicest and roomiest seats and leg room of any airline I've been on. Unfortunately, I rarely get to fly them.

IMO, E+ only took United from severe deficit to typical economy seat and room, at best.

rkkwan

UA's regular economy is by no means worst in the industry. I flew their 20-year old 744 SFO-HKG and back in May/July, and legroom is comparable with other airlines with 31" pitch across the Pacific, and significantly better than the same-age 744 on NW (now DL) across the Pacific because the seatbacks and seat cushions are in much better shape.

[Though DL just announced they're refreshing their fleet of 744.]

ncounty

I don't know the specific measurements, rkkwan.... I just know that I am fairly petite and had never been so uncomfortable and squished as on the UA flights to and from Buenos Aires. It was enough to make me avoid UA since then.

I sure enjoyed it when AA had all that room about 7-10 years ago, even in economy. That sure didn't last.

kwood1955

ncounty, Yes, we enjoyed the extra room in economy on AA. So they no longer have this feature????

ncounty

I haven't flown aa in some time, kwood. It was my impression/understanding that they had to change that because it was economically not feasible. They certainly are not advertising it, which they would/should if it was still there.

I have flown SWA and Delta mostly due to routing and SWA's generous policy of no fee for changing plans.

rkkwan

AA announced the end of MRTC in 11/04. It's distant history.