Flight 651 from Los Angeles arrived at JFK this afternoon six minutes ahead of schedule and became the first reconfigured p.s. Boeing 757s to take to the skies. For the fleet followers, it’s ship number 5996 (N596UA) and will be operating as flight 535 back to LAX this evening at 5:53 p.m. If you’re unfamiliar, p.s. service refers to the “enhanced” international style flights operating from New York’s JFK Airport to both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

United posted a couple of new photos on their United Hub page, including the first I’ve seen of the economy cabin showing the forward portion of Economy Plus.

Economy Plus on the New P.S. 757

The BusinessFirst cabin uses the same pre-merger Continental lie-flat seats found on some existing 757s (and other aircraft).

BusinessFirst Seats on the New P.S. 757

In total, the new layout sports 28 BusinessFirst, 48 Economy Plus and 66 regular economy seats. And Economy Plus on this bird is reportedly real E+ with 36 inches of pitch as opposed to the 34 inches on the “old” p.s. birds.

While the seat map is an indication of the likely version of p.s. bird you’ll be flying, last minute aircraft swaps can happen. As such, it will be a virtual crapshoot in the coming months until the fleet is fully completed by the end of the year.

I previously blogged about how United will handle discontinuing selling first class. In summary:

• All p.s. flights will operate as 2-cabin regardless of actual configuration starting on Jun. 6. By the summer, we expect to have already reconfigured several B757 aircraft. However, in order to minimize the impact of unexpected substitutions, we will only sell p.s. flights as 2-cabin.
• Wondering about who gets to sit in those first three rows in the previous United First cabin? We’re reserving these seats for customers who had previously booked in United First, as well as Premier members who are already confirmed in United Business. Specifically, Global Services, Premier 1K, Premier Platinum and Premier Gold members can select one of these seats at any time if available, and Premier Silver members will have access to them at check-in. Note that during the transition, these seats will be branded as United Business, rather than United First. Nearer to the end of the reconfiguration process, we’ll start marketing the premium cabin on all aircraft as United BusinessFirst.

Not living in Los Angeles anymore and with my gradual slowdown of United flying, I probably won’t be on a p.s. flight anytime soon. I will, however, miss the dance floor ahead of row 9 on the current p.s. birds. And I honestly want a pair of those leather business class seats for my home!

Related posts:

United Airlines Announces JFK Premium Service Reconfiguration Update

Flight Review: United Airlines Flight 534 LAX-JFK p.s. Business Class

A Quick LAX-JFK-LAX Mileage Run

I haven’t been on Flyertalk in a few days and just noticed a new update UA Insider posted on Friday related to the premium service (p.s.) fleet operating between JFK-LAX/SFO. In case you missed it too:

The first aircraft to be reconfigured is already in modification and will take to the skies by March. Over the subsequent 8-9 months we will complete the transition, but during this period, there will be a mix of B757 aircraft flying on these routes. Since the configurations are very different, we will be taking some steps to ease us through the transition and minimize the impact of aircraft changes. Here are some of the highlights:

• All p.s. flights will operate as 2-cabin regardless of actual configuration starting on Jun. 6. By the summer, we expect to have already reconfigured several B757 aircraft. However, in order to minimize the impact of unexpected substitutions, we will only sell p.s. flights as 2-cabin. We will update our systems this weekend to reflect this change.
• Wondering about who gets to sit in those first three rows in the previous United First cabin? We’re reserving these seats for customers who had previously booked in United First, as well as Premier members who are already confirmed in United Business. Specifically, Global Services, Premier 1K, Premier Platinum and Premier Gold members can select one of these seats at any time if available, and Premier Silver members will have access to them at check-in. Note that during the transition, these seats will be branded as United Business, rather than United First. Nearer to the end of the reconfiguration process, we’ll start marketing the premium cabin on all aircraft as United BusinessFirst.
• How to tell if you’re on a newly configured aircraft. The best way to know is to look at the seat map on united.com, which would show 28 seats in United Business. However, keep in mind this is always subject to change. Also worth noting, seat maps will generally reflect the older configuration until a few months before departure, when we start to have a better idea of what kind of aircraft will be scheduled for a specific flight.
• The Global First Lounge at JFK is scheduled to remain open after June 6, welcoming Global Services members seated in United Business on p.s. flights, as well as customers on connecting United Global First itineraries. We’ll share more information about the future of our lounges at JFK later this year.
• Upgrade policies are the same. You can still request an upgrade on p.s. using RPUs, GPUs and award miles. And, we continue to waive the co-pay for Premier members requesting MileagePlus Upgrade Awards.

So, as with other fleet conversions, it’ll be a crapshoot up until nearly departure time as to whether you’ll get a new bird or old one. I do like the fact that United is opening up pre-selection of seats in the former First cabin if you hold a business class ticket beginning June 6 and end up flying on an old configuration. And I wonder what “we’ll share more information… later this year,” means about the United Club at JFK in that second to last bullet. Hopefully it means a refresh and perhaps expansion.

Here’s what a new Boeing 757 p.s. seat map looks like should you draw one on an upcoming flight (I wonder if 20ABC have the same legroom as 20DEF with that closet directly in front?):

The "new" United Configuration for JFK Premium Service Flights

United’s announcement on Flyertalk also mentions an update about the p.s. fleet will soon be coming to their United Hub website in the coming days. It’ll probably be identical, but I’m hoping for a few pics of the new interior.

• A lawsuit filed by a United Airlines Million-Miler will proceed, as a judge threw out United’s request to have it dismissed. Well… parts of the lawsuit were dismissed, but others are still in play. The judge said, “At this stage of the litigation, the court finds it plausible that defendants had a contract with Million Miler members which differed from the contract they had with other Mileage Plus members.” Will Regional Upgrades and 100% bonus miles return?
• In other United news, Seth at Wandering Aramean reports that United will drop a second appetizer choice from existing service on two-cabin international BusinessFirst flights (think legacy Continental). Not a big loss and the single cold appetizer is certainly nothing special. The change takes effect March 1.
• Hyatt Regency will take over and reflag a former downtown Los Angeles Marriott property in May. It marks a return for Hyatt to downtown L.A. after an eight year absence. And in other Marriott news, the chain is adding/reflagging seven hotels in Thailand in the upcoming months.
• A JetBlue flight was diverted because a passenger was miffed that a fellow traveler didn’t pay for the “premium seat” next to her. Apparently, a passenger was moved from his non-premium seat to one next to her due to an inop seatback monitor and she couldn’t handle it. Really people?
• In other bad behavior, American Airlines apologized and refunded Kristen Chenoweth a pet-in-cabin fee after a flight attendant allegedly made a mistake in claiming the actress/singer failed to properly document her pooch. The FA reportedly yelled at Chenoweth causing her to break down in tears.
• Allegiant Air began scheduled Las Vegas-Reno-Las Vegas service today. The twice-weekly service occurs on Fridays and Sundays, and a look at their fares today reveals a decent bargain on many dates for less than $100 round-trip (assuming you don’t assign yourself seats, buy with a credit-card or check bags). I’ve been meaning to try out the likes of Allegiant and Spirit just for the hell of it. Now that I’m Reno-based, I might just have to give the Vegas flight a try.
• And finally, in exciting news to my Amenity Kit Series, Delta Air Lines will begin issuing new BusinessElite amenity kits this month. The new offering will feature a bag by Tumi and skin care products by Malin+Goetz. Sounds (and looks) like an upgrade to me.

Delta BusinessElite Tumi Amenity Kit

Related posts:

Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: January 31, 2013

Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: January 30, 2013

Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: January 29, 2013

• The FAA issued an airworthiness directive requiring U.S. airlines to ground Boeing 787 Dreamliners until the aircraft is proven safe to fly. Meaning, United must ground its current fleet of six 787s until the battery issue (and possibly others) are resolved.
• Meanwhile, the FAA is seeking to ban pilots from using their portable electronic devices at any time during flight. This doesn’t include iPads and other devices necessary for their job function (United, among other airlines, issues iPads to their crews to replace traditional paper flight manuals).
• Virgin America announced new nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. I’ve seen some criticism online as to their need to enter such a heavily serviced market by other airlines, but I think it’s a very “Vegas-mentality” airline to serve the route. Now if they can only fill up the planes profitably.
• United Airlines is offering bonus miles on their new San Francisco to Taipei route (“hat tip” to the linked site). Redeemable bonus miles can be earned for even the cheapest fares when traveling 4/9/13-6/30/13.
• Don’t get too excited, but free breakfast (think “continental”) is now being offered at Extended Stay America locations. It’s reportedly “to-go” only, offering oatmeal, fruit, muffins and beverages.
• American Airlines is very close to revealing a new livery, according to reports. And I have to all but guess that means a decision on a merger with US Airways as well. I sorta think they’d be announced at the same time. American’s first Boeing 777-300, currently naked-ish, begins flying January 31 from Dallas to Sao Paulo.
• United launched a new airfare hike today, yet to be determined if it’ll stick. As of 4:00 p.m. EST, no airlines have matched the increase ranging from $4 to $20 round-trip on domestic airfares.

Related posts:

Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: January 15, 2013

Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: January 14, 2013

Quite a few notable events in the airline industry the past couple of days include:

• American Airlines today took delivery of their first Boeing 777-300ER, N717AN. It’s actually airborne as I type on its way to Dallas where it’ll eventually sport American’s new livery. Passenger service is scheduled to begin January 31 from Dallas to Sao Paulo.

• Delta Air Lines has purchased a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, launching a joint venture between the two airlines. This will give the two airlines about 25% of the U.S. to UK market, positioning them as #2 behind the American-British Airways stronghold share of 60%. Once the deal is approved (end of 2013), the ability to earn and burn miles between carriers will exist, as well as reciprocal lounge access for elites and full-fare premium cabin passengers. And I’m sure Delta will be championing them to participate fully in SkyTeam. Whether that actually happens given Virgin’s “one-off” alliance-building history remains to be seen.
• Virgin America will launch flights to Newark beginning April 2013. Three daily nonstops are planned from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Hopefully we’ll see some good fare wars between VX and United in those markets.
• Lufthansa on Monday swapped out a 747-400 for the 747-8i on the Los Angeles to Frankfurt route. Flight 456 departs Frankfurt daily at 10:00 a.m. arriving at LAX at 12:40 p.m. The return flight, LH 457, departs LAX at 2:50 p.m. with an arrival back in Frankfurt at 10:45 a.m. the following morning. From my experience, this route is pretty difficult to snag a First Class award seat… but I’ll be trying!
• Service on Cathay Pacific might get a bit more… er… U.S. airline-esque as flight attendants are at odds with the carrier over a pay raise. Instead of striking, they’re reportedly considering customer-focused actions. “We will be selective in providing our services,” union general secretary Tsang Kwok-fung told the AFP.  ”This could include not smiling at passengers, not providing certain types of beverages — such as alcohol — or stop serving meals,” he said.

With the water restored at the Sheraton Gateway LAX, day two was off to a better start. The first session, entitled “Secrets and Lies,” was an off-the-record summary of several tips and tricks not published on forums or blogs. The reason for the secrecy? While nothing discussed is illegal, each tip or trick helps save up to hundreds of dollars on airfares or hotel stays. If they were broadcast (more) publicly, the deals would die faster and/or policies would change preventing people from taking advantage of the loopholes.

Shhh! The Secret Session

Gary, Ben, Seth and Daraius did a fantastic job presenting each, answering questions as they went along, and swore the room to silence. Combined (and even individually), the tricks save hundreds more than the cost of attendance to the seminars. If you’re on the fence about attending FTU or a similar event in the future because of the cost, don’t be – it’ll pay dividends.

Next up was either an intro to award booking tools by airline alliance from Ben and Gary, or how to add a free one-way trip to award tickets presented by MileValue, thereby getting multiple vacations out of one ticket.

Ben and Gary

MileValue

Prior to lunch, the raffle prizes were distributed – MilePoint racked up $11,000 in donations over the weekend. The two top prizes were an iPad and United 1K status for 2013.

It's raffle time!

After lunch, the two session choices were either a walk-through of online travel tools with Seth, or how to earn 3 million points instead of 3,000 with Steve Belkin.

Travel tools with Seth

Millions of miles and points with Steve

The final two sessions provided detail as to which credit cards are best by spend type (category) with Million Mile Secrets and FrequentMiler, and why it’s better to dump your elite status (Christopher Elliott, anyone?) and stock up on cheap miles through other means with Steve Belkin.

Credit card category strategies with Daraius and FrequentMiler

As is the case with FTU and the Chicago Seminars, meeting other like-minded people is the highlight of attending. I was thrilled at how many people came up to me to introduce themselves and feel flattered at their feedback about my blog. I honestly pale in comparison to the big guns, but hope to expand Frequently Flying in the future – stay tuned!

Related posts:

Frequent Traveler University – Day One Recap

Frequent Traveler University Schedule

Boarding for my third and final leg on inaugural day was a more civilized affair. While there were many passengers standing around gate C14, no one was crowding the lanes.

United Dreamliner Inaugural: Introduction

United Dreamliner Inaugural: Pre-Departure Festivities

United Dreamliner Inaugural: UA Flight 1116 IAH to ORD

United Dreamliner Inaugural: Chicago Arrival Celebration

United Dreamliner Inaugural: UA Flight 1510 ORD to IAH

United Dreamliner Inaugural: UA Flight 1209 IAH to LAX

This time I was seated in the forward BusinessFirst cabin in the middle section, aisle seat 2D. I forgot that non-bulkhead seats have the very small footwell – stick to row 1 or 4 if you want a larger footwell.

Everyone in the forward cabin was uber enthusiastic, so this flight felt like another inaugural. There were a mix of United employees, Flyertalkers, bloggers and other #avgeeks in the BusinessFirst cabin (and maybe one or two “regular” people, but they were equally keen on the aircraft). The fresh batch of flight attendants, however, didn’t seem all that excited and carried themselves as if it were any ol’ flight.

We pushed back on-time and were airborne within minutes. I do quite love the Sky Interior and took particular notice of it on this flight.

Check out the varying degrees of window darkness in the following two pics. Row 1 has their “shades” fully open in the first pic while row 2’s shades are partially closed. And the second shows a fully darkened row 1 and partially darkened row 2. The jury is still out for me whether the fully darkened shades will be completely effective on a long-haul flight overseas when the sun rises before the cabin does.

Dinner onboard was a choice between chicken cacciatore or pasta – I went with the former.

After dinner, literally everyone was up and about either chatting or getting an airborne tour of the pilot rest area. My thoughts on the inflight crew being “meh” changed ever so slightly because of their willingness to let us up for a peek.

Back at my seat, I noticed the scuff marks (not from me!) on the seat shell in front of me for the first time… this poor bird is already getting banged up. Hopefully a little cleaner will polish those right off.

Both the excitement and length of the day were getting to me at this point, so I reclined back and dozed off until nearly landing.

And finally, here are my random impressions and comments.

• It’s a noticeably quieter aircraft.
• As I mentioned above, for the larger footwells in BusinessFirst, go for the bulkhead seats in row 1 or 4.
• The bar area in the forward BusinessFirst cabin is aesthetically appealing to see while seated, but I would have placed it behind row 3 thereby shifting the center section of seats a bit further away from the lavatory doors. All of the aisle seats in row 3 (particularly the center section) would get a yellow SeatGuru rating from me.
• Since the pilot rest area is above row 1, there is no overhead bin storage in the center section. And row 2 (center) only has a half-bin on each side (if that).
• The inward opening lavatory doors don’t operate smoothly (and I don’t think it was just me).
• Will the darkening windows be fully effective when the sun rises and the entire cabin is sleeping?
• Row 16 has a fantastic amount of legroom along the windowside bulkheads – the center section of row 16 appears to have slightly less room.
• I think United missed the boat in not putting a window in the lavatories a la ANA’s 787s.
• I had no sense of a lower cabin pressure or higher humidity setting – perhaps I will on a long-haul flight.

Have you flown United’s Dreamliner yet? What are some of your impressions?

Related posts:

United 787 Inaugural: Chicago to Houston

United 787 Inaugural: Houston to Chicago

United 787 Inaugural: Pre-Departure Festivities

On Monday, I toured American Airlines’ Flagship Check-In at LAX for a CNBC post that was published yesterday. It’s a very nice and exclusive benefit for Concierge Key members, international first class fliers on American (or any oneworld carrier) and those flying first from LAX to JFK or Miami on American’s three cabin birds. And you can buy your way in if you purchase Five Star Service.

The main thing that struck me was the lack of branding. Besides the two kiosks, there was nothing else inside to promote American. I suppose it’s a personal preference, but I would have liked to see AA’s eagle somewhere. At least they won’t have to make any changes once American’s new livery and image is announced. More photos of Flagship Check-In beyond the single one below can be found on my CNBC post.

For a video tour of Flagship Check-In at LAX, check out AAdvantage Geek’s post from yesterday.

As it so happened, I was flying American on Monday, so after clearing PreCheck at the top of the elevator from Flagship Check-In, American’s managing director at LAX escorted me to the Flagship Lounge. I’ve been in the Admirals Club several times and I always wondered what the Flagship side was like.

First, here are the specs from American’s Los Angeles Airport fact sheet:

• Hours of operation: 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily
• 5,464 square feel
• Seating capacity: 92
• Private showers: 3 (one handicap accessible)
• Total number of TVs: 2
• Total number of telephones: 9
• Bose music stations with headsets
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Business center with four work stations, two of which have HP PCs
• PrinterOn capability allowing guests to submit print jobs via email or webpage uploads from any location and retrieve them in the lounge

A reception desk is immediately to the right as you pass through the frosted doors operated by a keycard. Flight display monitors are on the opposing wall. It’s basically a long rectangular room with several seating areas, a self-serve buffet and bar, business center, restrooms and showers. And just like the Admirals Club side, the tarmac views are spectacular.

The bar area offers a wide array of alcohol and other beverages along with time-of-day appropriate food options. I was there during the “Flagship Light Lunch” period, which included:

• Sliced and whole fruit
• Gourmet cheese platter
• Assorted crackers
• Assorted chips
• Granola bars
• Turkey sandwiches
• Pecan-bourbon turkey breasts
• Baby potatoes
• Roasted tomato and pepper jack salad
• Soup Du Jour (chicken noodle during my visit)
• Assorted desserts

Yep, the coffee machine was out-of-order

Dining tables are present opposite the buffet, as well as high chair tables in the far corner in the same area as a game table.

I enjoyed a sandwich, soup and cheesecake initially… and then went back for more cheesecake. I threw some salad on my plate, too, figuring a little green would offset the three mini-slices of cheesecake.

It’s a nice lounge – equivalent to a small business class offering overseas. But I wasn’t blown away by it. United’s International First lounges in LAX and San Francisco definitely top it, in my opinion.

Have you been inside? What’s your impression?

Related posts:

American’s ‘Preferred Seat’ Allocations a Bit Excessive?

Why an American-US Airways Merger Worries Me

Interview With the Head of American’s Social Media Team