United to Put Economy Plus Seats in Continental Jets
United Continental Holdings Inc., the world’s largest carrier, will extend United Airlines’ Economy Plus seating to Continental Airlines as the two fleets merge.
Economy Plus, introduced by United in 1999, gives passengers who pay an additional fee as much as 5 inches more legroom on some seats in the forward part of the economy-class cabin. Continental aircraft will offer the option starting in 2012, the Chicago-based company said today in a statement.
The decision to put Economy Plus on both fleets moves the carriers closed to a single operation, slated for sometime in 2012. Since their merger closed in October, United and Continental have continued to fly under their own names.
“Our customers value Economy Plus and the additional personal space that it provides,” Jim Compton, United Continental chief revenue officer, said in the statement. The cost to add Economy Plus to Continental’s planes wasn’t disclosed.
The price for Economy Plus seating ranges from $9 each way on a short U.S. flight to $109 for Los Angeles to Tokyo. Passengers can choose the option for a full year for $425, according to United’s website.
Economy Plus will expand from 359 jets in United’s main fleet to 700 at the combined carrier. The seats also will be added to larger regional jets at Continental, joining 150 at United, the company said.
The move follows Delta Air Lines Inc.’s decision last week to add premium economy seats with more legroom on its longest international flights, expanding revenue sources beyond fares.
To contact the reporter on this story: Mary Schlangenstein in Dallas at maryc.s@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Ed Dufner at edufner@bloomberg.net
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