I flew on 2 international flights: one in premium plus and another in economy. The $400 upgrade wasn't worth the cost.
Back in April, I flew to London from Newark, New Jersey, on a seven-hour flight on United Airlines.
While I chose to fly premium plus to London, I flew economy on the way back home.
I was shocked by how similar the flights were despite paying nearly $400 more for an upgrade.
I recently took a seven-hour flight to London and back to my home in Newark — one in United's premium plus and the other in economy. Let's compare the two.
First, let's talk about the cost. A round-trip economy flight to and from London cost around $900 in April. It cost around $400 to upgrade one leg of the trip. It would've been around $1,000 to upgrade both legs of the trip.
When flying premium plus, I had access to a special line with a shorter wait time. This only applies to the United ticket counter and I still had to wait with everyone else to get through security. So I likely saved around 15 minutes.
When I flew economy, I had to use regular United lines to check my bag. I tend to arrive at the airport nearly three hours before an international flight, so I had time to peruse the newsstands and eat dinner.
After boarding my flight to London, I was delighted to find that the premium plus seats are directly behind first class. Here's a view of my plush window seat, which came with a Saks Fifth Avenue pillow, blanket, and toiletry bag.
The seat was a bit roomier than those in economy, and I had around 12 inches of legroom that I appreciated. The seat also included storage for any items I needed mid-air, and came with a remote for the entertainment system.
Conversely, on the way home, I noticed immediately that the economy seat was smaller in size and felt like it had less cushioning. Still, I was glad it also came with a pillow and blanket.
One of the major differences in economy was that I had less legroom — around 8 inches. Still, it was bearable. I also didn't have a sleek remote and instead used a touch screen to access in-flight entertainment.
There was also a major difference in the food. In premium plus, I was served my meal on a small tablecloth and had actual silverware. My complimentary wine also came in an actual glass.
While I appreciated the amount of food — smothered chicken with potatoes and onions alongside a salad and dessert — it wasn't my favorite. The gravy didn't seem to move.
I was thrilled that before landing in London, I was also served a hot breakfast. I thought this meal was slightly better — though the French toast was a bit soggy. Still, the fresh fruit was delicious.
Meanwhile, in economy, everything — including my complimentary glass of wine — was served in plastic and there was no tablecloth.
But this time, I loved my meal. It's true: I am a pasta girlie. And when it comes to my table hot and drenched in a ton of sauce, I am obsessed. I ate every last drop.
Because I took an afternoon flight home, I was also offered a warm snack in economy. While I didn't find my cheesy baguette tasty, I appreciated the bite to eat.
Another major difference was the amenities. In premium plus, my flight came with this adorable toiletry bag that included a toothbrush, chapstick, lotion, socks, earplugs, and a sleep mask.
I didn't get a cute toiletry bag in economy, but I did get a complimentary pair of earbuds (right). In premium plus, however, you get an over-the-ear pair (left).
Although I enjoyed having more legroom and a comfier seat in premium plus, overall, I didn't think my upgrade was worth the price for an international flight.
With the exception of the toiletry kit, all of the luxury items I got in premium plus, I also got in economy — from the pillow and blanket to the headphones. I also preferred the food better in economy and still got a free glass of wine.
Perhaps I need to upgrade to business or first class next time, otherwise, I'll stick to economy when going overseas.
Read the original article on Insider
