United launches Economy Plus on its first Continental aircraft

CHICAGO-The first Continental Airlines aircraft with Economy Plus entered service on Nov. 19, offering Continental customers four inches of extra legroom in the forward rows of the Economy cabin.

The aircraft, a Boeing 767-400, also features new flat-bed seats in BusinessFirst and new touchscreen seat-back monitors in Economy. In addition, the aircraft is the first in the Continental fleet to feature the popular Channel 9 air traffic control communications. Customers in both cabins also will have advanced audio/video on demand and in-seat power outlets.

“The merger of United and Continental is a unique opportunity to build an airline with leading products and services that customers value and are willing to pay for,” said Jim Compton, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of United Continental Holdings. “United’s customers who sit in Economy Plus consistently tell us they are more satisfied with their travel experiences, and we are excited to expand this option to more customers of the new United.”

United introduced Economy Plus in 1999. Today, the airline offers the extra-legroom seating on all mainline aircraft and more than 150 larger United Express regional jets. When the company fully deploys Economy Plus on Continental and Q400 regional aircraft, the new United’s fleet will include more than 40,000 Economy Plus seats, providing customers more than 122,000 extra-legroom economy class seats each day, more than any airline in the world.

Customers with elite status in United’s MileagePlus and Continental’s OnePass frequent-flyer programs may confirm complimentary seat assignments in Economy Plus, when available. Customers may also purchase Economy Plus seating on United and United Express aircraft through united.com, through a reservations agent or during the check-in process online or at the airport.

Customers booked on Continental flights that include Economy Plus may purchase available Economy Plus seating during check-in. In 2012, after the airline retrofits a larger number of Continental aircraft, customers will also be able to purchase Continental’s Economy Plus seating online and through a reservations agent. Additional information is available at continental.com/economyplus.

The expansion of Economy Plus to Continental aircraft comes as the company continues with plans to invest more than $550 million to upgrade aircraft interiors, including new flat-bed seats in premium cabins, larger overhead bins and improved in-flight entertainment options. The new flat-bed seats are available today on more than 125 aircraft. In addition, more than 160 aircraft feature DIRECTV. (United Continental)