United Moves Up Its Plans for Premium Economy

In the race to launch grand-scale international premium economy cabins, United Airlines has decidedly been in third place among the big three legacy carriers. But last week we learned that the airline is trailing less than we originally thought. Later this month, the company plans to launch its first premium economy flights on an updated Boeing 777-200 — the carrier's  international workhorse. While a critical mass of aircraft are upgraded with the cabin, premium economy will initially be filed and booked as standard economy plus — so many elite passengers will be able to snag the seats for free. Later, like American, the cabin will turn into its own distinct product (and pricing tier). Short term, this means that a handful of Unite