United updating its Boeing 777s

[TallDutch]

CHICAGO, April 3 (UPI) -- United Airlines says it is reconfiguring and jazzing up the planes the U.S. air carrier uses for some of its long-haul overseas flights.

The updates to 46 of United's Boeing 777 aircraft include such things as video-on-demand even for passengers flying in cheaper seats, lie-flat beds in business class and suites in first class, the Chicago Tribune reported. A half-dozen 777s used for domestic flights won't be getting the upgrades, the newspaper said.

The changes, being made by United mechanics in San Francisco, include reducing the size of the planes' premium cabins while adding up to 20 seats in the Economy Plus section and three seats in coach. United says it is maintaining the space between seats.

United spokesman Rahsaan Johnson says the changes are a reflection of the times with many companies requiring employees to fly coach rather than business class.

"It's no secret that, even as we see improvement in premium international travel year over year, many companies still require their employees to book seats in economy," Johnson said.

The changes were first reported by Cranky Flier blogger Brett Snyder.
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2010/0 ... 270300373/