United is launching a New York to DC shuttle with a new plane that only has 50 seats and looks more like a private jet
United currently serves Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport from its hub at Newark Liberty International Airport, near New York City, but it's not actually a shuttle route.
Reagan is the preferred airport for visitors to the capital as it is only a few minutes' drive to the heart of DC.
It's so close that the US Capitol Building and the White House are visible from the airport's concourses.
A bike path was created to connect the airport with downtown, less than five miles away.
United's current service is operated by a mix of Embraer E175s and Embraer E145s.
While the E175 is a staple on current shuttle routes, the E145 is tiny and doesn't feature a first-class cabin, which tends to be preferred by the business travelers frequently flying the route.
The route in its current form also doesn't offer the same perks as traditional shuttle routes, as only flights operating in and out of LaGuardia Airport to and from the capital's most convenient airport are branded as such.
To break into the shuttle duopoly and draw passengers all the way to Newark, it would need to have an appeal that the other shuttle airlines couldn't offer.
That's where the airline's newest aircraft comes in. Enter the Bombardier CRJ 550.
Based off of the Bombardier CRJ 700, the CRJ 550 features the same body with a revamped interior aimed at premium customers. Put simply, the 550 is a new airplane in an old airplane's body.
The aircraft was designed for 70 seats but United is only putting in 50, offering more room on board.
The first-class cabin alone will feature ten seats, more than any other 50-seat aircraft currently flying.
The cabin spans four rows while most comparable regional jet first-class cabins only span two rows.
Plus, passengers in the cabin have access to a self-serve drink and refreshment bar.
Moving back in the plane, the extra-legroom Economy Plus section will be comprised of 20 seats spanning five rows. The last five rows will consist of regular economy seats featuring standard legroom.
While the regular economy section doesn't boast any additional amenities, passengers can take advantage of the enhanced features of the 50-set jet such as In-flight WiFi…
Access to United' entertainment streaming service…
And larger overhead bins and cabinets that prevent the need for gate checking carry on bags.
Services will depart nearly every hour from both Newark and Washington starting at 6 a.m. until as late as 8:00 p.m. Not all will be operated by the CRJ-550, with the E175 subbing in for a few flights, but the new jet will be the most prominently featured.
Unlike its competitors on the route, Delta and American, United hasn't stated whether it will offer the same enhanced amenities for its new shuttle beyond its new aircraft.
With competitors that range from the new Acela nonstop and existing shuttle services all the way down to the $1 Megabus that all connect two of the most important cities in the world, United has its work cut out for it.
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