economy plus to london on united

I have flown on United economy plus, from Chicago to Beijing. The only difference between that and economy was a slightly larger seat, four across the center of the plane instead of five across, for example, and more legroom. Otherwise there was no difference between that and economy -- same food, same entertainment options.

I have flown with Virgin Atlantic, and while I flew economy, I did see the premium economy section. VA premium economy has a number of different amenities for that section - larger, leather seats, power jacks, etc. - which economy did not.

So I would say that there is a bigger difference between VA's premium economy and regular economy that between United's economy plus and regular economy.

Actually having FLOWN both, I can tell you that, while there appears to be apparent comfort improvements with VA, those leather seats are less relaxing, especially for taller people. Leg room was lacking, and the seats got very hard and uncomfortable on longer trips. Economy Plus seats on United are much more functional with the added leg room and were at least better for longer trips.