United one-ups small regional jets

0 Comments | USA TODAY, February, 2006 | by Marilyn Adams

There are plenty of reasons to hate 50-seat regional jets.

You bang your head on the low ceiling. There's no room for carry-on luggage because the overhead bins are no bigger than shoe boxes. Seating is all coach and so cramped that you might not be able to open your laptop. A passenger with a gazillion frequent-flier miles who normally flies first class can end up in the plane's last row.

United Airlines had heard all those gripes from business travelers before it recently rolled out Explus, a twist on its United Express regional-jet service that offers a touch of luxury and the possibility of upgrades for its high-mileage travelers.

Explus relies on larger, 66- to 70-seat jets equipped with a first-class section and United's roomier Economy Plus coach...