Travel test

WHAT: United Airlines

Economy Plus

WHERE: Flight UA879 from Heathrow to Houston, Texas, from €995 return, add $150-$250 for Plus. unitedairlines.co.uk

EXPERIENCE: I was travelling with a group of friends on the route’s Boeing 777 and we delighted in the comfortable seats and extra 5in legroom space.

We’d all booked aisle seats so we could get up and down for a stroll without disturbing fellow passengers and, in my case, to have easy access to the loo (I’m not scared of flying but there’s something about being up in the air that brings on frequent urges to powder my nose).

We were especially thrilled when the aircraft door closed and we realised it was a quiet morning so the 3-3-3 seat configuration meant we each had three to ourselves. I did stretch out to take a nap at one point but a huge choice of films, with an easy-to-operate touchscreen, kept me upright and entertained for most of the journey.

The 10 hours on board – shall we say – flew by. The service was friendly, and soft drinks and wine were complimentary, with an extra charge for spirits.

We were kept hydrated between cabin services with water and orange juice brought round at frequent intervals.

My lunch of chicken pasta tasted adequate, but the portion was small and there wasn’t much to go with it. QUIBBLES: We took off at 9.30am and lunch was served by 11am. It was another seven hours before we were given anything else to eat and then it was just a small hot wrap. I asked the cabin crew for something in between as I was ravenous but all they could offer me were tiny packets of pretzels. VERDICT: Flight took off on time and was comfortable and relaxing. The crew were cheery and helpful, and apologetic over the lack of nourishment. Be sure to pack a picnic in your hand luggage. 8/10