United Airlines announced this morning that it is increasing the number of daily flights it will offer between Newark Liberty International Airport and Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport to 13 — and that the new flights will be aboard its latest luxury aircraft, the Bombardier CRJ-550.
United will now offer flights to D.C. every hour on the hour starting at 6 a.m. through 8 p.m. — excluding 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Flights last approximately 80 minutes. The airline currently has eight flights per day.
United will offer return flights from Reagan every hour on the hour between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
United officials said the airline will use the CRJ-550, the industry’s only two-cabin, 50-seat regional aircraft, on 10 of the 13 flights.
United said the CRJ-550 was designed for business and leisure travelers who want true-first-class seating, Wi-Fi and more leg room. Most importantly, the CRJ-550 will have enough space for every customer to bring a roller bag on board.
Service will start March 29. Tickets will be available Jan. 18.
The CRJ-550 will offer 10 seats in first class, 20 seats in economy plus, and 20 seats in economy.
Sarah Murphy, United’s senior vice president of United Express, said the added flights and upgraded aircraft are a result of customer demand.
“Our customers who regularly travel between Washington, D.C., and New York — one of the busiest routes in the country — have told us they value convenient flights and a comfortable ride above all else,” Murphy said in a release.