United Airlines has unveiled its new domestic First Class seat, featuring privacy partitions and wireless charging. These new seats will debut on select Boeing 737s starting this summer.
New United Airlines Domestic First Class
- Multiple charging options: wireless, AC household-style outlet, and USB-C.
- 5-inch recline range in the seat.
- Larger 13-inch high-definition seatback screens with Bluetooth capability and a remote.
- Ample space for devices, food, drinks, and personal items.
- 18 x 8.5-inch tray table with a built-in tablet holder.
- Cocktail tables and bottle holders between seats.
Travellers can now easily recharge their latest-generation smartphones by simply placing them on the charging pad. Additionally, the seat offers a universal AC outlet and a fast-charging USB-C port, providing passengers with multiple power options.
- More privacy with 11 x 19-inch dividers, winged headrests, and adjustable tray tables.
- Ergonomist-designed seat cushion sitting 1 inch lower to accommodate various heights.
In response to passenger feedback, United has also introduced a new pie-shaped privacy divider between seats. This 11-inch by 19-inch divider aims to enhance personal space and privacy, addressing a common concern in domestic First Class products.
However, it is important to note that the privacy divider is fixed in place and cannot be lowered when travelling with a companion, as reported by TPG’s Zach Griff.
Which aircraft will feature these new First Class seats?
The new United First Class seat is set to debut on the airline’s first Boeing 737, registered as N73259, later this month, with a broader rollout planned for the summer. United’s ambitious goal is to have the new seats installed on over 200 domestic planes by 2026.
The new First Class seats will be fitted on Airbus A321neos, Boeing 737 MAXs and select 737 NGs. In addition, select A319s and A320s will be retrofitted with a modified version of this seat without wireless chargers or the privacy partition.
“This new United First seat is designed around the modern traveller – more charging options, bigger spaces for devices, food, drinks and personal items and extra privacy. As we evolve the onboard experience, we’re upending old industry norms and anticipating future needs to accommodate the new ways people live and travel.”
Mark Muren, United Managing Director of Identity, Product and Loyalty.
While the latest seat upgrades, including the wireless charging station and privacy dividers, are significant improvements, the overall design of the new first-class seats remains similar to the ones introduced earlier this year on the retrofitted Airbus A319s. These updated seats were built based on the existing product launched in 2015.
According to United, the new First Class seat was built with a team of experts, including United’s engineering and inflight teams, University of Michigan biomechanics researcher Dr Matthew Reed and design firm Priestman Goode.
Feature Image via United Airlines