I flew on United's aging Boeing 767-300ER from Boston to London in economy and the updated cabin made the plane feel like new

Taylor RainsAug 14, 2022, 18:13 IST

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

United Airlines has held onto its Boeing 767 aircraft and is retrofitting them with an upgraded cabin.
The fleet is primarily used on international routes, though it is also flies some domestic routes, like to Hawaii.

United Airlines is one of the largest US operators of the Boeing 767 jet, having been the launch customer of the 767-200 variant in 1982.

United Boeing 767-200.Aero Icarus

The aircraft has served the company as an international workhorse for decades. Many of its examples are over 30 years old.

United 767-300.Nieuwland Photography/Shutterstock

During the pandemic, both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines announced they would retire 767 planes, with American actually permanently parking its fleet in 2020.

American 767.Tupungato/Shutterstock

While Delta originally said it would retire 767 planes by the end of 2025, president Glen Hauenstein said the carrier would continue operating them past that date, telling Airline Weekly that "you don't want to get yourself in a box where you've committed specifically."

Delta Boeing 767-300ER.NYC Russ/Shutterstock

While Delta originally said it would retire 767 planes by the end of 2025, president Glen Hauenstein said the carrier would continue operating them past that date, telling Airline Weekly that "you don't want to get yourself in a box where you've committed specifically."

Before Delta's announcement that it would continue flying the 767, Cowen analyst Helane Becker said in August 2020 that she believed United would follow American and Delta and "likely retire its 767 fleet" in favor of jets with a lower operating cost.

United 767.EQRoy/Shutterstock

Before Delta's announcement that it would continue flying the 767, Cowen analyst Helane Becker said in August 2020 that she believed United would follow American and Delta and "likely retire its 767 fleet" in favor of jets with a lower operating cost.

However, despite their age, United CCO Andrew Nocella said in a 2021 quarter two earnings call that the plane could fly for another "30 years or more."

United 767.Croatorum/Shutterstock

"I'll give kudos to our maintenance team for keeping these aircraft in great shape, to allow us to have that option," he said. "So we do have optionality to fly these aircraft longer than I think people automatically assume."

United 767.Matheus Obst/Shutterstock

"I'll give kudos to our maintenance team for keeping these aircraft in great shape, to allow us to have that option," he said. "So we do have optionality to fly these aircraft longer than I think people automatically assume."

Unlike American, United is keeping its 767s around and retrofitting the fleet to "give a great, great customer experience on board," according to Nocella.

United 767-300ER cabin.Taylor Rains/Insider

Specifically, most of the company's 767-300ERs have been configured with United's luxurious Polaris business class and new Premium Plus product.

EQRoy/Shutterstock

The younger 767-400ER fleet, which is still 20 years old, is also in the process of being updated. The first "76U," as the airline calls it, will fly for the first time this summer, per The Points Guy.

United 767-400ER in Continental livery.viper-zero/Shutterstock

The younger 767-400ER fleet, which is still 20 years old, is also in the process of being updated. The first "76U," as the airline calls it, will fly for the first time this summer, per The Points Guy.

The investment in the 767 suggests the plane's significance in the fleet, especially as the company faces strong post-pandemic demand.

United 767.StudioPortoSabbia/Shutterstock

I flew on the aging 767-300ER in economy on a recent flight from Boston to London and loved it — here’s what it was like.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I started my journey on a Thursday at Boston Logan International Airport, arriving there at around 8:00 p.m. for an 11:00 p.m. flight.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

While I always get to the airport at least three hours early for international departures, I realized, in this case, that was far more time than I needed. There were surprisingly no crowds inside the check-in area, and I got through security in about one minute.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

While I always get to the airport at least three hours early for international departures, I realized, in this case, that was far more time than I needed. There were surprisingly no crowds inside the check-in area, and I got through security in about one minute.

Most of the restaurants were already closed inside the terminal, and the gates were empty. I made my way to the only Priority Pass lounge in Terminal B to wait. Fortunately, the lounge was actually a restaurant, and it was right next to my gate.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Most of the restaurants were already closed inside the terminal, and the gates were empty. I made my way to the only Priority Pass lounge in Terminal B to wait. Fortunately, the lounge was actually a restaurant, and it was right next to my gate.

I spent about two hours enjoying a meal and catching up on Big Brother before heading to the gate.

View of the boarding area from the Priority Pass restaurant.Taylor Rains/Insider

We boarded around 10:10 p.m., and the process was quick.

The boarding gate.Taylor Rains/Insider

Walking through the cabin, I realized I was lucky to be on one of United's updated 767-300ERs, complete with Polaris business class…

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…Premium Plus…

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and economy. I booked a basic economy ticket and was assigned seat 41A, which is a window seat at the back of the plane.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Behind me was a row with a lot of extra legroom and a legrest, which a flight attendant told me was blocked for crew use.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

While it's no business class, I love United's economy product and was happy to see it on its 767.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

The seats are in a 2x3x2 layout, which means most passengers will avoid the middle seat.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, found the seats very spacious with plenty of legroom. I'm 5'3" and on the smaller side, so I fit in most airline seats without issue.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I particularly liked that the seat in front of me did not have a middle divider, so the entire underseat space was available for stretching out or storing a larger personal item.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I particularly liked that the seat in front of me did not have a middle divider, so the entire underseat space was available for stretching out or storing a larger personal item.

However, taller passengers may still want to upgrade to United's extra legroom row to guarantee they have more space since the middle section does have an extra divider between the three seats.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

However, taller passengers may still want to upgrade to United's extra legroom row to guarantee they have more space since the middle section does have an extra divider between the three seats.

Moreover, passengers shouldn't expect the regular economy seat to be extremely padded. It is slim but still comfortable on the transatlantic route.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

For more cushion, upgrade to Premium Plus or Polaris.

United Airlines premium plus on its 787.Taylor Rains/Insider

As far as amenities, the seat came with a TV loaded with movies, shows, music, and games…

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a USB charging port in the seatback screen…

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a power outlet under the seat…

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…good recline…

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…adjustable headrests…

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a pillow and blanket.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I particularly enjoyed the pillow because it was plump and soft. I used it as an armrest and a pillow, and slept very well.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I will note the 767's TV did not have Bluetooth like United's new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

United's 737 MAX 8 Bluetooth capability.Thomas Pallini/Insider

But, the flight attendants handed out wired headphones before takeoff that worked fine.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, the overhead bins in the middle section are smaller than the ones closest to the fuselage wall.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

They're big enough to carry a personal item or duffle, but roller bags will need to be in the larger overheads. Flight attendants helped direct passengers on which bins to put their luggage.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

They're big enough to carry a personal item or duffle, but roller bags will need to be in the larger overheads. Flight attendants helped direct passengers on which bins to put their luggage.

After takeoff, I connected to United's inflight WiFi, which cost $18.99 for the full flight, or $4.99 for one hour. MileagePlus passengers can use miles to pay for WiFi instead.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

After takeoff, I connected to United's inflight WiFi, which cost $18.99 for the full flight, or $4.99 for one hour. MileagePlus passengers can use miles to pay for WiFi instead.

I thought the WiFi worked great for browsing and listening to podcasts, which is all I needed, but I would not rely on it for streaming.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I used the seatback screen for entertainment and watched a few movies on the six-hour flight, including the comedy classic 10 Things I Hate About You.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

While it was a redeye flight, the cabin lights stayed on for about an hour and a half after takeoff and an hour before landing for the inflight service.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I was pleased with the dinner served, which was a chicken and veggie dish served with salad, bread, and ice cream.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

The flight attendants also served alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, like beer, wine, water, juice, and soda. I chose Diet Coke.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I also got pretzels as a snack.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

For breakfast, we were served yogurt and a Biscotti pastry. It was simple but tasty.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

With breakfast, I ordered coffee to help me stay awake the rest of the day. Fighting jetlag is always the hardest part of traveling to Europe.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I visited the lavatory about halfway through the flight, which was spacious and clean.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

There was enough space to move around, change, or freshen up.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

We arrived in London ahead of schedule and I was through passport control in about 30 minutes.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Fortunately, London Heathrow has automatic passport lines for certain nationalities, including the USA, which quickened the process.

Automated passport line at London Heathrow.Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, I was happy with United's 767 product. I fly the carrier regularly and rarely have any issues, and this flight was no different.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I am happy to see the 767s stay in the fleet and think the upgraded cabin will keep economy passengers comfortable on long journeys.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

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I flew on United's aging Boeing 767-300ER from Boston to London in economy and the updated cabin made the plane feel like new

United Airlines is one of the largest US operators of the Boeing 767 jet, having been the launch customer of the 767-200 variant in 1982.

The aircraft has served the company as an international workhorse for decades. Many of its examples are over 30 years old.

During the pandemic, both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines announced they would retire 767 planes, with American actually permanently parking its fleet in 2020.

While Delta originally said it would retire 767 planes by the end of 2025, president Glen Hauenstein said the carrier would continue operating them past that date, telling Airline Weekly that "you don't want to get yourself in a box where you've committed specifically."

Before Delta's announcement that it would continue flying the 767, Cowen analyst Helane Becker said in August 2020 that she believed United would follow American and Delta and "likely retire its 767 fleet" in favor of jets with a lower operating cost.

However, despite their age, United CCO Andrew Nocella said in a 2021 quarter two earnings call that the plane could fly for another "30 years or more."

"I'll give kudos to our maintenance team for keeping these aircraft in great shape, to allow us to have that option," he said. "So we do have optionality to fly these aircraft longer than I think people automatically assume."

Unlike American, United is keeping its 767s around and retrofitting the fleet to "give a great, great customer experience on board," according to Nocella.

Specifically, most of the company's 767-300ERs have been configured with United's luxurious Polaris business class and new Premium Plus product.

The younger 767-400ER fleet, which is still 20 years old, is also in the process of being updated. The first "76U," as the airline calls it, will fly for the first time this summer, per The Points Guy.

The investment in the 767 suggests the plane's significance in the fleet, especially as the company faces strong post-pandemic demand.

I flew on the aging 767-300ER in economy on a recent flight from Boston to London and loved it — here’s what it was like.

I started my journey on a Thursday at Boston Logan International Airport, arriving there at around 8:00 p.m. for an 11:00 p.m. flight.

While I always get to the airport at least three hours early for international departures, I realized, in this case, that was far more time than I needed. There were surprisingly no crowds inside the check-in area, and I got through security in about one minute.

Most of the restaurants were already closed inside the terminal, and the gates were empty. I made my way to the only Priority Pass lounge in Terminal B to wait. Fortunately, the lounge was actually a restaurant, and it was right next to my gate.

I spent about two hours enjoying a meal and catching up on Big Brother before heading to the gate.

We boarded around 10:10 p.m., and the process was quick.

Walking through the cabin, I realized I was lucky to be on one of United's updated 767-300ERs, complete with Polaris business class…

…Premium Plus…

…and economy. I booked a basic economy ticket and was assigned seat 41A, which is a window seat at the back of the plane.

Behind me was a row with a lot of extra legroom and a legrest, which a flight attendant told me was blocked for crew use.

While it's no business class, I love United's economy product and was happy to see it on its 767.

The seats are in a 2x3x2 layout, which means most passengers will avoid the middle seat.

Overall, found the seats very spacious with plenty of legroom. I'm 5'3" and on the smaller side, so I fit in most airline seats without issue.

I particularly liked that the seat in front of me did not have a middle divider, so the entire underseat space was available for stretching out or storing a larger personal item.

However, taller passengers may still want to upgrade to United's extra legroom row to guarantee they have more space since the middle section does have an extra divider between the three seats.

Moreover, passengers shouldn't expect the regular economy seat to be extremely padded. It is slim but still comfortable on the transatlantic route.

For more cushion, upgrade to Premium Plus or Polaris.

As far as amenities, the seat came with a TV loaded with movies, shows, music, and games…

…a USB charging port in the seatback screen…

…a power outlet under the seat…

…good recline…

…adjustable headrests…

…and a pillow and blanket.

I particularly enjoyed the pillow because it was plump and soft. I used it as an armrest and a pillow, and slept very well.

I will note the 767's TV did not have Bluetooth like United's new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

But, the flight attendants handed out wired headphones before takeoff that worked fine.

Moreover, the overhead bins in the middle section are smaller than the ones closest to the fuselage wall.

They're big enough to carry a personal item or duffle, but roller bags will need to be in the larger overheads. Flight attendants helped direct passengers on which bins to put their luggage.

After takeoff, I connected to United's inflight WiFi, which cost $18.99 for the full flight, or $4.99 for one hour. MileagePlus passengers can use miles to pay for WiFi instead.

I thought the WiFi worked great for browsing and listening to podcasts, which is all I needed, but I would not rely on it for streaming.

I used the seatback screen for entertainment and watched a few movies on the six-hour flight, including the comedy classic 10 Things I Hate About You.

While it was a redeye flight, the cabin lights stayed on for about an hour and a half after takeoff and an hour before landing for the inflight service.

I was pleased with the dinner served, which was a chicken and veggie dish served with salad, bread, and ice cream.

The flight attendants also served alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, like beer, wine, water, juice, and soda. I chose Diet Coke.

I also got pretzels as a snack.

For breakfast, we were served yogurt and a Biscotti pastry. It was simple but tasty.

With breakfast, I ordered coffee to help me stay awake the rest of the day. Fighting jetlag is always the hardest part of traveling to Europe.

I visited the lavatory about halfway through the flight, which was spacious and clean.

There was enough space to move around, change, or freshen up.

We arrived in London ahead of schedule and I was through passport control in about 30 minutes.

Fortunately, London Heathrow has automatic passport lines for certain nationalities, including the USA, which quickened the process.

Overall, I was happy with United's 767 product. I fly the carrier regularly and rarely have any issues, and this flight was no different.

I am happy to see the 767s stay in the fleet and think the upgraded cabin will keep economy passengers comfortable on long journeys.