United just unveiled a new first class seat, complete with more privacy and wireless phone charging — take a look

Taylor RainsJul 15, 2023, 19:22 IST

United Airlines is adding wireless charging and extra privacy to its first class seats.United Airlines

United Airlines is retrofitting 200 of its Boeing and Airbus narrowbody planes with a new first class cabin.
The modernized seats will feature upgraded amenities like wireless charging and privacy wings.

United Airlines announced a giant aircraft modernization project in June 2021 dubbed "United Next." The plan includes an order of 270 narrowbody planes and the overhaul of the carrier's domestic mainline cabins.

This project will touch nearly every single-aisle plane in the company's fleet, with new 737 MAX jets having already been delivered with the new signature interior.

However, the post-pandemic battle for deep-pocket customers has prompted United to further improve its most premium offerings.

On Wednesday, the Chicago-based carrier unveiled a brand new first class seat that will debut on the Boeing 737 this month. Improvements include things like more charging options and better privacy compared to its current product.

"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's managing director of identity, product, and loyalty, said in a press release.

The company plans to fit the upgraded cabin onto 200 narrowbody planes by 2026, including upcoming Airbus A321neos, newly delivered Boeing 737 MAXs, and select Boeing 737 NGs currently in the fleet — take a look.

The last time United launched a significant cabin upgrade was in 2015 when it started flying its current first class design.

United Airlines

One of the biggest upgrades is the addition of wireless charging, which is located in the center armrest. Each seat also has an AC power outlet and USB-C.

United Airlines

Another major enhancement is the addition of 13-inch seatback screens, which are Bluetooth-capable and come with a handheld remote.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

Meanwhile, United has also added more space for work and leisure, including a five-inch recline and a fully-collapsable aisle armrest.

United Airlines is adding wireless charging and extra privacy to its first class seats.United Airlines

In an effort to meet the growing demand for privacy, the carrier has also added wings around the headrests, as well as a center divider.

United Airlines

The latest product will differ from the new first class design that debuted on a handful of Airbus A319 jets earlier this year.

Aero Icarus/Flickr

United's new and improved first class comes as airlines try to cater to more high-paying customers — especially as business travel slowly crawls its way back, albeit still below 2019 levels.

Inside United Airlines' newest aircraft and interior.Thomas Pallini/Insider

United's new and improved first class comes as airlines try to cater to more high-paying customers — especially as business travel slowly crawls its way back, albeit still below 2019 levels.

The company is facing strong competition, though.

Delta Air Lines

Delta, in particular, recently introduced a brand new first class cabin on its Airbus A321neos.

Delta A321neo first class.Jennifer Bradley Franklin/Insider

American has also upgraded its premium narrowbody cabin, but instead of first, it is introducing a new business class on future Airbus A321XLRs.

American Airlines

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United just unveiled a new first class seat, complete with more privacy and wireless phone charging &mdash; take a look

The last time United launched a significant cabin upgrade was in 2015 when it started flying its current first class design.

One of the biggest upgrades is the addition of wireless charging, which is located in the center armrest. Each seat also has an AC power outlet and USB-C.

Another major enhancement is the addition of 13-inch seatback screens, which are Bluetooth-capable and come with a handheld remote.

Meanwhile, United has also added more space for work and leisure, including a five-inch recline and a fully-collapsable aisle armrest.

In an effort to meet the growing demand for privacy, the carrier has also added wings around the headrests, as well as a center divider.

The latest product will differ from the new first class design that debuted on a handful of Airbus A319 jets earlier this year.

United's new and improved first class comes as airlines try to cater to more high-paying customers — especially as business travel slowly crawls its way back, albeit still below 2019 levels.

The company is facing strong competition, though.

Delta, in particular, recently introduced a brand new first class cabin on its Airbus A321neos.

American has also upgraded its premium narrowbody cabin, but instead of first, it is introducing a new business class on future Airbus A321XLRs.

United just unveiled a new first class seat, complete with more privacy and wireless phone charging — take a look