United unveils new domestic United First seat
New domestic first class seat offers three types of charging outlet
United Airlines is to introduce a new domestic First Class seat that includes a wireless charging station in every arm rest.
The new United First seat will debut on its first 737 this month, with further rollouts throughout this summer. The airline expects the new seat to be on 200 domestic planes by 2026, including 737 NGs, A321neos and 737 MAXs.
"This new United First seat is designed around the modern traveler — more charging options, bigger spaces for devices, food, drinks and personal items and extra privacy," said Mark Muren, United Managing Director of Identity, Product and Loyalty in a July 12 statement. "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."
The announcement marks United's first update to domestic First Class seat design since 2015. The new United First 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 PriestmanGoode.
Features include the ability for passengers to quickly charge multiple electronic devices at once with three types of charging docks in each seat: wireless, AC household-style outlet and USB-C. The wireless charger is located in a compartment of the armrest to give the passenger line-of-sight to notifications and free their hands and tray table.
Larger seat-back screens have been introduced, with each seat having a Bluetooth capable 13-inch, high-definition screen, and remote for those unable to reach the touch screen.
A larger, 18 x 8.5-inch tray table features a built-in tablet holder and enough space for most standard laptops. Additionally, authentic Italian quartzite cocktail tables and bottle holders are between each seat.
In the large seats upholstered with vegan leather, passengers will experience more privacy with a 11 x 19-inch divider between neighbors, winged headrests and tray tables that deploy from outer armrests to reduce passenger contact. The seat features a 5-inch recline range, adjustable aisle arm rest that lowers completely and an ergonomist-designed seat cushion that sits 1-inch lower to accommodate a wider variety of heights.
In addition to installing the new seats, United will update existing domestic First Class seats on more than 200 planes by 2025. United First seats on select 737, A319 and A320 aircraft will be redesigned with new seat cushions, vegan leather upholstery and winged headrests.
