United Debuts Wireless Charging Onboard

Rhea-AI Summary

United Airlines (UAL) introduces new domestic first class seat with wireless charging, vegan leather upholstery, and larger seatback screens. The new seat will be featured on 200+ planes by late 2026, offering more charging options, extra privacy, and user-friendly entertainment features.

Positive

• The new United First seat offers innovative features to cater to the modern traveler, such as multiple charging options, larger seatback screens, and more space for work and relaxation.
• The updated domestic first class seat design is a significant improvement from the previous version, anticipating future needs and accommodating the new ways people live and travel.

Negative

• None.

New domestic first class seat offers three types of charging outlets, vegan leather upholstery, larger seatback screens and tray tables, Bluetooth connectivity, privacy screens, Italian quartzite cocktail tables and an ergonomist-designed cushion

Travelers will start seeing the new United First seat on planes this summer as the airline expects to have the new seat on 200+ planes by late 2026

CHICAGO, July 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- United today introduced a new domestic first class seat that includes a wireless charging station in every arm rest.

The new United First® seat – which also features vegan leather upholstery, 13-inch seatback screens and 18-inch tray tables, Bluetooth connectivity, privacy screens and an ergonomist-designed cushion – debuts on its first 737 this month, and customers will continue to see it rollout 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. "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."

In each United First new seat, customers can enjoy the following features:

Charge Multiple Devices at Once

Passengers can quickly charge their 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, User-Friendly Seatback Entertainment

A growing number of customers prefer a two-screen experience where they use a personal device and a seatback screen simultaneously, so United is upleveling the experience. The 13-inch, high-definition screens are Bluetooth capable and include a remote for those unable to reach the touch screen.

More Space for Work and Relaxation

Designated space for devices, food, drinks and more make it easier for passengers to enjoy the full experience. A larger, 18 x 8.5 inch tray table features a built-in tablet holder and enough space for most standard laptops. With authentic Italian quartzite cocktail tables and bottle holders between each seat, passengers don't have to balance gadgets, drinks and snacks on one tray table.

More Private, Adjustable 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.

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 Priestman Goode.

For more information visit www.United.com and view media assets here.

About United 

At United, Good Leads The Way^SM. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers, and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL". 

 

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SOURCE United Airlines

FAQ

What are the key features of the new United First seat?

The new United First seat offers wireless charging, vegan leather upholstery, larger seatback screens, Bluetooth connectivity, privacy screens, and an ergonomist-designed cushion, among other features.

When will the new United First seat be available on planes?

The new seat will be featured on 200+ planes by late 2026, with the rollout starting this summer.

What are the charging options available in the new United First seat?

Passengers can charge their devices using three types of charging docks in each seat – wireless, AC household-style outlet, and USB-C.

What are the improvements in the seatback entertainment system?

The new seat features 13-inch high-definition screens that are Bluetooth capable and include a remote for added convenience.

How does the new United First seat offer more privacy?

The seat features a 11 x 19-inch divider between neighbors, winged headrests, and tray tables that deploy from outer armrests to reduce passenger contact, providing a more private and adjustable seating experience.