by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:45 AM ET, Wed July 12, 2023
United Airlines announced a new domestic first-class seat
with a wireless charging station in every armrest.
The carrier revealed the new United First seats would
feature vegan leather upholstery, 13-inch seatback screens, 18-inch tray
tables, Bluetooth connectivity, privacy screens and an ergonomist-designed
cushion.
United said the new designs are scheduled to debut later
this month, with the rollout continuing through the summer. The airline expects
the United First option to be available on 200 domestic planes by 2026,
including its fleet of 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,” United Managing Director Mark Muren said.
In each new United First seat, customers can charge multiple
devices at once with three types of charging docks; wireless, AC outlet and
USB-C. The wireless charger is in the armrest to give passengers line-of-sight
to notifications and free their hands and tray table.
To provide a better two-screen experience, United added 13-inch,
high-definition screens with Bluetooth capabilities. The carrier announced it
would also update existing domestic first-class seats on more than 200 planes
by 2025.
“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,” Muren continued.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe
to the daily TravelPulse
newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
