United just launched A321neo flights with a new first-class seat — here’s what to expect

United is in the midst of revamping its narrow-body fleet, and the Airbus A321neo is a big part of said plans. The airline ordered 130 of these aircraft, and the first two just went into service with flights from Chicago O’Hare (ORD).

And while domestic jets aren’t usually the most interesting planes in the sky, this plane has a lot to be excited about in both first class and economy. It’s outfitted with the latest tech — think 4K seat-back screens, Bluetooth audio and wireless charging — as well as larger overhead storage bins for carry-on bags.

So, what’s it like to fly this brand-new plane? Let’s take a look at my experience onboard United’s Airbus A321neo on a flight from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale.

Your first look at United’s new domestic first-class product on the Airbus A321neo

United’s Airbus A321neo has 20 first-class seats, making it one of the larger first-class cabins in United’s fleet. On my flight from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, the cabin was booked solid prior to departure, with only one complimentary upgrade clearing at the gate.

After you board the plane, you’ll notice its first-class seats are completely redesigned from older planes in the United fleet. They more modern, with marble accents, sharp lines and privacy dividers.

But tech is where this new cabin really shines. Each first-class seat has a massive 13-inch 4K OLED seat-back screen with a plethora of movies, TV shows and entertainment to choose from. It’s by far the best-looking screen I’ve seen on a domestic plane.

Even better, you can connect your AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones to the plane’s in-flight entertainment screen. Each seat — in both first class in economy — has Bluetooth capability.

Each first-class seat has a USB-A, USB-C and power outlet underneath the in-flight entertainment screen. Plus, there’s a wireless charging pad in the armrest. This brings United’s first-class cabin up to date with modern charging standards, and I’d love to see them update the rest of the fleet with the same capabilities.

There’s plenty of storage, with area for a laptop under the armrest and another cubby at knee level. There’s also a small shelf underneath the seat-back display for your phone while it charges.

Onboard service on my flight to Fort Lauderdale was standard for a United domestic first-class flight. Since the flight was over 800 miles, there was meal service. We were also served a pre-departure beverage — water or sparkling wine — before leaving the gate. Flight attendants were attentive and friendly.

Wi-Fi is available on United’s A321neo for $10 per domestic flight, though the price drops to $8 per flight if you’re a United MileagePlus member. It’s fast too, with 50+ mbps download speeds.

United’s A321neo economy cabin has major improvements too

United gave CNN Underscored access to the plane before boarding, so I was able to check out the 180-seat economy cabin too.

While the seats themselves look similar to economy seats you’ll find on other United aircraft, there are some major tech improbvements. For example, seat-back entertainment got a big upgrade with 12-inch4K OLED displays. And like in first class, Bluetooth audio and USB-C ports are present.

Elite members will like this new cabin too, since there are 57 Economy Plus seats at the front of the cabin, which United Premier Gold elite members and higher can reserve for free at the time of booking.

How to fly United’s new first-class seat

As mentioned, United’s A321neo is only flying between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Phoenix (PHX) at the time of writing. It will expand service from Chicago to Orlando (MCO), Fort Meyers (RSW) and Las Vegas (LAS) on Jan. 9, 2024, and we expect more routes to come as the airline takes delivery of more aircraft.

How much you’ll pay for a first-class seat varies widely on when and where you fly. The cheapest A321neo route we could find in February 2024 was Chicago to Orlando for $314, which is a solid deal on this route.

Most dates on this route — or others operated by this aircraft — will cost roughly double that. So, you might consider redeeming airline miles or credit card points for your ticket.

United MileagePlus prices award tickets dynamically, meaning award prices vary by day, route and other factors. One example flight on the Chicago to Orlando route costs 37,700 miles in first class, but it could be more or less depending on the day you fly.

You can earn United miles with these credit cards:

Alternatively, if you have American Express Membership Rewards®, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles or Citi ThankYou points, you can book dates with saver award space by transferring points to Avianca LifeMiles. Chicago to Florida routes cost 25,000 LifeMiles, plus minimal taxes and fees, though award space is minimal.

Bottom line

United’s new Airbus A321neo is a great addition to its fleet and a glimpse into the future of United’s aircraft. I’m a huge fan of the upgraded technology and new seats, which bring the plane up to date with modern charging standards and make the in-flight entertainment experience more enjoyable.

Keep an eye out for United’s Airbus A321neo the next time you’re booking a flight. With 130 aircraft set to join the fleet, it’s bound to fly to an airport near you sooner than later.

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