Is upgrading to United First Class worth it? After flying this cabin on routes across the country, I can help you figure that out. More importantly, I’ll show you how to book it without overpaying.
This guide walks through what you get: the seats, the service, the food, and how United compares to competitors. I’ve tested premium cabins on many airlines over the years, so I can tell you what’s worthwhile versus what sounds better than it is. Plus, I’ll share exclusive tips on how to score First Class tickets for much less than you’d expect.
Quick note before we begin: United First is only found on domestic routes, including trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and the Caribbean. Note that for all other international routes, United Polaris is their top-tier business class. Here’s everything you need to know about United First Class in 2026.
#1 tip to find cheap United First Class tickets
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And if you’re into business/first class, you’ll want to sign up for their Elite version. Last year, this service saved me $2,750 on a first class flight and $1,500 on a business class flight. At just $199 year year, trust me, it’s a small price for massive savings.
An Overview of United First Class
United First launched in 2015 as the airline’s premium domestic cabin. It’s designed to be a step up from economy and Economy Plus, with bigger seats, better service, and food and drinks included on most routes.
United First flies only domestic routes: flights within the U.S., plus Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and select Caribbean destinations. For international travel, United operates Polaris business class and a separate United Business product on some premium routes.
In 2023, United rolled out new first-class seats with wireless charging in the armrests and winged headrests for more privacy. These are being installed across the fleet, with around 200 aircraft expected to have the updated seats by 2026.
The planes getting the new seats include Boeing 737s (both NGs and MAXs) and Airbus A321neos. Some older aircraft on the A319 and A320 are also getting refreshed with new cushions and headrests, though without the wireless charging or privacy dividers.
United first class benefits in 2026
United First comes with perks that can make your flight more comfortable. Here’s what you get:
- Premier Access: You get priority check-in, access to faster security lanes, and early boarding. First Class passengers board in Group 1, which puts you ahead of most travelers. Just know that you’re boarding alongside other elite frequent flyers and passengers with certain United credit cards, so Group 1 can get crowded.
- Food and drinks included: What you get depends on how long your flight is. Flights over 900 miles get full meals. Flights between 300 and 900 miles get premium snack baskets. Shorter flights under 300 miles still get complimentary drinks, including alcohol.
- Better seats: The seats offer more space to recline, six-way adjustable headrests, extra storage, power outlets, and cushioned seats. These are recliner-style seats, not the lie-flat beds you’ll find on United Polaris international flights.
- More ways to charge devices: Newer aircraft have wireless charging in the armrests, plus standard power outlets. You also get more space for your devices, food, and personal items.
- Two free checked bags: You can check two standard bags without fees. Your bags also get priority handling, so they show up first at baggage claim.
- United Club access (limited): Lounge access is only included on specific routes. You get it on premium transcontinental flights between Newark and Los Angeles or San Francisco, and on flights to and from Canada. Most other domestic First Class tickets don’t include lounge access.
United First Class Booking Experience
United First Class tickets run about three to four times the cost of economy on the same route. Prices shift based on when you book, the season, and how many seats are left.
Booking United First Class with cash and points
We analyzed a selection of United First Class flights between January and December 2026 to bring you the average flight prices:
| Time of year | Roundtrip price (in $ or miles) |
| Winter 2026 | $479 to $2,300 (60,000-110,000 points) |
| Spring 2026 | $485 to $2,500 (60,000-110,000 points) |
| Summer 2026 | $585 to $2,700 (70,000-112,000 points) |
| Fall 2026 | $505 to $2,575 (60,000-110,000 points) |
These prices can vary based on factors like booking time, season, and availability. Again, if you want to find the best possible deals on first class airfare, I highly recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for finding discounted economy flights, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.
Booking a ticket for United’s First Class is an easy process, with the airline’s official website being the primary platform.
It’s worth mentioning again that United First is mostly available on U.S. domestic flights, catering to destinations including Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. However, the experience can differ based on the aircraft type. For instance, while traditional first-class seats are available on aircraft like the 737, wide-body aircraft on routes such as IAH to LAX offer lie-flat seats, providing a more luxurious experience.
Upgrading to United First Class from Economy
United MileagePlus Premier members get automatically waitlisted for complimentary upgrades to First Class when seats are available. When these clear depends on your status level. Premier 1K members might get confirmed 96 hours before departure, while Silver members typically see upgrades on the day of travel. Your ticket’s fare class matters too. Higher fare classes like Y or B have better odds of clearing.
If you want to guarantee an upgrade, you can use miles or PlusPoints. As of November 2024, United switched to dynamic pricing for mileage upgrades, so the cost varies by flight rather than following a fixed chart. You’ll see the exact number of miles required when you search for upgrades in your reservation.
For those with PlusPoints (earned by Premier Platinum and 1K members), upgrades on domestic flights typically cost 20 PlusPoints from economy to First Class. These also come with dynamic pricing and no refund if you cancel.
Most economy fares can be upgraded, but Basic Economy tickets aren’t eligible. Some higher fare classes (O, Y, or B) skip the usual co-pay fee. Premier members can also gift upgrades to other travelers using their PlusPoints or miles.
The upgrade process isn’t simple, and availability gets tight on popular routes. Your best shot is booking early, choosing higher fare classes when possible, or earning elite status for better priority.
United First Class Pre-Flight Experience
Flying United First Class starts with a smoother airport experience. You’ll get Premier Access, which means priority check-in, dedicated security lanes, and less time waiting in lines.
United First Class doesn’t include lounge access on most flights. You only get United Club access if you’re flying to or from Canada or the Caribbean. This surprises a lot of people. If you want lounge access on domestic routes, you’ll need to buy a day pass, get a United Club membership, or sign up for the United Club Card.
First Class passengers board in Group 1, so you’re among the first on the plane. This means you’ll have plenty of overhead bin space and time to settle in without the boarding chaos.
You get two free checked bags up to 70 pounds each. Economy passengers pay $35 online or $40 at the airport for their first bag, and they’re limited to 50 pounds. Your First Class bags also get priority handling, so they come out first at baggage claim.
United Airlines First Class Cabin
United First Class is in the middle of a major transformation, and the seat you get depends entirely on which plane you’re on.
United started rolling out new first class seats in 2023 with a goal of having them on 200 domestic aircraft by 2026. As of 2025, the rollout is ongoing but the fleet is inconsistent. You might get brand new seats with all the latest tech, or you might get older recliners from 2015.
Pro tip: Seats 1A and 1B are the best places to sit on United First Class because there’s no one reclining into you. But always check SeatGuru before booking to see the specific configuration on your aircraft. The overhead bins on single-aisle regional jets can be tight, so you might need to gate-check larger carry-ons.
The New Seats (2023 and Beyond)
If you’re lucky enough to get one of the newer aircraft, you’ll notice the upgrade immediately. These seats come with wireless charging pads built into the armrests, 13-inch HD seatback screens with Bluetooth connectivity, and USB-C ports alongside standard AC outlets. There are also privacy dividers between seats and winged headrests that give you a bit more personal space.
The seats are upholstered in vegan leather and feature larger tray tables (18 x 8.5 inches) with built-in tablet holders. United also lowered the seat cushion by an inch to accommodate different heights more comfortably.
Which Aircraft Have the New Seats?
The newest seats are rolling out on:
- Boeing 737 MAX: All have either new or NEXT seats.
- Airbus A321neo: All have the newest NEXT interior.
- Boeing 737-800 and 737-900: Total lottery. Could be ancient seats with no screens, older seats with screens, or brand new NEXT seats.
- Airbus A319 and A320: Some have a modified version of the new seat WITHOUT wireless charging or privacy dividers.
- Boeing 757-300: Older seats, no seatback screens.
Regional jets operated by United Express still have older configurations and typically don’t include seatback screens. You’ll need to use your own device for entertainment on these smaller planes.
Seat Configuration and Dimensions
All United First Class uses a 2-2 configuration. Seat pitch ranges from 37 to 39 inches, width from 19 to 21 inches. These are recliner seats, not lie-flat beds. They recline about 5 to 6 inches.
In all, United First Class quality varies wildly by aircraft. It can be excellent or just okay, and you often won’t know until you board.
United First Class In-Flight Experience
The in-flight experience in United First Class depends almost entirely on which aircraft you’re on. Some flights feel modern and premium, whilst others feel dated.
Entertainment
Newer aircraft with the NEXT interior have 13-inch HD or 4K seatback screens with Bluetooth connectivity, letting you use your own wireless headphones. The content library includes movies, TV shows, music, and live TV on select aircraft. Older aircraft might have smaller screens with DirectTV, while some regional jets have no seatback screens at all and require you to use your own device.
If you’re on an older plane without screens, you can stream content through United’s app on your personal device.
WiFi
United is rolling out free Starlink WiFi across its entire fleet. The first mainline aircraft launched in October 2025, and regional jets started getting it in May 2025. The rollout will take several years to complete across all 1,000+ aircraft.
Until your aircraft gets Starlink, WiFi costs around $8 for MileagePlus members or $10 for non-members per flight. Quality varies depending on the WiFi provider, which differs by aircraft type. Some flights have fast, reliable connections. Others are slower or spotty.
Seats and Comfort
United First Class seats on narrow-body aircraft like the 737 MAX and A321neo are comfortable recliners in a 2-2 configuration. They’re wider than economy, offer more legroom, and recline about 5-6 inches. They’re good seats, but they don’t lie flat.
On some wide-body aircraft flying to Hawaii or on select hub-to-hub routes, you might get older lie-flat seats in a tight 2-4-2 or 2-1-2 configuration. These are from United’s previous international business class and offer full recline. While they’re not as private or modern as Polaris seats, they’re a significant upgrade over standard recliners for longer flights.
All charging options (wireless, USB-C, AC outlets) depend on your aircraft. Newer planes have all three. Older planes might only have AC outlets or USB-A ports.
United First Class Menu
United has been working hard to improve its domestic first class dining since 2023, when the airline publicly acknowledged its food hadn’t been up to par.
You can pre-order meals between 5 days and 24 hours before your flight through the United app or website. This is worth doing because some menu items are only available through pre-order. If you don’t pre-order, you’ll be limited to whatever’s available onboard, and popular items often run out.
Hot meals are served on flights over 800 miles (updated to 900 miles in 2024). Shorter flights get snacks and drinks only.
The menu rotates regularly and includes around 10 main dishes that cycle through different routes. Current popular options include Thai beef meatballs, cheese enchiladas, and tomato burrata manicotti. Breakfast options include items like chorizo breakfast tacos and Chicago bagel breakfast melts.
United also introduced regional signature dishes from each of its seven hubs. For example, you might get shrimp creole out of Houston, Korean BBQ short rib from LAX, or pastrami-spiced chicken from Newark.
United offers special meals for dietary restrictions including kosher, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. These need to be requested in advance.
All alcoholic beverages are complimentary in First Class for passengers 21 and over. The selection includes beer, wine, and spirits from brands like Bacardi Rum, Jack Daniels, and Stella Artois.
United recently upgraded its drink menu with illy cold brew coffee, Aperol Spritz, and Crafthouse Cocktails including Espresso Martinis, Mai Tais, and a custom “Moonlighter” blend made specifically for United.
United First Class vs. Other Fare Classes
United offers several cabin options, and understanding the differences helps you decide what’s worth paying for.
United First Class vs. Basic Economy
Basic Economy is United’s cheapest option and comes with serious restrictions. You can’t bring a carry-on bag on domestic flights, only a personal item. You don’t get to choose your seat until check-in, and you’re boarding last. No upgrades allowed, even for MileagePlus members.
First Class is the opposite. You get priority everything, two free checked bags up to 70 pounds each, a comfortable recliner seat, complimentary food and alcohol, and you board first.
United First Class vs. Economy and Economy Plus
Regular Economy gives you a standard seat, carry-on bag, and seat selection. Economy Plus adds 3 to 6 inches of extra legroom and puts you in the front section of the economy cabin. Both get you the same meal service, which is snacks and drinks you can purchase.
First Class gives you a much wider seat with better recline, dedicated overhead bin space, hot meals on flights over 800 miles, free alcohol, and priority boarding.
United First Class vs. Premium Plus
Premium Plus is United’s international premium economy on long-haul flights. The seat is similar in size and comfort to domestic First Class. It reclines more than Economy, has a footrest, and comes with complimentary meals and alcohol. You get two free checked bags and priority boarding in Group 2.
The main difference is that Premium Plus is only on select international and premium transcontinental routes. Domestic First Class is available throughout the US, Canada, and the Caribbean.
United First Class vs. United Polaris
Polaris is United’s flagship business class for long-haul international flights. It’s in a completely different league. You get lie-flat seats that turn into a 6’6″ bed, direct aisle access, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, multi-course chef-designed meals, and access to Polaris lounges at select airports.
Domestic First Class has recliner seats (not lie-flat on most aircraft), no lounge access except to Canada and the Caribbean, and simpler meal service. Polaris is premium. First Class is comfortable but not luxury.
| Feature | United First Class | Polaris Business Class | Economy Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Type | Reclining seats with extra legroom and adjustable headrests. | Fully lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, converting into a 6’6″ bed. | Standard seats with 31″ pitch and 2-3″ recline. |
| Meal Service | Complimentary meals and beverages, including alcoholic drinks; meal offerings vary by flight length. | Multi-course meals with restaurant-quality dining; complimentary alcoholic beverages. | Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; meals available for purchase on select flights. |
| Lounge Access | Access to United Club lounges on premium transcontinental routes; otherwise, lounge access not included. | Access to United Polaris lounges on international routes; includes premium amenities and dining options. | Lounge access not included. |
Best Routes to Fly United Airlines First Class
United First shows up on most domestic flights, but the experience varies wildly depending on the route and aircraft. Some flights are absolutely worth it. Others, not so much.
Routes Over 900 Miles
These are the flights where United First makes the most sense. You get hot meals, enough time to relax, and the seat upgrade feels justified.
Strong options include Chicago to Anchorage (nearly seven hours), Denver to Maui (around seven hours), Houston to Hawaii, Newark to Los Angeles, and Washington Dulles to San Juan. The flight time gives you a proper meal service, time to watch a movie, and enough space to make the upgrade worthwhile.
Hub-to-Hub Routes
United sometimes uses widebody planes to reposition aircraft between hubs for international flights. When this happens, you’re paying for First Class but sitting in what’s actually a Polaris business seat with full lie-flat capabilities.
Common routes where this happens include Newark to Houston, Chicago to San Francisco, Chicago to Houston, Houston to San Francisco, and Washington Dulles to San Francisco. The schedules change constantly and United doesn’t guarantee it.
- Pro tip: Check the seat map when booking. If you see a 757, 767, 777, or 787 with Polaris seats listed, grab it. Just know aircraft swaps happen, and you might end up in a regular recliner instead.
Hawaii Routes
Every United flight from the mainland to Hawaii uses widebody aircraft, which means you’re getting lie-flat seats in First Class. Routes from Newark, Chicago, Houston, Denver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to Honolulu, Maui, or Kona all work. Flight times run six to eight hours, so United has no choice but to use long-range planes with better seats.
Routes to Avoid
I’d recommend avoiding regional jets on short routes. The seats are barely bigger than Economy Plus. There are no seatback screens (you’ll need your own device). Overhead bins can’t fit standard carry-ons, so you’ll likely end up gate-checking your bag anyway. You’re paying First Class money for what amounts to a slightly wider seat and a free drink.
How does United First Class compare to other U.S. airlines?
All three major U.S. carriers offer domestic first class, and honestly, they’re more similar than different. But there are a few areas where each airline pulls ahead.
Delta
Delta is widely considered to have the best domestic first class product, mostly because of consistency. The majority of Delta’s first class cabins have seatback screens with live TV and on-demand entertainment. United is still rolling out screens across its fleet, so you might get them or you might not.
Delta also offers free WiFi on most narrowbody aircraft. United charges around $8 to $10 per flight unless you have elite status or are on one of the newer planes with Starlink (still rolling out). The food is comparable on both airlines. Flights over 900 miles get hot meals, shorter flights get snack baskets.
Delta’s new first class seats on the A321neo are impressive. They have large privacy wings that make the cabin feel more secluded than anything else flying domestically. The downside? Some passengers find the seats less comfortable than the previous generation. They’re not as well padded.
American
American is the only U.S. carrier still offering true domestic first class on international routes, though they’re phasing it out. The real standout is Flagship First on the A321T aircraft flying JFK to Los Angeles or San Francisco. These are proper lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, the same kind of product you’d get internationally.
On regular domestic routes, American’s first class is fine but unremarkable. Recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration, complimentary meals on flights over 900 miles, priority boarding. The big issue is seatback screens. American has been removing them from aircraft during retrofits, so most planes now require you to use your own device for entertainment.
American’s Flagship Lounges at major hubs like New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles are excellent. They’re a step above United Club lounges, with chef-prepared meals and premium drinks. But access is limited to specific routes and fare classes.
Where United Stands
United First sits somewhere in the middle. The newest seats with wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and privacy dividers are genuinely good. They’re comfortable and well designed. But the fleet is wildly inconsistent. You might get a brand new A321neo with all the bells and whistles, or you might get a 757 with no screens and worn-out recliners from 2015.
United has better seat pitch than Delta or American (around 38 to 39 inches versus 37), but the seats are narrower (19 to 21 inches versus 21). Service quality varies more than on Delta. Some crews are fantastic, others are just going through the motions.
The food has improved since 2023 when United admitted their catering needed work. The new menu options with regional dishes from each hub are a nice touch. Pre-ordering meals helps ensure you get what you want before options run out.
United’s Polaris lounges at select hubs are excellent and rival American’s Flagship Lounges. But they’re only available if you’re flying internationally or on premium transcontinental routes. Regular domestic first class doesn’t include lounge access unless you’re flying to or from Canada or the Caribbean.
Pros and cons of flying United first
United First is available on shorter flights and offers larger, recliner-style seats. While it provides a decent product, it’s not as luxurious as other first class products. Here are some pros and cons of United First:
Pros:
- More space where it counts. The seats are noticeably wider with better legroom and recline. On a long day of travel, that extra room makes a real difference.
- Priority everything. Dedicated check-in, faster security lanes, early boarding. You’re not fighting for overhead bin space or standing in long lines.
- Two free checked bags. Each up to 70 pounds, and they show up first at baggage claim. If you’re traveling with gear or gifts, this saves money and hassle.
- Meals on longer flights. Hot food on flights over 900 miles, and you can pre-order to guarantee you get what you want. The regional hub dishes are a nice touch.
- Free drinks. Complimentary alcohol including upgraded cocktails, Aperol Spritz, and illy cold brew.
- New seats are impressive. When you get them, the wireless charging, Bluetooth screens, and privacy dividers feel genuinely modern.
- Starlink WiFi is coming. Fast and free when available. The problem is most planes don’t have it yet, but it’s getting there.
Cons:
- You never know which plane you’ll get. Could be a new 737 MAX or a tired 757. United swaps aircraft without warning, so even careful planning doesn’t guarantee the good seats.
- No lounge access on most routes. You only get United Club access if you’re flying to Canada or the Caribbean.
- The food can disappoint. Pre-ordering helps, but quality is inconsistent. Sometimes it’s great, sometimes it’s overcooked or bland.
- Regional jets barely feel like first class. Seats are only slightly bigger than Economy Plus, no screens, tight overhead bins. You’re mostly paying for priority boarding.
- WiFi still costs money on most planes. Around $8 to $10 unless you’re on one of the few aircraft with Starlink.
- Those tray tables. Minor complaint, but they’re genuinely annoying. They don’t store easily and everyone struggles with them!
Looking to find United First Class deals for under $500 roundtrip? You’ll want to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for economy deals, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.
