Flying first class on United 737 MAX First Class 8 from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Miami (MIA) for a quick 2-hour-20-minute trip was my introduction to the airline’s new “United Next” interiors. As someone who typically flies American, I was eager to explore United’s ambitious push to elevate its premium offerings. This flight gave me a firsthand look at their revamped narrow-body cabins, complete with cutting-edge tech and a refreshed soft product. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my experience, from the comfort of the seats to the impressive technology and the surprisingly delightful drink selection. Spoiler: it was a pleasant way to travel, and I’m already looking forward to trying more of United’s upgraded fleet.
Comfortable Seats with a Few Quirks
The first-class cabin on United’s 737 MAX 8 features 16 seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration across four rows. At first glance, the cabin doesn’t stand out dramatically in terms of space or dimensions compared to other major U.S. carriers like American or Delta. The seat pitch and width are comparable to what you’d find in domestic first class across the “big three” airlines, so there’s no revolutionary leap in legroom or elbow space. However, the design and finishes of the seats caught my attention. The upholstery is sleek, with a modern aesthetic, and the padding feels substantial, offering a comfortable perch for a short domestic hop.
The seats are well-designed overall, with thoughtful touches like adjustable headrests and a clean, polished look. However, there’s one notable hiccup: the tray tables. Stowing them is an exercise in frustration, as they often don’t align properly with the armrest compartment. I noticed several passengers, including myself, fumbling to get them to slide back into place without a fight. It’s a small but noticeable flaw in an otherwise solid setup.
Another observation is the power situation. Each seat comes equipped with AC and USB-A outlets, which are convenient but feel slightly dated in 2025. With USB-C becoming the standard for modern devices, I was surprised United hadn’t incorporated it into these new interiors. Interestingly, I learned that United’s newer Airbus A321neo deliveries include updated seats with USB-C outlets and even wireless charging pads, signaling that the airline is keeping pace with evolving tech trends—just not quite yet on the 737 MAX 8.
Despite these minor gripes, the seats are comfortable enough for a short flight. They’re not game-changing, but they’re functional and stylish, setting a solid foundation for the overall experience.
Cutting-Edge Technology Elevates the Flight
The standout feature of United’s “United Next” interiors is undoubtedly the technology. Every first-class seat is equipped with a 13-inch high-definition seatback screen, a significant upgrade from the smaller, less impressive displays (or lack thereof) on some competitors’ aircraft. These screens are crisp, vibrant, and responsive, offering an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and other programming. Even economy seats get 10-inch displays, which is a nice touch for all passengers.
What sets United’s in-flight entertainment apart is the attention to detail. The interface is intuitive, and the content selection is vast, catering to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re into blockbuster movies, classic TV shows, or niche documentaries, there’s something to keep you occupied. The screens also support Bluetooth audio, allowing passengers to pair their wireless headphones for a more immersive experience. As someone who isn’t typically glued to in-flight entertainment, I found myself appreciating the option to casually browse or check the flight map—a feature that’s surprisingly satisfying when done on a sharp, high-definition display.
The real game-changer, however, is United’s Wi-Fi upgrade. Historically, United’s Wi-Fi has lagged behind competitors like Delta and American in terms of speed and reliability. That’s changing with the introduction of Viasat Wi-Fi on their narrow-body fleet, including the 737 MAX 8. On this flight, the connection was fast and stable, a far cry from the sluggish Wi-Fi I’ve experienced on other United flights in the past. Priced at just $8 for the entire flight, it’s also more affordable than what you’d typically pay on American, where Wi-Fi costs can climb significantly. Looking ahead, United’s plan to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet promises even faster and more reliable connectivity, which could solidify their edge in this area.
For someone like me, who usually flies American and deals with their inconsistent Wi-Fi and lackluster entertainment options, United’s tech-forward approach feels like a breath of fresh air. The combination of large, high-quality screens, Bluetooth capabilities, and improved Wi-Fi makes this a premium experience that’s hard to beat on a domestic flight.
A Solid Soft Product with Standout Drinks
United’s domestic first-class soft product—encompassing food, drinks, and service—was a pleasant surprise, though it didn’t blow me away. The pre-order meal system is one of the highlights, offering a robust selection of dishes that you can reserve in advance. This is an area where United and American are neck-and-neck, as both airlines provide exclusive pre-order options that elevate the dining experience. Delta, by contrast, tends to offer fewer pre-order exclusives, so United gets points for convenience here.
For this flight, I opted for the vegetarian chili polenta cake. Visually, it wasn’t much to write home about, but the taste was better than expected. It wasn’t gourmet by any stretch, but it was perfectly acceptable for airplane food. The accompanying side salad was a step above the typical wilted lettuce and lone cherry tomato you often get in the sky, and the warm bread roll was a nice touch. Dessert was a banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery, which seems to have a devoted fanbase. I didn’t quite get the hype—it was fine but not life-changing. Overall, the meal was on par with what I’d expect from American or Delta, neither impressing nor disappointing.
Where United truly shines is in its drink selection. As a coffee enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover that United is the only major U.S. carrier offering illy cold brew in first class. This is a massive win in my book. Airplane coffee is notoriously lackluster, often tasting like it was brewed with decaf dishwater. The cold brew, by contrast, was smooth, flavorful, and genuinely refreshing—a rare treat at 30,000 feet. It’s a small detail, but for coffee lovers, it’s a game-changer.
Beyond the cold brew, United’s drink menu is impressively creative for a domestic flight. The airline offers canned espresso martinis, which add a fun and modern twist to the beverage lineup. Compared to American’s predictable and uninspired drink options, United’s selection feels vibrant and thoughtful. Whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail, a craft beer, or a non-alcoholic option like the cold brew, there’s something to suit every taste.
The service itself was friendly and efficient, though not particularly memorable. The flight attendants were professional and attentive, ensuring drinks were topped up and meals were delivered promptly. It wasn’t an overly personalized experience, but for a short domestic flight, it didn’t need to be.
A Step Toward Premium Travel
United’s “United Next” initiative is clearly paying off, at least based on my experience in their 737 MAX 8 first class. The seats, while not revolutionary in terms of space, are comfortable and stylish, with the tray table alignment issue being the primary drawback. The technology, however, is a standout, with large, high-definition seatback screens, Bluetooth audio, and fast Viasat Wi-Fi that’s priced reasonably. The soft product is solid, with a strong pre-order meal system and a drink selection that’s a cut above the competition, thanks to the inclusion of cold brew and creative cocktails.
For someone accustomed to flying American, where entertainment and Wi-Fi often feel like an afterthought, United’s new interiors are a revelation. They’re not perfect—USB-C outlets would be a welcome addition, and the food could be more inspiring—but they represent a significant step forward for the airline. United is clearly committed to becoming a more premium carrier, and this flight was a promising glimpse of that vision.
I’m now curious to try United’s Airbus A321neo, which promises even more modern features like USB-C charging and wireless pads. For now, though, I can say that United’s 737 MAX 8 first class is a pleasant and enjoyable way to fly domestically. It’s not quite a luxury experience, but it’s a noticeable upgrade from the standard domestic first-class offerings I’m used to. If United continues down this path, they might just convince this American flyer to switch teams.
FAQ’s
What are the key features of United’s Boeing 737 MAX 8 first class seats?
The first-class cabin has 16 seats in a 2-2 configuration with solid padding, adjustable headrests, and a modern design. Each seat includes a 13-inch HD screen, AC and USB-A outlets, and Bluetooth audio. However, tray tables can be difficult to stow, and USB-C outlets are not yet available.
How does the in-flight entertainment compare to other airlines?
United’s 737 MAX 8 offers 13-inch HD seatback screens in first class (10-inch in economy) with a vast content library and Bluetooth audio, surpassing American’s often limited or nonexistent entertainment options. It’s competitive with Delta but feels more modern.
What is the Wi-Fi like on United’s 737 MAX 8?
The aircraft features Viasat Wi-Fi, which is fast and reliable, priced at $8 for the entire flight. This is a significant improvement over United’s historically slow Wi-Fi and cheaper than American’s offerings. United plans to introduce Starlink Wi-Fi in the future.
How is the food and drink selection in United’s first class?
The pre-order meal system offers a variety of options, with dishes like vegetarian chili polenta cake being decent but not gourmet. The drink selection stands out, with illy cold brew and canned espresso martinis, offering more variety than American and rivaling Delta.
How does United’s 737 MAX 8 first class compare to American and Delta?
United’s 737 MAX 8 first class feels more premium than American due to superior tech (large screens, better Wi-Fi) and creative drinks. It’s on par with Delta in terms of food and seat comfort but edges out with cold brew and entertainment options, though Delta offers free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members.
Conclusion
United’s Boeing 737 MAX 8 first class, part of the “United Next” initiative, delivers a compelling domestic travel experience that blends comfort, cutting-edge technology, and a standout drink selection. While the seats are solid but not revolutionary, with minor issues like finicky tray tables, the real highlights are the 13-inch high-definition seatback screens, Bluetooth audio, and fast Viasat Wi-Fi at a reasonable $8 for the flight. The soft product shines with a robust pre-order meal system and unique offerings like illy cold brew and canned espresso martinis, setting United apart from competitors like American and Delta. This flight isn’t perfect—USB-C outlets and more inspired cuisine would elevate it further—but it’s a clear step toward a more premium future for United. For travelers seeking a modern and enjoyable domestic first-class experience, the 737 MAX 8 is a strong contender, leaving me eager to explore more of United’s upgraded fleet, like the A321neo.
