• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Home  >  Trip Reports • United Airlines  >  Review: United Airlines 737-900 First Class Los Angeles To Denver
Trip ReportsUnited Airlines

Review: United Airlines 737-900 First Class Los Angeles To Denver

Matthew Klint Posted onDecember 26, 2020January 2, 2021 33 Comments

I don’t usually write domestic shorthaul trip reports, but thought it might be helpful to chronicle my recent trip to Colorado on United Airlines onboard a 737-900. While pandemic-related service cutbacks continue, the flight felt surprisingly like old times.

United Airlines 737-900 First Class Pandemic Review

I chose the first Denver flight of the day out of LAX so I could connect to Colorado Springs and arrive before noon. That mean a very early wake-up call, but there was no traffic driving to the airport (despite new shutdowns, traffic is back in full force in Los Angeles).

The airport was also quiet at that early hour. I was going to stop for a cappuccino prior to the flight, but boarding began before the coffee shop even opened, so it was onboard coffee for me!

UA371
Los Angeles (LAX) – Denver (DEN)
Wednesday, December 16
Depart: 05:30AM
Arrive: 08:55AM
Duration: 02hr25min
Aircraft: Boeing 737-900
Seat: 3F (First Class)

The 737-900 first class seats are comfortable and perfectly suitable for a two-hour flight. Avoid the last row (five), though, as recline is limited especially on the A/B side. I was seated in row three.

United 737-900 First Class Review

The sun had still not risen as we taxied out and took off into the morning sky.

Breakfast was served after takeoff , a choice between two sandwiches:

  • Everything bagel baguette with veggie cream cheese
  • Turkey Monte Cristo with raspberry jam

I had not tried either sandwich and went with the “everything bagel baguette” which included ciabatta bread, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, carrots, scallions, and red peppers. Yes indeed, it had a kick to it (and also a ton of fat and carbs).

It was served hot and I must say that it was very tasty. Sure, I’d much rather have an omelet or French Toast with fresh fruit and yogurt, but this was better than nothing and certainly better than a snack box full of shelf-stable junk food.

As an added bonus, the coffee was strong.

I asked if there were any turkey sandwiches left, just so I could do a taste test, but all the sandwiches were taken. I was offered a snack box and declined.

Two treats on this flight. First, it was great to see Jill Raymond as the purser. She was purser on a LAX-SFO flight over the summer and I was so pleased with her service I wrote her a note of praise. Once again, she provided caring, attentive service to everyone in the cabin. She’s a great asset for United.

Second, the views out the window were lovely. I love the low sun of winter and the snow on the ground:

I would have connected to the internet, but not at these prices…$14.99 for 30 minutes? That’s really an insult. My emails and texting could wait, even if I could expense it…

Throughout the flight, Raymond patrolled the cabin and offered refills on beverages. I appreciated the attentiveness so much.

CONCLUSION

It was a smooth flight overall. The sandwich was satisfactory, service was great, but internet pricing absurd. I look forward to the return of full service onboard, but I must give United credit for offering a lot more than Delta right now in terms of soft product. I prefer this over a blocked seat.

Previous Article United Airlines Improvises Nicely At SFO
Next Article When Will Space Tourism Become A Reality?

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

Related Posts

  • Faroe Islands Trip Report

    Introduction: A Journey To The Magical Faroe Islands On Star Alliance

    March 30, 2023
  • United Airlines Wants Flight Attendants To Create “Wow Factor” Onboard

    March 30, 2023
  • Blogging Extended Trip Report

    Epilogue: Blogging The Middle East Adventure Of A Lifetime

    March 29, 2023

33 Comments

  1. Earl Lee Reply
    December 26, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    You know it’s sad times when bloggers start posting about short haul trips like this. Nonetheless, happy holidays and thanks for posting Matthew.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 26, 2020 at 3:59 pm

      Actually, these short haul reports often attract more readers than the long haul ones.

      • Kyle Reply
        December 26, 2020 at 5:05 pm

        Yeah I think they’re really informative especially in these times. I like to see the current food offerings for short haul, transcon, long haul, etc

        • jcil Reply
          December 26, 2020 at 5:41 pm

          The trip report series about Africa is a million times more interesting than 10 pictures of a microwaved baguette. I have to give credit for the artistic attempt though– a picture of it wrapped, open, different views of open, cut in half. Wow.

          • Matthew Klint
            December 26, 2020 at 5:41 pm

            Lol. I try!

    • Pete Reply
      December 26, 2020 at 4:37 pm

      I flew 3 times on AA777-200 in the last few weeks, wish they had United’s sandwiches…can’t stand AA’s croissant with turkey anymore…dry and tasteless
      However flying domestically with flat lie beds has small positive note in that

      • Matthew Klint Reply
        December 26, 2020 at 5:22 pm

        I want to fly AA in the new year. Such a tough choice to determine whether to go for 1K or EXP next year.

        • cargocult Reply
          December 26, 2020 at 9:58 pm

          United has by far the best international route network of the Big 3 and you fly a lot internationally. Also, do you not want to go for lifetime Global Services at 4 million miles?

          • Matthew Klint
            December 26, 2020 at 10:13 pm

            Maybe I misread the question, but i just think oneworld status is much more valuable. Personally, I cannot see myself deviating from United. I wish I could hold on to emerald status though. I love the lounges.

          • cargocult
            December 26, 2020 at 11:36 pm

            I take it American is not rolling over the gifted status you got through Hyatt. When you fly OneWorld, aren’t you typically flying on premium award tickets that give you lounge access anyway? Star Alliance Gold may not be so valuable compared to OneWorld Emerald, but is there any lifetime status more valuable than United’s?

          • Matthew Klint
            December 27, 2020 at 12:41 am

            AA is rolling it over. I’ll have it another year. But I’m looking ahead to 2022 because at this point it isn’t clear how much travel will be possible next year. I wonder if I’ll ever get to visit the Qantas F lounge in SIN…

  2. Kyle Reply
    December 26, 2020 at 5:04 pm

    Food = D-
    View = A+

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 26, 2020 at 5:22 pm

      I’d give the food a C. Would be D if this was a transcon, where the same thing is served, but flight time was under two hours.

  3. Tako Reply
    December 26, 2020 at 5:10 pm

    I also agree that UA domestic soft product is much better than DL. Last week, I flew DL JFK-CUN in J on A330 and all I got was snack pack and snack box. The only “drink service” they had was water, beer, and wine. Couldn’t even get an orange juice or coffee.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 26, 2020 at 5:23 pm

      I really don’t understand why Delta has been so draconian in continuing its service cutbacks.

      But at least we have JetBlue at the other end of the spectrum.

      • Pete Reply
        December 26, 2020 at 5:30 pm

        Speaking of Delta…wish they had hub in Chicago… definitely would fly with them instead of AA…
        If you had a choice ,which one, from the big three , you would rather have elite status with?

        • Matthew Klint Reply
          December 26, 2020 at 5:35 pm

          Assuming all the world is open, oneworld emerald gets you into some amazing lounges around the world. I love that status.

      • Jason Reply
        December 26, 2020 at 5:36 pm

        Most likely because of their density cutbacks…all signs point to DL restoring “premium” catering about the same time seat blocking ends.

        • Matthew Klint Reply
          December 26, 2020 at 5:42 pm

          I suspect you are right (and certainly hope so).

  4. D.A. Reply
    December 26, 2020 at 6:09 pm

    Hey at least you got the sandwich. On my HNL-LAX flight last week in UA F, my only choices were either the Tapas or the Classic box for lunch. I would have taken the gooey sandwich in a heartbeat.

    Mele Kalikimaka to you and your family!

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 26, 2020 at 6:58 pm

      Same to you D.A.!

  5. Stuart Reply
    December 26, 2020 at 7:41 pm

    I respect Matthew’s reviews. But will never respect his choice in eating this onboard junk. His coffee reviews are first rate. However, If I was a blogger (thank god I am not!) I would show what I got at the airport to bring onboard. Far more interesting. As there are now better options emerging to make yourself a far healthier and tastier meal onboard from outside vendors. That is if you are not flying in MINT. Or Intl.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 26, 2020 at 8:22 pm

      Fair point. Maybe I’m just too cheap!

  6. Jay B Reply
    December 26, 2020 at 7:51 pm

    Hey Klint!!! I thought you were die hard UA all the way!!! What happened? Would you seriously choose AA over UA? Better yet, AA over DL? Please help me out here, I’m confused. ☹️

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 26, 2020 at 10:14 pm

      @Jay B, no I don’t think I’ll be leaving UA. I just like oneworld status so much.

      • Jay B Reply
        December 27, 2020 at 1:17 am

        Whew!!! Thanks for that, you got me really scared there for a moment or two. I personally enjoy UA a lot too, even though I’m an 8 year old veteran for AA!

  7. Ghostrider5408 Reply
    December 26, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    You know I am not sure “reports” on various flights, mostly domestic are for better or worst a fair synopsis of a trip on any airline today. I say this with respect for both the author and the airlines. People are generally concerned as are the FA’s and frankly I don’t blame them, for me having averaged 110K business and 40K personal a year I am in no real hurry to get back in the air. Play roulette while in the AF flying in Vietnam but then I did get AO exposure.

    Happy New Year and Ck Six

  8. jon Reply
    December 27, 2020 at 12:05 pm

    Missing flying, airports, lounges, gate area people watching, window views, baggage claims, rental cars, hotels and all the rest of the flying travel experience.

  9. Don Reply
    December 27, 2020 at 3:11 pm

    These blog posts are so basic and lousy lately they are feeling like a TripAdvisor review from someone who rarely reviews things. Picture of a united shrink wrapped sandwich. Groundbreaking.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 27, 2020 at 5:22 pm

      Easy solution. Click away.

      • Mick Reply
        December 28, 2020 at 2:01 am

        I used to be United by my company is all American so I swapped. It works for me because I get main cabin extra seats on booking for my whole family. That’s a serious benefit when you have three kids. I think the aa lounges are way better than even Polaris (eg ord). Regarding qantas first lounge in Singapore? I think the one at lax is grossly overated (and I’m Australian :). I can easily access star alliance awards through lifemiles so I like earning aa points. Have had some good redemptions on Qatar, royal jordanian jal etc.

  10. Mitch Cumstein Reply
    December 28, 2020 at 5:55 am

    That looks tastier than what I was served on AMS-IAD yesterday (had to cancel my BA flights and rebook award tix with FB).

  11. Pingback: When Did US Carriers Make Inflight Wi-Fi So Expensive?

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Recent Posts

  • Review: Stephanie’s Boston Logan Airport (Priority Pass Restaurant) March 31, 2023
  • Faroe Islands Trip Report
    Introduction: A Journey To The Magical Faroe Islands On Star Alliance March 30, 2023
  • United Airlines Wants Flight Attendants To Create “Wow Factor” Onboard March 30, 2023
  • Homeless Man Steals Luggage
    Homeless Man Helps Himself To Luggage In Atlanta Airport March 30, 2023

Categories

Popular Posts

  • Kayleigh Scott United Airlines
    The Tragic Death Of A United Airlines Flight Attendant March 21, 2023
  • Delta SkyMiles Schedule Change
    UPDATE: Delta Air Lines Strands Senior Citizens In Middle East After Absurd Schedule Change March 29, 2023
  • Southwest Airlines Wife Slap
    Enraged Husband Attacks Man On Southwest Airlines Flight After He Bumps Wife March 8, 2023
  • United Polaris Lounge LAX Review
    Review: United Airlines Polaris Lounge Los Angeles (LAX) March 24, 2023

Archives

March 2023
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Feb    

As seen on:

live_and_lets_fly

The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles is the most beautiful of all Polaris Lounges. Stay tuned for a detailed look and many more photos on the blog tomorrow. Well done @united.
@malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire i @malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire its A380 fleet. While not surprising, it is sad to see the growing list of carriers retiring this superjumbo jet. On Malaysia Airlines, I flew the #A380 once from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to London (LHR) and had the entire first class cabin to myself (full review on the blog). It was a beautiful flight that I will always remember.
Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited tha Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited that a new carrier, Avelo, has launched, especially from an airport just 12 minutes from my home!
I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxair I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxairport. Hopefully this summer it will return.

.
.
.
.
#Lufthansa #FirstClass #747 #747-8 #StarAlliance #Miles #Points
I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. This is not only a lovely, all-inclusive resort, but one of the best properties to use your @hyatt World of Hyatt points.
.
.
.
.
#Hyatt #BigSur #California #WorldofHyatt #CA-1 #Points #Hotels
In terms of a spacious first class product, the @E In terms of a spacious first class product, the @Emirates suite on a 777-300ER is hard to beat. My preference is Suite 2K.

.
.
.
.
#Emirates #777 #firstclass
Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from I Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from Instagram ahead of the birth of my first child. Goodness, how time flies. While I’ve enjoyed catching up on others over the years, now it is time for me to return to Instagram. In this first post, I highlight two joys in my life, my two children, whom I trust will grow up to be prolific travelers that circumnavigate the globe as ambassadors of love and respect.

.
.
.
.
.

#travel #airplanes #airlines #miles #points #familytravel #human #integrity #honor
United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improv United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improvement over UA's current business class seat. Check out my blog at liveandletsfly.com for 70+ photos of how @united is transforming its entire business class experience starting this December!
The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben! The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben!
Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen - Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen -- oh, and I love 40°F summer weather!
One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure of flying with in all my years of flying. Thank you @flysas SK940 on 11 Aug 2016
Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I a Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I assign a window seat months in advance, don't move me to a center seat "for my convenience" with no way to get my original seat back... 😞
Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be rac Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be racing the #Delta flight to JFK at the gate next to us, which also departs at 12:45p. With @onemileatatime
Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregenc Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregencycasablanca #cassablanca #hyatt
Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the i Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the inside of the @grandhyatt_shanghai ... It is 40°C outside! 😓
From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minut From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minutes flat. I ❤️ #bur #burbankairport
@malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in se @malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in service at #kul -- beautiful livery!
View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful bran View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful brand new @parkhyattguangzhou -- look for a full review coming soon on the blog #hyatt #parkhyatt #guangzhou #parkhyattguangzhou
Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, which closes tomorrow and the Queen of the Skies #747 which will be retired in 2018.
The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. If you're ever here, get up at 5am and have a walk around the city before it gets busy. You can hear the birds instead of honking horns.
Load More... Follow on Instagram
facebook twitter instagram rss

This site is for entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.

 

Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners.

 

Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.