From Houston to Washington I had the chance to fly on a 737 MAX 8 for the first time on United Airlines in first class. The return of seatback screens is a great addition to the aircraft and the mood light, fast wi-fi, and large overhead luggage compartments make this a very modern aircraft.
United Airlines 737 MAX 8 First Class Review
It is quite easy to get your steps in at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. After landing from Los Angeles, we walked over to the KLM Lounge then walked back to our gate and added what seemed like thousands of steps…this is a massive airport that is quite spread out, yet I love that most terminals can be reached by foot.
I was quite excited to board this plane, for it would be my first time onboard a 737 MAX 8.
United 1531
Houston (IAH) – Washington (IAD)
Tuesday, April 25
Depart: 7:54 PM
Arrive: 11:59 PM
Duration: 03hr, 05min
Distance: 1,190 miles
Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8
Seat: 2F (First Class)
The crew, particularly the purser working the first class cabin, was superb on this flight and when she noticed that I was like a kid in a toy store, she invited me up to the flight deck, where the pilot welcomed me in and explained some technical details about the new aircraft.
Seat
United’s 737 MAX 8 features 16 seats in first class spread over four rows in a 2-2 configuration (meanwhile, the 737 MAX 9 features an extra row in first class, totaling 20 seats). United utilizes Safran articulated cradle seats that feature just under 37 inches of seat pitch, a 20-inch width, and a recline of about five inches. The seats are well-padded and comfortable for a three-hour flight.
Tray tables are located in the center console and are a tad annoying to flip up and slide back (particularly when you must do the reverse when storing them). Each tray table has a little wing that flips up to prop you your phone or tablet.
There are universal power outlets, high-speed USB-A chargers, and limited personal storage between seats. There is also a storage compartment large enough for your laptop underneath the adjacent armrest (the armrest flips up for easier access).
Above, the console includes individual air vents and reading lights.
Speaking of storage, this aircraft features the next generation of overhead lockers that are roomy enough for large bags to be stacked on their side. Thus, no one had to gate check their carry-on bag.
IFE + Wi-Fi
All seats on this aircraft feature an individual screen.
In first class, each HD screen is 13 inches and features a Panasonic IFE system. Unlike in prior models, there is also a passenger service unit (like a remote control) in each seat.
In the first row, the monitors are affixed on the bulkhead.
This IFE system not only includes hundreds of movies, TV shows, audio files, and games, but also news updates and the ability to connect your Bluetooth headphones (which is recommended considering what poor quality the free headphones are).
Wi-Fi is available onboard ($8 for MileagePlus members or $10 for non-members) and worked flawlessly during the flight. Select T-Mobile passengers can enjoy free internet onboard on their mobile device (one hour free for Magenta subscribers or unlimited for Magenta MAX subscribers). Messaging is free for all passengers.
Streaming IFE via the United app is also available.
At one point in the flight the IFE system went out and had to be reset. I guess the new system still has some kinks…
It was a beautiful evening as we departed Houston.
Mood Lighting
As far as I am concerned, nothing makes an aircraft look modern as much as mood lighting. I like “heavy” mood lighting and think the blue light is far preferred to the standard fluorescent lighting.
Lavatory
Sadly, the lavatories on this aircraft are bad news. Not only are they tiny, but the sink is such that you will get splashed every time you use it.
Perhaps more alarmingly, this brand-new aircraft was already showing signs of wear around the lavatory lock.
Food + Drink
Pre-departure beverages were offered in blue plastic cups during boarding. While water, orange juice, or sparkling wine were proactively offered on a tray, the bar was open and many took advantage.
Dinner was served after takeoff with a choice between a spiced tofu bowl, cheese enchiladas, or a glass noodle salad with beef (same as my previous flight). Once again, though, I had preordered dinner, with beef and broccoli for my father and a cheeseburger with French Fries for me.
Service began with a warm towel after takeoff, but no mixed nuts.
Meals were served on a tray that included bread, salad (with Newman’s Own dressing, something I have never seen on United before), and a “Pie in the Sky” cookie.
Beef and broccoli
Beef and broccoli with white rice and sesame-ginger sauce
My father enjoyed his beef and broccoli, though I had a taste and thought the quality of the meat was dreadful and it smelled like a Panda Express dish. No thank you…
However, my burger was fine. Probably the beef was even worse in terms of quality, but it the jalapeño cheese and grilled onions gave it an excellent taste.
Four-cheese skillet burger
Four-cheese skillet burger with caramelized onion and jalapeños
If you order the dish today, it comes with French Fries instead of a side salad (though you will receive a side of lettuce and tomato for the cheeseburger).
I would not hesitate to order this again, not because it is something I would eat at home, but because it is the best option among the current line-up (the lemon roasted chicken thigh is also not bad).
During dinner, the mixed nuts were located and served.
Service
I mentioned the great service earlier and just want to commend the crew for being so attentive. I love it when flight attendants smile and it is always so easy to see who loves their job and who is just going through the motions.
CONCLUSION
We landed ahead of schedule at Washington Dulles and were soon on our way to the mobile lounge, which took us to the main terminal where we caught a ride to our hotel.
I quite like the 737 MAX 8 on United (except for the lavatories) and I do think the screen is a game-changer in terms of providing a leading economy class experience within the USA.
Our trip to Washington was quite smooth (despite traveling through Houston during storm season) and I don’t mind breaking up the trip when it means an easier upgrade or tremendous savings versus a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Washington.
Not a single word about seat comfort — literally, not one word? I guess that speaks for itself.
I guess I don’t know what to say. The seat was comfy? The padding was fine? It’s better than economy class?
Thanks for the dismissive comments on seat comfort. I’ve never heard anyone consider it when deciding which airline to choose.
My reply came across as much snarkier than I intended, which I apologize for.
The seat was well-padded and comfortable…not sure what else to say beyond that.
Thanks! do you recall how the first row clearance looked? It seems from the pix that it is very close to the bulkhead now with no foot room. It went from being a desirable seat to the worst seat. Looks like you got a nice second row. I haven’t flown it yet, but definitely not sure about my usual 1A seat.
It looks similar to A320 or A319 without bulkhead cutoff.
Are you blind or can’t read? There’s a section describing the seat.
Did channel 9 (flight deck) audio work ? I never found it working in last 4 years.
It did not work.
Thank you for mentioning the FA’s who smile and how much that means to a passenger. You’re absolutely right…it separates those who truly enjoy their jobs and understand the positive impact they make on your travels and those who are merely going through the motions.
I had one EXCELLENT FA in F on a recent BOS-SFO flight UA433, her name was Fatima and it was her very first flight with United. I had to reach out to United to let them know how exceptional she was. So if you do see this Boston based FA on a future flight, know you are in good hands.
What’s your opinion of the mobile lounge at Dulles? I’m asking because maybe I judge them too harshly.
I find it so comical/quant that I actually love it.
I’ll always take the mobile lounge over the train, if possible.
Those seats look a lot like international premium economy on UA’s longer haul flights. And, those are fine – good enough for anything domestic except for perhaps Hawaii to ORD, IAH, etc.
I’m not sure the pictures matched the description when it came to your meal? Unless you were being sarcastic about the salad. Also, no pics of the French Fries…
Sometimes I’m just asleep at the switch…
Hi Matthew.
Did you have a gin & tonic?
What were the 750ml wine offerings? Or, we’re they screw-top minis?
Kudos for Newman’s salad dressing.
No DirectTV!!!! Woo-hoo!
Any credit card pitches during announcements?
Did FAs do the Chase application walk of shame?
No GT. Just a seltzer water with lime.
Apologies for not asking about the wine, but there was red, white, and rose. My favorite onboard drink is the Old Fashioned. There was a credit card pitch and paper applications distributed upon request. I sort of tune that out by listening to my own music on my phone or laptop.
Sorry, not a fan of this plane. Noisy, seats are awful, and the bathroom is so small I couldn’t stand up straight, nor sit down as there wasn’t enough space between the toilet seat and the door for my legs. Calling that seat a first class seat is a lie, or even calling it a business class seat is a joke. Seat was stiff, narrow, didn’t recline much, and cold. United should be embarrassed of this plane and the configuration of it they chose.
United has been my airline for over 30 years, but now that they are using this plane for many routes in the USA I have begun to fly other airlines. The last 2 times I flew it the flight attendant in ‘first class’ admitted the staff didn’t like it either because so many passengers find it so uncomfortable.
In my opinion, United’s decision to double down on the 737-Max was a big mistake.
Than you for answering my questions.
Was there a tray under the placemat?
I live in a near-midwest regional market. Most routes served by Skywest and CRJs and ERJs. I’ll go out-of-my way for the 737 over a 12 row only basic seats with a connection.
There was a tray.
I will affirmatively book away from this plane if my only option in F is the bulkhead. Not only is the “footroom” worse than a regular Y seat, but I thought the padding was completely inadequate. Maybe it’s my height (I’m 6’2″) but the hinge at the bottom of the backrest/back of the seat cushion was affirmatively painful (even on an IAH-AUS flight). Also, the tray table folding mechanics continue the prior aircraft’s suckiness, but extends it to the IFE monitor in the bulkhead.
I’d give the plane another chance to see if non-bulkhead legroom made the seat issue less problematic, but generally I’d say that the IFE isn’t good enough to warrant choosing the plane.
Does the airline have any say as to how large the lavatories are?
On larger Boeing aircraft the answer is yes, but not sure about smaller aircraft.
Dad & Son Mileage Run trip report, good job Matthew!!
In my opinion, the worst thing about flying on this plane in first class is that you cannot deploy the tray table while you have drinks on your side of the shared center armrest. It is incredibly awkward to do, especially if you have multiple items there (e.g., a can, glass, and ramekin)..
The remote control on the jet looks better than the one for my 55″ Samsung TV!!!
Definitely not a fan of these seats. The tray tables are unforgiving for larger sized passengers. I can’t use them. The tray tables on the older recliners are comfortable for me.
I’ve had several flights in economy and first on the MAX. An improvment in econonym with the screen andmore things function compared to older planes on UA. Would agree though that the experience in first is not special.
Unfortunately I’m flying this plane from Los Angeles to orlando, those are pretty crummy little first class seats for transcontinental