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Our last flight before heading home from our trip to Corfu and Albania had us on United Airlines. I don’t normally review domestic flights unless there is something noteworthy about them (inaugural, new aircraft, etc.). This one fit that bill and it was my first time flying United on its new Airbus A321neo. The carrier took delivery of its first of this aircraft type in December and these new planes are gorgeous.
Anthony’s Take: The Airbus A321neo has a beautiful new interior, tech-forward entertainment systems, and is a nice way to travel. I found the seats comfortable and the flight attendants generally friendly and attentive during this flight between Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on United’s flight 321 (which I thought was cool considering it’s operated by an Airbus A321neo).
Booking
I booked the flights directly with United Airlines. First Class was $471 each and not a lot more than flying in Economy Class. I was able to select my seat at booking and received an email to choose my entree before the flight. My husband and I both selected the Four Cheese Skillet Burger for dinner. The app is great and I checked in while we were in Manchester.
Boarding
The flight was on time and we began boarding on schedule. The gate agent called for those needing extra time, military, Global Services, families with children under the age of two, and then Premier 1K®. We boarded at that time and were the third and fourth people on board. Of course, one of them was a deadheading pilot in seat 2B (and he did not look thrilled about me taking photos, so I only snapped a few). Boarding was quick and we pushed back a few minutes early.
Seats
As usual, I chose the bulkhead seats for us (1A and 1B). There was decent legroom and the seat had that new car smell. It was comfy and had well-located outlets and a large screen. I like the privacy shield between seats for when you’re traveling alone. The table between seats is also larger than on other UA aircraft.
The pocket in front had a safety information card and an issue of Hemispheres, which will cease printing soon.
There was a power outlet at each seat (tucked away behind the the armrest).
There was also a remote control for the entertainment system (which is also touchscreen).
The entertainment screen was large and responsive. I liked that it had both USB-C and USB-A ports.
There are lights and individual air nozzles overhead.
Food
Predeparture beverages of water or sparkling wine were offered.
Shortly after takeoff, flight attendants offered hot towels and then a choice of beverages and warm, mixed nuts. I had a ginger ale.
Our preordered meals came next. The Four Cheese Skillet Burger was tasty and I liked that there were lots of ketchup packets provided for the crispy fries that came with it.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi was available after a few minutes in flight. It worked well throughout the flight and cost $10 for non-members and $8 for those with a United MileagePlus account.
Lavatory
The lavatory up front is pretty standard. There are four on this Airbus A321neo. The lavatory was not super clean, but manageable. It included the usual toilet and sink.
Service
The flight attendants were friendly and they were active and engaged throughout the flight. Serving predeparture beverages, quickly handing out meals, and just being in the aisle throughout the flight was appreciated.
Overall Impression: The Airbus A321neo is a beautiful aircraft. United did a good job of getting us out on time and into Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) early. We had to wait for a gate, but still got into the airport on time. A positive experience, overall.
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
3 comments
United really did a nice job with that airplane. I was on the inaugural from IAH-ORD (which was cool because someone who has been a friend since high school is a Director of Planning at UA and made the speech at that flight) and have flown it from ORD to PHX and back as well (that one in First). Even in coach it is a nice enough ride. They went through a lot of iterations of the LOPA (floor plan, basically) to maximize the number of rows of Economy Plus, which is why some are in the middle of the plane seemingly randomly – they had to work around some fixed monuments. Also has a self-serve snack bar in the back a la JetBlue for coach.
My only complaint is perhaps not with the plane but with the First Class seat – which now they are installing on other aircraft (I was on a 737-800 yesterday that had them, or very very similar). The under seat space is pretty minimal. Apparently they can’t allow pet carriers in First because of the low clearance (I got my seat moved on one flight because person in the aisle had a dog and it wouldn’t fit so they compromised by saying well window is okay just this once….). The recline is really good too though can feel a bit tight during meals if you have an inconsiderate person in front who fully reclines during meal like I had… when they flung their seat back, the monitor actually hit the croissant on my meal tray. Bulkhead is really the way to go. Great overhead space too.
I love how many inaugural flights you take. I agree with your sentiments on the aircraft.
I love how the burger toppings are also the “salad” served with the meal.