United Airlines marked history on November 30, 2023 when their first Airbus A321neo took to the skies marking the first factory fresh Airbus since early 2,000. United rolled out all the stops for their latest aircraft featuring a handful of onboard approvements. Cleverly named flight number UA321, United Airlines newest aircraft was flown aboard the inaugural flight from Houston (IAH) to Chicago (ORD).
Preflight Experience
United Airlines has a allot to be excited about with their new A321neo. With over 180 aircraft on order their newest, most fuel efficient aircraft will be a game changer for the airline. To commemorate the momentous occasion, Kevin Peters, Director of Commercial Fleet Strategy for United Airlines highlighted some of the exciting features including some of United’s largest inflight entertainment screens measuring 12 inches, calming mood lighting and larger overhead bins to name a few. Most notably in the gate area though, the dozens if not hundreds of aviation enthusiasts eager to board United’s newest aircraft.
First Impressions
The celebrations continue in the jet bridge where United Airlines staff began handing out a celebratory boarding pass. Once inside, it is immediately clear that this is not your run of the mill narrowbody aircraft. The blue mood lighting and neat ceiling give the aircraft a fresh crisp look. Similar to Delta Air Lines A321neo first class product, United’s A321neo features 20 first class recliners sporting 38″ of pitch with a similar but smaller winged headrest design. Passing first class, the crisp design continues with 57 economy plus and 123 economy seats. Sitting down at row 12, the large and in charge inflight entertainment screen presents a clear display with some neat features that will be explored after takeoff.
Inflight Experience
A noticeable feature of the A321neo are its quiet fuel efficient engines. During takeoff and climbout it is remarkably quiet despite sitting right at the front of the engine. Inflight there are a handful of features to help make the time pass by. The inflight entertainment screen from Panasonic offers a 12 inch screen with headphone jacks, USB charging and a mini screen. This mini screen is currently exclusive to the United A321neo ,providing info such as seatbelt sign activations, PA announcements and estimated arrival time. This is great for estimating time remaining to get work completed or if there is enough time to watch a movie.
Speaking of movies, United’s inflight entertainment features a vast array of movies, tv shows, games and an interactive moving map. As part of the United Next program the new tv monitors feature Bluetooth connectivity, a growing trend among airlines. Wi-Fi aboard the A321neos offer low orbit High-speed Wi-Fi with streaming capabilities. Running a speed test, the system is able to support most internet applications.
As for the economy seats including 12A, it features a plethora of charging options including two USB charging in the screens and AC power underneath the seats. Economy seats feature 30″ of pitch, 18″ width and 3″ of recline. At 5’7 the legroom was more than adequate for this two hour flight. Taller passengers may want to opt for Economy Plus which offers 5″ of additional legroom.
Final Approach
United Airlines brand new Airbus A321neo is a gamechanger for both the airline and the traveling public. With the new larger bins, innovative inflight entertainment screens and cool mood lighting the A321neo is a step above the remainder of United’s somewhat outdated domestic mainline fleet. Good news though, more A321neos are on the way along with refurbished A319, A320 and 737s receiving the United Next refurbishments. Be on the lookout for the A321neo when booking a United flight out of Cleveland, Chicago and Houston, where these game changing aircraft will initially operate.
