United Airlines Unveils New Premium Seat for 200+ Narrowbody Aircraft

CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines is introducing a new, comfortable, custom-designed seat for first-class cabins on more than 200 of the company's narrowbody aircraft. The seat will debut on an Airbus A319 next week, with retrofits on A319s, A320s and many Boeing 737s and 757s through 2016.   

Developed with input from customers whom the airline invited to test seat prototypes, the custom seat United and design firm PriestmanGoode have created features several elements to improve the customer experience, including:

All-leather seat covers in signature navy and champagne colors;

A patented-design tray table with tablet holder, enabling travelers to enjoy food and beverages while using their personal electronic devices;

An articulating seat bottom for greater comfort when reclining and an adjustable headrest;

In-seat universal A/C power outlets for customers to charge their devices;

Additional in-seat storage, including two seatback pockets and side stowage for laptops and tablets;

Dedicated beverage holders; and

Granite cocktail tables.

At 21.1 inches wide, the new United First seat is wider than the current seat and will have numerous custom-design elements and premium finishes, including the signature United-branded tag.

Each aircraft will continue to have the same number of premium-cabin seats.

"This new seat is directly based on customer testing and feedback," said Tom O'Toole, United's senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "We designed a custom seat that incorporates the features that today's passengers want and upgrades our cabins."

For photos of the new seat, visit newsroom.united.com/Sept2015_DomesticFirst_Seats.  

Cabin Upgrades

United's new premium-cabin seat is among significant upgrades the airline is making to its aircraft interiors, including larger overhead bins, more in-seat power outlets and new carpets, mood lighting, boarding music and galley flooring.

A video of United's new narrowbody cabin design is available at http://newsroom.united.com/signaturecabindesign_video

Customer Travel Enhancements 

United is investing significantly in every aspect of the travel experience. The airline has recently:

Updated its top-rated mobile app to offer interactive indoor maps at the airline's hubs in the continental United States, including testing beacons at Newark Liberty International Airport;

Expanded its very popular personal device entertainment to 120 Wi-Fi-equipped United Express regional jets, enabling more customers to stream free content to their laptop computers and iOS and Android devices;

Launched significantly upgraded food and beverage service - including multi-course meals, complimentary beer and wine and a new option to purchase premium snacks - for customers in United Economy on many intercontinental flights; and

Introduced products from Cowshed Spa, the premium spa and lifestyle brand of London-based Soho House & Co., in premium cabins on long-haul international flights and in more than a dozen United airport lounges worldwide.

Photo:Duncan Stewart - LAX