A review of United Boeing 737-800 First Class provides a detailed assessment of the airline’s premium experience aboard this narrow-body aircraft. A review of United Boeing 737-800 First Class evaluates key aspects such as seat comfort, cabin service, in-flight amenities, and overall value, offering travelers insights into what they can expect when flying in United’s domestic First Class. Whether analyzing legroom, meal offerings, or pre-flight perks like priority boarding and lounge access, such a review helps passengers determine if the upgrade is worth it.

Flying First Class isn’t just about a bigger seat—it’s about the entire journey feeling seamless and elevated. Imagine skipping the long security lines with Premier Access, unwinding in a spacious seat with extra recline, and indulging in premium snacks while soaring above the clouds. With a mix of modern comforts and United’s signature service,A review of United Boeing 737-800 First Class experience promises a refined way to travel, making every moment from takeoff to landing more enjoyable.

This review of United Boeing 737-800 First Class on the AUS-DEN route dives deep into the actual experience, from check-in at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to arrival at Denver International Airport. From the pre-flight perks to the in-air experience, we break down everything—seat configuration, in-flight entertainment, power ports, and even those small details that make a big difference. If you’re considering flying First Class on this route, this review will help you decide whether it’s worth the splurge.

Is It Worth The Splurge?

Flying United Airlines domestically offers various experiences depending on your ticket class, aircraft type, and route. Today, I’m taking you through my recent journey from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Denver International Airport (DEN) in First Class aboard a Boeing 737-800. This comprehensive review covers everything from booking to arrival, helping you decide if the premium experience justifies the cost on this popular route.

As a frequent traveler between Texas and Colorado, I’ve flown this route multiple times but typically in economy. With a business meeting scheduled immediately after landing in Denver, I decided to splurge on First Class to arrive refreshed and ready. United operates several daily flights between these cities, making it a competitive route with options for business travelers and vacationers heading to Colorado’s mountains.

The Boeing 737-800 is a workhorse in United’s fleet, serving numerous domestic routes. While not as glamorous as international business class, domestic first offers notable advantages that might make it worthwhile for certain travelers. Let’s dive into whether the premium is justified on this 2-hour flight.

See Also: United First Class Review: Boston to Newark on a Boeing 737-900ER

Booking Experience

Fare Comparison

I booked this flight approximately six weeks in advance through the United app. Here’s how the pricing broke down:

Cabin Class	Cash Price	Miles Required	Cash Value Per Mile
Economy	$189	12,500 + $5.60	1.5 cents
Economy Plus	$249	17,500 + $5.60	1.4 cents
First Class	$399	25,000 + $5.60	1.6 cents

For this trip, I opted to pay cash rather than redeem miles since I’m saving them for an international trip. The $210 premium over standard economy seemed reasonable considering the benefits included.

Upgrade Opportunities

If booking economy, several upgrade paths exist:

• Complimentary upgrades for Premier status members
• PlusPoints upgrades for Premier Platinum and 1K members
• Mileage upgrades starting at 15,000 miles
• Cash upgrades at check-in (I was offered $129 on a previous trip)

Pro Tip: On this route, upgrade success rates tend to be higher on midweek flights and early mornings when fewer business travelers are competing for limited seats.

The booking interface was straightforward, though I noticed United’s app now prominently displays the “bare bones” Basic Economy alongside regular Economy, making First Class appear as a third tier rather than a second. This psychological pricing strategy makes the First Class premium seem less significant.

Pre-Flight Experience

Check-in Process

One of the most tangible benefits of First Class is Premier Access, which begins at check-in. Arriving at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport 90 minutes before departure, I bypassed the regular check-in lines and used the dedicated Premier counter with zero wait time.

Having TSA PreCheck further enhanced the experience. While Austin’s PreCheck lines are typically efficient regardless of ticket class, the combined Premier Access and PreCheck meant I cleared security in under five minutes.

United Club Access

A common misconception needs clarification: domestic First Class tickets do not include United Club access. You’ll need:

• A United Club membership ($650 annually)
• A same-day international business/first ticket
• A United Club credit card
• A one-time pass ($59)

Since I have a United Club Card, I did visit the club at AUS. Recently renovated in 2023, it offers:

• Comfortable seating areas
• Complimentary bar service
• Light breakfast options
• Clean, spacious restrooms
• Dedicated work areas with power outlets
• Views of the tarmac

The club was moderately busy but not overcrowded, making it a peaceful place to catch up on emails before boarding. The food options were basic but adequate: yogurt, fruit, pastries, oatmeal, and a make-your-own-toast station.

Gate Area

Boarding was scheduled from gate 22, a short walk from the United Club. The gate area featured the typical United blue color scheme and was already buzzing with activity 45 minutes before departure. The digital display showed our Boeing 737-800 had arrived from Houston on time, suggesting an on-schedule departure.

Aircraft Details

Our aircraft (N14250) was delivered to United in 2001, making it approximately 24 years old at the time of my flight. Despite its age, it wore the refreshed Evo Blue livery introduced in 2023, giving it a modern appearance from the outside.

United’s 737-800 fleet has been undergoing interior refreshes, and this aircraft featured the updated cabin with:

• Boeing Sky Interior lighting
• Larger overhead bins
• Updated lavatories
• Modern seat designs

While not brand new, the aircraft showed minimal signs of wear and maintained a clean appearance throughout.

Boarding Process

United’s boarding begins with pre-boarding for passengers needing assistance, followed by Group 1 which includes First Class. The pre-boarding announcement included families with small children, and I noticed one family with a stroller that required gate check.

Boarding began precisely on time, and the dedicated lane for premium passengers ensured no waiting. Upon entering the aircraft, a flight attendant greeted me by name and directed me to my seat, 2A.

Pre-departure beverages were offered—a choice of water or orange juice in plastic cups. This is a scaled-back service compared to pre-pandemic when glassware and a wider selection were available. No alcohol was served on the ground, which is standard for United domestic flights.

Cabin & Seat Details

First Class Configuration

The Boeing 737-800 features a First Class cabin with:

• 16 seats in a 2-2 configuration across 4 rows
• Seat width of 20.5 inches (vs. 17 inches in economy)
• Seat pitch of 38 inches (vs. 31 inches in economy)
• Seat recline of approximately 5 inches
• Light blue leather upholstery
• Adjustable headrests with side wings

My window seat (2A) offered an excellent view of the wing and engine, which aviation enthusiasts might appreciate. The overhead bin space was ample, with most First Class passengers having room for standard carry-ons directly above their seats.

Seat Features and Comfort

The seat itself featured:

• A generous padded armrest between seats
• A center console with a small shared cocktail table
• Power ports (both USB and AC) under the center armrest
• A sturdy tray table that extends from the armrest
• Adjustable reading light

The seat comfort was above average for domestic first, with sufficient padding that remained supportive throughout the flight. The leather upholstery showed minimal signs of wear, though a small scratch was visible on my armrest.

Legroom was generous by domestic standards. At 6’0″, I could fully extend my legs under the seat in front without any obstruction. The seat recline operated smoothly and provided a comfortable lounging position without significantly impacting the passenger behind.

One notable limitation: the armrests don’t raise, which means you can’t spread out even if the adjacent seat is empty.

Comfort Amenities

Domestic First Class on this route offers minimal amenities:

• No pillows provided (unlike pre-pandemic)
• A thin blue blanket (still plastic-wrapped, indicating cleanliness)
• No amenity kits
• No slippers

The United magazine was available in the seatback pocket, along with the safety card and airsickness bag. No dedicated headphones were provided, as the aircraft doesn’t feature built-in entertainment screens.

Departure Experience

We pushed back exactly on schedule at 8:15 AM. The safety demonstration was performed manually by the flight attendants rather than via video. After a brief taxi, we took off from runway 17R with clear views of downtown Austin as we climbed.

The departure was smooth with minimal delays—a testament to AUS’s relatively efficient operations compared to larger hubs. Our flight time was announced as 1 hour and 50 minutes with favorable tailwinds.

In-Flight Entertainment

The Boeing 737-800 in United’s fleet offers a mixed bag when it comes to in-flight entertainment:

• No seatback screens are installed
• Entertainment is delivered via United’s app on personal devices
• The aircraft offers Wi-Fi for streaming
• Overhead screens display flight information but not entertainment

To access entertainment, you must download the United app before flight (no onboard downloads possible). The selection includes:

• Recent Hollywood releases
• TV shows (both complete seasons and individual episodes)
• Documentary content
• Children’s programming

During my flight, I noticed College GameDay was available on the live TV option, which would please sports fans traveling on weekend mornings. The streaming quality was acceptable but occasionally buffered despite a strong signal.

For working travelers, the lack of a screen means more usable space for laptops. My 14″ MacBook Pro fit comfortably on the tray table with room to spare.

Wi-Fi Performance

United uses Panasonic Wi-Fi on this aircraft. Connectivity options included:

• Full-flight access: $16.99
• 1-hour access: $8.99
• Messaging only: $4.99

I opted for full-flight access and ran speed tests at cruising altitude:

• Download: 5.2 Mbps
• Upload: 0.8 Mbps
• Ping: 750ms

These speeds are sufficient for email, messaging, and basic web browsing but struggle with video conferencing. I was able to send and receive emails with attachments without significant delays. Social media platforms loaded properly, though images sometimes took longer to appear.

The connection remained stable throughout the flight with only one brief disconnection lasting approximately 2 minutes.

See Also: United Polaris Lounge Newark: A Premier Business Class Lounge

Food & Beverage Service

For morning flights under 3 hours, United offers a choice between a cold breakfast plate or a hot option. Our choices were:

1. Hot Option: Egg frittata with potatoes and chicken sausage
2. Cold Option: Fruit plate with Greek yogurt and granola

I selected the hot option, which was served approximately 30 minutes after takeoff. The presentation was basic but neat, served on a single tray with:

• The main dish in a ceramic ramekin
• A side of fresh fruit
• A warm croissant with butter and jam

The frittata was well-prepared and hot throughout, with decent flavor despite the challenges of airline catering. The chicken sausage was properly cooked, and the potatoes maintained their texture without becoming mushy.

Beverage service included:

• Full selection of soft drinks
• Coffee (regular and decaf)
• Tea options
• Juice selection
• Alcoholic beverages (complimentary in First)

I opted for coffee, which was served in a proper ceramic mug, and sparkling water. The flight attendant provided a full can rather than just a pour, which is always appreciated.

After the meal service, a snack basket was offered featuring:

• Kind bars
• Torres potato chips
• Biscoff cookies
• Ghirardelli chocolate squares
• Stroopwafels

The basket made two passes through the cabin during our relatively short flight.

Flight Attendant Service

Cabin service on this flight was attentive without being intrusive. The two flight attendants working First Class:

• Addressed passengers by name
• Responded promptly to call buttons
• Proactively offered beverage refills
• Maintained professional but friendly demeanor
• Provided recommendations when asked about meal options

While not as elaborate as international business service, the attention to detail was evident. Empty cups and trays were collected promptly, and the cabin was kept tidy throughout the flight.

Route-Specific Experience

The AUS-DEN route generally offers scenic views, particularly as you approach the Colorado front range. On this clear day, the transition from Texas flatlands to the Rocky Mountains was dramatic and clearly visible from the left side of the aircraft.

The flight duration of just under two hours makes this a comfortable journey even in economy, but First Class certainly enhances the experience. We cruised at 38,000 feet with only minor turbulence as we crossed into Colorado.

Lavatory Experience

The First Class cabin shares a dedicated lavatory at the front of the aircraft. The bathroom was:

• Clean throughout the flight
• Standard size (not expanded)
• Equipped with a baby changing table
• Stocked with hand soap and paper towels
• Lacking any premium amenities or products

While not luxurious, having a dedicated lavatory for 16 passengers versus sharing with economy is a meaningful benefit, resulting in minimal wait times and better maintenance throughout the flight.

Arrival at Denver

Our approach into Denver International Airport provided spectacular views of the mountains to the west. We landed 15 minutes ahead of schedule on runway 16R, which meant a somewhat lengthy taxi to our gate at Concourse B.

As a First Class passenger, I was among the first to deplane. Denver’s efficient baggage handling meant my checked bag (which received priority tagging) arrived on the carousel within 12 minutes of reaching the gate—faster than many airports but not immediate.

The United app sent a notification with my baggage carousel number before I even reached the terminal, a small but useful digital touch that enhanced the overall experience.

Value Analysis

Is United’s 737-800 First Class worth the premium on this route? Here’s my breakdown:

Worth the extra cost if:

• You need to work productively during the flight
• You value priority boarding and deplaning
• You’re tall and need additional legroom
• You want guaranteed overhead bin space
• You’re hungry and value the included meal service
• You have an important meeting upon arrival

Probably not worth it if:

• You’re on a tight budget
• You can comfortably fit in Economy seats
• The flight timing doesn’t align with a meal period
• You primarily want lounge access (buy a day pass instead)
• You plan to sleep the entire flight

For business travelers expensing the trip, the productivity benefits alone likely justify the cost. For leisure travelers, the value proposition is more subjective and depends on personal priorities.

United’s Boeing 737-800 First Class between Austin and Denver delivers a solid premium experience without being truly luxurious. It represents a meaningful step up from economy without the wow-factor of international business class.

Rating Breakdown (out of 10):

• Seat comfort: 7/10
• Ground experience: 8/10
• Food quality: 6/10
• Cabin service: 7/10
• Entertainment: 5/10
• Timeliness: 9/10
• Value for money: 7/10

Overall score: 7/10

The strongest elements were the priority airport experience, punctuality, and the general comfort of the larger seat. The weakest aspects were the limited entertainment options and the relatively basic catering.

Who should book this product?

• Business travelers valuing productivity and comfort
• Taller passengers who find economy restrictive
• Those with Premier status hoping for complimentary upgrades
• Travelers with connections who benefit from priority services
• Anyone who can expense the ticket through work

Practical Tips

• Best seats: Row 2 offers the ideal balance of service priority while being away from the galley noise and lavatory traffic
• Avoid seat 1B if you’re tall, as the bulkhead limits legroom
• Download the United app before your flight for entertainment access
• Consider a morning departure for the highest on-time probability
• MileagePlus members should check upgrade availability five days before departure when many elites are auto-processed

The United Airlines domestic First Class experience won’t blow you away with luxury touches, but it delivers meaningful improvements in comfort and service that can make your journey noticeably more pleasant, especially on routes like AUS-DEN where you’re transitioning from business meetings to mountain adventures—or vice versa.

See Also: Review: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900 First Class (AUS-SAN)

FAQs

1.What is the seat configuration in United’s 737-800 First Class?

The First Class cabin has 16 seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration.

2.What are the seat dimensions in First Class?

Each seat offers a pitch of 37 inches and a width of approximately 20.7 inches.

3.Do First Class seats on the 737-800 recline?

Yes, but the recline is limited to about a few degrees.

4.What in-flight amenities are available in First Class?

Amenities include priority boarding, enhanced meal options, and, on flights over 901 miles, desserts like Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding.

5.Is there in-flight entertainment in First Class?

Yes, seatback entertainment is available on all seats.

Conclusion

This review-united-boeing-737-800-first-class shows that the experience is comfortable and convenient. The seats offer good space, and the service is friendly. Priority boarding and in-flight perks make the journey smoother. While the food options and entertainment could improve, the overall experience feels premium.

If you want a more relaxing trip, First Class on this route is a great option. This review-united-boeing-737-800-first-class highlights the key details to help you decide. Whether it’s worth the cost depends on your needs. For those who value comfort and extra perks, it’s a solid choice.

Have you flown United’s First Class between Austin and Denver? Share your experience in the comments below!