Fly Smarter with United Airlines First Class: Book with Flightsquest

United Airlines First Class is one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary trip into a genuinely comfortable experience. As of 2025, United operates the largest flight network in the world by destinations, serving more than 300 airports across six continents with nearly 5,000 flights daily. And out of all those flights, United’s First Class is the premium domestic option that really stands out, especially on long routes across the country and flights to places like Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and the Caribbean.

Whether you’re crossing the country on a red-eye or hopping to the islands for a long weekend, this cabin combines spacious seating, thoughtful service, elevated dining, and priority treatment from curb to carousel.

What United Airlines First Class Actually Looks Like

United Airlines First Class is offered on most Boeing 737, 757, 777, and select Airbus A319/A320 aircraft flying within North America. This includes routes to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Here’s what you can expect in the First Class cabin:

• Seat width: 20–21 inches, almost twice as wide as an economy seat

• Legroom: 38–40 inches of pitch, depending on the aircraft

• Comfort features: Six-way adjustable headrests with winged sides

• Work space: Granite-topped cocktail tables and extendable work surfaces

• Entertainment: 15-inch HD touchscreen monitors on transcontinental and Hawaii routes

• Charging options: Universal power outlets and USB ports at every seat

• Extras on longer flights: Complimentary noise-reducing headsets

On United’s premium transcontinental routes, like Newark or Washington Dulles to Los Angeles and San Francisco, you’ll find true lie-flat First Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout. This setup gives every passenger direct aisle access and is similar to what many airlines offer in international business class.

Onboard Dining and Drinks: Far Beyond the Ordinary

United’s First Class dining features complimentary meals and beverages tailored to flight distance, with elevated options on premium routes. As of December 2025, here’s what you can expect:

• Flights under 300 miles: Free non-alcoholic drinks and a snack basket. Alcoholic drinks are available upon request.

• Flights 300–900 miles: Free alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus a selection of sweet or savory snacks.

• Flights over 900 miles: Mixed nuts, hot entrée with salad and warm bread, dessert, and free alcoholic drinks.

• Flights over 1,190 miles: Above plus a pre-arrival snack.

• Transcontinental & Hawaii routes: Enhanced multi-course meals in partnership with The Trotter Project, including seasonal starters, short-rib dishes, cheese plates, and build-your-own ice cream sundaes.

Drinks include a curated wine selection by United’s Master Sommelier, featuring West Coast varietals and sparkling options, plus complimentary craft beers and signature cocktails throughout the flight.

Ground Experience and Priority Perks

When you book United Airlines First Class, you automatically get Premier Access, which makes the airport experience much smoother. Here’s what that includes:

• Dedicated check-in counters so you can skip the long lines.

• Exclusive security lanes at airports where they’re available.

• Priority boarding in Group 1, yes, even before Premier Platinum members.

• Priority baggage handling, meaning your checked bags are tagged “Priority” and usually come out first.

• United Club access when you’re flying to or from Canada on a United First Class ticket.

Overall, you get a faster, easier, and more relaxed start and finish to your trip.

United Airlines First-Class Baggage Allowance

Flying First Class on United comes with generous baggage perks. You get:

• Two checked bags for free

• 70 lbs (32 kg) allowed per checked bag

• Maximum size: 62 linear inches (158 cm) per bag

• Carry-on benefits: You can bring one full-size carry-on plus one personal item, same as other cabins, but since you board early, you’ll almost always find overhead space without any stress.

Before packing your bags, check out our complete United Airlines Baggage Policy guide to avoid extra fees

United Airlines First Class International Routes

A true “United Airlines First Class international” experience only exists on select flights to Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

For long-haul international travel to Europe, Asia, South America (beyond short regional routes), Australia, and the Middle East, United doesn’t offer traditional First Class. Instead, you’ll find United Polaris, the airline’s top-tier business class.

Many travelers still search for “United Airlines first class international” when they actually mean Polaris, which offers 180-degree lie-flat seats, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and restaurant-style dining.

So while First Class is mainly for domestic and short international flights, Polaris is what you’ll get on United’s true long-haul routes.

United Airlines Senior Discount First Class

If you’re 65 or older, United lets you choose the “Senior (65+)” option while booking. When discounts are available, you’ll see the reduced fares right there, sometimes even for First Class on domestic and short international routes. Just keep in mind that these deals are limited and don’t always show up. Also, the discount only applies during booking, so you can’t add it later.

Travelers aged 65+ can save more—read our guide on United Airlines Senior Discounts to find eligible fares and booking tips

United Airlines Business First Class

You might still come across the term “United Airlines Business First Class” on older websites or travel forums. This was the name United used for its long-haul premium cabin before introducing Polaris in 2016. The old name isn’t used anymore, but it still pops up from time to time, which can be confusing.

How to Get United Airlines First Class

There are a few simple ways to get yourself into United First Class:

• Pay with cash when you book: usually priced about 2–4× more than economy.

• Use MileagePlus miles: most domestic one-way upgrades fall in the 25,000–50,000 miles range.

• Use PlusPoints or Global Premier Upgrades: these are elite perks that let higher-status members upgrade without paying cash.

• Bid for an upgrade: United sometimes emails you 7–10 days before your flight, letting you offer a cash amount for a better seat.

• Get a complimentary upgrade: if you’re Premier Gold or higher, you may get moved to First Class for free when seats open up.

Final Verdict: Your Journey Deserves Better

United Airlines First Class continues to stand out in 2025 with comfortable seats, upgraded dining, and valuable United Airlines first class benefits. Whether you’re flying domestically or on select United Airlines first-class international routes, the experience is consistently premium.

You also get practical perks like the generous United Airlines first-class baggage allowance, and seniors can save more when United Airlines senior discount first-class fares are available. And if you ever see the old United Airlines business first class name online, just remember it refers to what’s now Polaris on long-haul flights.

Don’t wait to enjoy premium travel and book your United Airlines First Class fare with Flightsquest now for fast, easy, and effortless booking.

FAQs About United Airlines First Class

Q1. Does United Airlines have First Class on all flights?

No, United First Class is offered mainly on domestic and short-haul international routes. Long-haul international flights use Polaris business class, not First Class.

Q2. What do you get in United First Class?

You get wider seats, more legroom, priority services, free drinks, upgraded meals, and early boarding.

Q3. Are meals included in United First Class?

Yes, meal service depends on flight length; longer flights (900+ miles or 3.5+ hours) include a full meal, while shorter routes offer snacks and drinks.

Q4. Do United First Class seats recline or lie flat?

They recline on regular domestic flights. Only select premium transcontinental routes offer lie-flat seats.

Q5. How many bags can you check in First Class?

You can check two bags for free, each up to 70 lbs (32 kg).

Q6. Can I upgrade to United First Class with miles?

Yes, most domestic upgrades cost about 25,000–50,000 MileagePlus miles one way.

Q7. Do First Class passengers get lounge access?

Not always. United First Class only grants United Club access when flying to/from Canada. For other domestic routes, lounge access isn’t included unless you have a membership or elite status.