United Airline’s new first class seats have real granite cocktail tables
Introducing the fancy new custom-designed domestic accommodations, set to launch on 200+ aircrafts. Hello, comfort!
United teamed up with London designer Priestmangoode for an all-leather seat design in the airline’s current navy and champagne color scheme. With the change comes a wider 21.1” seat and an articulating seat base for better reclining and more leg room.
The new digs are complete with universal power ports, adjustable headrests, dedicated beverage holders, and extra in-seat storage including two seatback pockets and side "stowage" for laptops and tablets.
Our favorite features? The premium granite cocktail tables and the patented-design tray table featuring a tablet holder. Now your drink, food, and tablet all have their place.
The seats will debut on an Airbus A319 in September 2015, with retrofits on A319s, A320s, and many Boing 737s and 757s through 2016. All in all, 200+ planes will be upgraded.
Why the makeover? “This new seat is directly based on customer testing and feedback,” said Tom O’Toole, United’s senior VP and chief marketing officer. The airline brand held focus groups to ask fliers exactly what they wanted in first class, and consumers were wowed that the brand actually listened to them.
Perhaps this is a whole new direction in the endless competition for frequent flier loyalty- treating your passengers like individual people in a world where most travelers feel like a number. Bravo, United Airlines, we like where your head is at!