United Airlines Experiences

We are flying with United Airlines. Not the first time, but I can't remember past flights in detail.

UA was not a budget flight, but not on a high level either.

Like everything else, flying is becoming more expensive, and the price of around 1300 EUR for an economy flight to the USA seemed high. However, it was a multi-stop flight, which always comes at a higher price. In addition, there was a domestic flight with a medium-distance. It went from Frankfurt/M. to Chicago, then to Denver, and then to Anchorage in Alaska before returning to Frankfurt/M. in 14 days via Chicago. That's quite some miles, and the price was probably still cheap because we booked early.

So, for the justified flight price, we didn't have high expectations for the aircraft and service. After all, we don't fly to enjoy ourselves, but to get from A to B.

Furthermore, the flight was initially hopelessly overbooked, and if we had been traveling alone without a group, we could have made a bargain. In our case, we insist on our plane and our seats, and we ultimately sit on the booked flight route.

Something about the seats: with United, you can conveniently select seats during check-in. I started check-in 24 hours before the planned departure. Maybe that's why we still had a fairly large selection of 'good' seats that could be selected free of charge. That means aisle or window seat, but no middle seats. Unless it's a couple, with one person sitting by the window... So, for online check-in, I give 10/10 points!

Even the print of the boarding passes is well-designed and offers many options. Maybe not an important point if you're traveling alone or as a couple. But with 24 boarding passes in the last 24 hours before departure, it's quite an important point.

Today, when boarding the plane, the legroom in the ordinary seats of the economy class immediately catches the eye. It looks good.

And despite the fully booked, large plane, everyone finds space in the overhead compartments. This may also be due to the repeated announcement that you can also check in hand luggage free of charge at the entrance. As a result, there are hardly any trolleys in the overhead compartments, which provides enough space for a backpack per person.

In the seat itself, it's just like in any other plane. But even our tall men's knees don't hit, and even slightly larger passengers can comfortably open the tray table and sit at it.

The entertainment program offers a medium number of movies. I can select German and receive many more flight information, etc. So, it's quite impressive.

My screen freezes for no apparent reason, but a flight attendant quickly performs a reboot for me. This was done quickly, my problem was immediately acknowledged, and a solution was sought. I have experienced it differently before.

Another plus point: here on board, there is absolutely no need to starve - and certainly not to thirst. Immediately after takeoff, there are wafers and drinks from the trolley. And that, even though breakfast comes a few minutes later.

There were coffee and tea available at all times, as well as cans of Coke, Zero beverages, Sprite, apple juice, as well as white and red wine.

After two rounds, everyone received a small bottle of water for the meantime. Then again, the drinks trolley. And before landing, a snack and, of course, the drinks trolley again....

I have never missed an opportunity to order drinks on a flight and usually order two drinks if the opportunity arises. That was absolutely not necessary today on the United flight.

Also, for the service, I give 10/10 points.

The breakfast consisted of a bowl of sliced fruit (apple, grapes, melon), a muffin, and a choice between omelette (with potatoes, ham, and spinach) or pancakes with berries.

The snack at the end consisted of a turkey cheese sandwich. And, of course, drinks...

For the quality of an airplane meal, it's also worth 10 points.

One thing that seemed strange to me was that the plane was heavily darkened for most of the flight. After all, it was supposed to be a day flight... Of course, there is also a deduction for plastic cutlery with this airline.

Since 2021, the customs declaration for the USA has actually been abolished. However, it is still mentioned in the on-screen explanation. And indeed, one form per family is distributed - with the repeated emphasis that it should remain empty and be placed in the passport. The flight attendant explains this as a 'specialty' in Chicago and confirms our knowledge that it no longer exists. But it's unimportant, I can put an empty piece of paper in my passport. We will see where we need it.....

Overall, the conclusion for United Airlines: anytime again! Absolutely top in the mid-price segment.