A domestic United 737 First Class trip on a ~2 hour flight isn’t exactly exciting, it’s kinda boring really so it belongs right here. United has nearly 500 737s in their fleet with only 40 being the smallest -700. We’re only riding in First Class on the 737-700 because it was a cheap upgrade, I normally wouldn’t spend the money, but decided to go for it as it’s both Val and I flying home.
Bottom Line: The United 737-700 First Class is a pretty standard domestic First Class experience. Free drinks, snacks, and a bigger seat. The entertainment isn’t exactly modern, but the seats are comfortable for the relatively short flight.
Boarding At IAH
We arrived at the gate right around boarding time. We had spent a few minutes in the IAH Centurion Lounge (Full Review Here) before the flight, we’re departing from the E Gates so it was a close walk.
Boarding started about 10 minutes late, but the 737-700 is a pretty short plane and boards quickly. We’re sitting in first class so we can board with group 1.
United 737-700 First Class Cabin
The United 737-700 First Class cabin has 3 rows with a 2-2 configuration.
We found our seats in the last row of the first class section. A few things I really liked about the United 737-700 first class cabin, the seats are nicely trimmed and clean. The leg room is great as is the in seat storage. There’s also a solid wall behind first class separating the economy cabin.
Our First Class seats on the United 737-700. I often pick the last row in cabins like this. Not sure why but I like it.
The leg room in United 737-700 First Class is really good. There is a bar that straddles the leg room though so if you have a bag at your feet it will intrude.
Untied 737-700 In Seat Entertainment
The downside is the in seat entertainment is very dated. United is in the process of updating their 737 fleet, but this is one of the older ones.
It’s not touch screen nor does it really have on demand shows. It’s more or less just regular TV.
The entertainment uses this remote that’s in the arm rest, like I said, no tough screen. Each seat had power, there’s a 120v universal port at each first class seat under the arm center rest. There’s also a good amount of storage in the seats. I used this little cubby to hold my cords case.
On the other side there’s a long and thin storage spot, it’s kinda like a magazine slot. Not really sure it’s useful to me.
As boarding continued the flight attendant offered water to the first class passengers.
We completed boarding right on time, nice start to the flight. The pilots added their welcome and said there might be a few bumps between Houston and Greenville. Flight would be 1:50 takeoff to landing. The jet bridge retracted right one time as the flight attendants gave their welcome announcements.
United 737-700 Pushback and Takeoff
We pushed back as the safety video was shown on the in seat entertainment. As we taxied to the runway as the water cups were collected.
After a somewhat lengthy taxi we took off towards the North West. We then made a quick turn towards the left all the way around to the east and Greenville.
We climbed super quickly and we’re fast above the clouds. There were a few bumps but nothing major.
I reclined my seat and settled into an episode of bobs burgers.
United 737-700 First Class Drink Service
15 minutes into the flight, the first class flight attendant came around and asked if we’d like something to drink. United still has an in flight magazine so there’s a nice menu in their.
I decided to have a bells two hearted IPA and Val had an Aha with vodka. United has white claw, but it’s only black cherry and Val thinks that tastes like cough syrup(because it does).
The flight attendant here in first class is super friendly and fun. She’s also great at getting everyone’s needs taken care of. Very fast service. There was a snack basket of goodies, I went with cookies and almonds.
United 737-700 First Class In Flight
The pilots came on and told us we’re at 40k feet and should be pretty smooth from now on. They seatbelt sign was turned off.
The pilot was very old school, told us we’re just passing over Mississippi and about 70 miles south of Jackson. We’d then turn over Huntsville towards Asheville, then south into Greenville.
United 737-700 Lavatory
With the seatbelt sign off I took the opportunity to head to the bathroom. The forward lavatory on the United 737-700 isn’t huge but was large enough. It was clean enough too, not amazing.
The sun is setting outside and the cabin is quiet. A second set of drinks were offered, but I declined.
United 737-700 Approach and Landing
With about 45 minutes left in the flight, the pilots said we’d likely hit some turbulence as we approached Greenville so the seatbelt sign would be coming on.
The flight attendant then made her pass through the first class cabin to collect glasses and trash.
We had a nice view of Greenville at night as we approached the Greenville Airport.
And just a few minutes later we landed into GSP.
United 737-700 First Class Final Thoughts
There’s not really a surprise with United on the 737-700 in First Class. The seats are older but comfortable, the entertainment is definitely out of date but works, free drinks and snacks are included. I wouldn’t go out of my way and spend lots of money for United First Class on the 737-700, but if the price is cheap I’ll take the extra leg room.