I flew first class with United. It was so great that I started upgrading all my flights.

Business Insider

a day ago

For my birthday last year, I decided to treat myself to something new — a first-class flight on United Airlines.
I figured the trip would be more comfortable than the ones I was used to in economy, but I didn't expect how much the flight would change my outlook on travel.
Afterward, I started upgrading all my flights, but my recent United first-class experience is still one of my favorites.
There was plenty of room to relax on my United flight
My first-class seat on United offered plenty of legroom and was perfect for a long flight.
The only drawback was that on one leg of my trip, I was in the front row, and the seat didn't have space for my personal belongings. But the additional legroom made up for this minor inconvenience.
For once, I actually felt like I could stretch out, kick back, and enjoy the flight rather than just count down the hours until it was over.
United's in-flight service was exceptional
During my flight, it felt like the United crew went out of their way to make me feel special. As soon as I boarded, a flight attendant greeted me by name and offered me a mimosa and warm towel before takeoff — a nice touch that set the tone for the flight.
Throughout the trip, they checked in regularly without being overbearing. Little gestures such as keeping my drink filled or offering additional snacks made a big difference and elevated the experience.
The meals were worth the upgrade
When it was time for the meal service, I had low expectations. After all, I don't typically expect to get a premium dining experience in the air.
But United's first-class meals surprised me. I was able to preorder my meals 48 hours before takeoff on the United app, which ensured I got exactly what I wanted.
For breakfast, I had scrambled eggs with red peppers, sautéed spinach, and potatoes. The tray also included a croissant, fresh fruit, and yogurt. It was simple but delicious.
On the return flight, I ordered a chicken dish for dinner, which I enjoyed. The meat was tender and paired with well-seasoned potatoes, broccoli, and a roll.
The meal was simple, satisfying, and way better than what I would usually expect from airplane food.
Overall, I was incredibly impressed by United
Everything about my flight — including the thoughtful service and the surprisingly good food — felt elevated.
One downside of my United flight was that free WiFi wasn't included. WiFi access would've cost $8, and I could've purchased it with miles, but I chose not to add it since the in-flight entertainment was more than enough for my four-hour journey.
Though it would've been nice to have complimentary WiFi, I didn't think it took away from the overall experience, and I'm looking forward to my next flight with United.