New United Airlines first-class seats will feature wireless charging stations, will debut in this month

Whether you’re on a long haul flight or a quick one-hour trip to a city nearby, keeping a charged phone is an essential. Depending on the airline, aircraft, or seat, however, maintaining charge on your most-used electronics can be a difficult task. While some airlines have incorporated USB ports on seatback entertainment units, some charging stations reside at passengers’ feet, making for an awkward reach.

United Airlines is making a major stride in this space, however, by announcing a new first-class seat with a wireless charging station in the armrest. The seats will be available on United First seats, which will feature vegan leather upholstery, 13-inch seatback screens, 18-inch tray tables, Bluetooth connectivity, privacy screens and a seat suction designed by an ergonomist.

Travel Pulse reports that the designs for the new seats are slated to debut later this month, along with an ongoing rollout this summer. United anticipates that the seats will be available on 200 domestic planes by 2026, including the airline’s fleet of 737 NGs, A321neos and 737 MAXs.

“This new United First seat is designed around the modern traveler – more charging options, bigger spaces for devices, food, drinks and personal items and extra privacy,” United Managing Director Mark Muren said.

Passengers will be able to charge multiple devices at a time, as there are three different charging docks: wireless, AC outlet, and USB-C. The wireless charger in the armrest was a strategic choice as it free passengers’ hands and tray table, while still giving them a direct line-of-sight to their device.

United also announced that existing domestic first-class seats on more that 200 planes will be updated by 2025.

“As we evolve the onboard experience, we’re upending old industry norms and anticipating future needs to accommodate the new ways people live and travel,” Muren continued.

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.

This story was originally published July 13, 2023 at 1:07 PM.