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Earlier in the year, I finally visited Mexico City, a destination that had long been on my radar. With unutilized credits sitting in my United wallet, I decided to make the most by booking in First Class on United Airlines from Ottawa (YOW) to Washington D.C (IAD), and onwards to Mexico City (MEX).
The first segment of my journey was on United’s regional CRJ-700, while the longer leg to Mexico City was aboard the Boeing 737 MAX. As fate would have it, I ended up flying on the same aircraft for my return as well, which provided a well-rounded perspective on the product across two short-haul international flights.
United CRJ-700 in YOW
United First Class 737 Max – IAD to MEX (and back)
United’s 737 MAX features a 2-2 configuration in the First Class cabin, a familiar layout across North American carriers. The cabin design felt modern, and the plush leather seats offered both comfort and a sense of understated premium. I had a window seat on both legs and appreciated the spacious layout and generous legroom. The seatback screen was a 13-inch display, easily one of the best in its class, with crisp visuals and an intuitive interface.
United First Class on 737 Max
Legroom on United First
Storage, however, was limited. Aside from a small section under the armrest that could fit a water bottle, there wasn’t much room to stow personal items conveniently. A minor inconvenience, but noticeable on a five-hour flight. Connectivity was a power outlet and a USB port (unfortunately, it was not Type-C) located beneath the armrest.
In-flight connectivity
Before departure, the crew came around with welcome drinks, offering a choice of water, juice, or sparkling wine. I opted for water this time. Meal service on this flight was swift, and shortly after takeoff, the crew confirmed my pre-selected meal choice of chicken enchiladas.
Service began with a round of drinks and a small serving of nuts, followed by the main tray setup. The meal included the enchiladas, a side salad, a warm bread roll, and banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery for dessert.
Dinner meal tray on United First, IAD to MEX
I paired my meal with a classic gin and tonic, which complemented the hearty enchiladas nicely. While the salad lacked freshness, the main course was flavorful and satisfying, and the dessert was a highlight. Overall, the meal experience struck the right balance between convenience and quality for a mid-length international flight. United’s catering has seen notable improvement over the years, and this flight was a reflection of that trend.
On the way back from Mexico, I had the classic omelette breakfast, which was satisfactory but felt very pedestrian compared to the dinner served from IAD to MEX.
Breakfast meal on United First MEX to IAD
United truly shines in the entertainment department. The 13-inch seatback screen offered an impressive selection of content, ranging from new releases to international films and TV series, providing ample variety for the five-hour journey. Beyond the hardware, United’s mobile app is one of the most well-integrated airline apps, covering everything from in-flight entertainment access to onboard Wi-Fi and post-flight tracking.
IFE on United First 737 Max
Wi-Fi pricing was $8 or 1,600 MileagePlus® miles for members, and $10 for non-members. I opted to connect using cash, and while the speeds were adequate for emails and light browsing, it wasn’t quite robust enough for heavier tasks like uploads or video calls.
What I enjoyed most, however, was something unexpected — the ‘Cleared to Land’ game available through the United app. It’s simple yet oddly addictive, and I ended up spending far more time on it than anticipated, adding a fun and nostalgic element to the flight.
My fav United mobile game
Takeaway
For a five-hour short-haul international flight, United’s First Class on the Boeing 737 MAX delivered a well-rounded experience. Between the well-cushioned seat, flavorful meal, and a little in-flight gaming, my evening flight from IAD to MEX (and back) was both productive and relaxing.
