It has been a long while since I’ve flown United Airlines. Since they’ve cut frequent flier earning on most paid economy fares to 50% miles, and most transborder fares can be more expensive than their domestic ones, I’ve switched in the last 3 – 4 years over to Alaska which consistently earn 100% EQM. Add a lack of available business class reward seat space, and I haven’t had much reason to fly with them.

United Airlines
UA 343 – First Class (P)
YVR-DEN (Vancouver International Airport – Denver International Airport)
April 9, 2019
06:15 AM – 10:02 AM
Booked: Airbus 320
Flown: Airbus 320

Boarding was called promptly at 5:40 AM with the initial call for those that need additional assistance for boarding, followed by military, then Zone 1 for paid first class.

On Board United Airlines First Class:

I was second on board and located Seat 2A. The has been refreshed since my last time on board with them.

A pre-departure beverage of water or orange juice was offered. The low rent plastic cup was a funny touch, along with the Coca Cola paper napkin.

There was in seat power available at the seat.

We had a long taxi over to 26L on the south side of YVR, and had a water departure out of Vancouver today. There were some beautiful views at sunrise as we climbed to cruising altitude.

Food and Beverage: A Breakfast Plate

Once on board and airborne, a breakfast “plate” was offered. Today’s breakfast was a fruit plate and blueberry muffin. The presentation for the food plate was pretty uninspiring. Needless to say, I was glad I had eaten twice before I got on the plane.

Without any inflight seat back entertainment, it was a pretty dreary experience. Of course, I could have probably watched entertainment on my small iPhone screen, but what’s the fun in that? (Laughing).

We arrived to Gate B11 in Denver and into the large spacious concourses that Denver is known for.

Overall:

United likes to charge an arm and a leg for flights between Vancouver and Denver. Unfortunately, they don’t return much in the way of entertainment or food and beverage on this select non stop. Thankfully, if you are continuing onwards to other parts of the USA, the flights get a bit cheaper. If you set your expectations accordingly, you’ll never be disappointed.

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