This past weekend I took a necessary trip to Phoenix, Arizona. Although this is a common route for me, I flew on an airline I’d never flown before. I flew from LAX to PHX on United Airlines inside an E175, in economy.
Since I’ve never flown United Air, it was easy for me to see the major differences. Therefore I thought I should report on it in case anyone is wondering.
Embraer 175–United Air from LAX to PHX in Economy
I love this flight route. It’s quick, easy, and usually pretty inexpensive.
Eager to learn about a new airline and take in all the novelty, my ears perked up, and my eyes widened.
I was seated in economy. And even though it’s not too different from other economy classes I’ve been on, there were a few significant differences.
The first thing I noticed was the seats.
The seats are blue but flimsy. They’re too thin. And even though it’s a short flight, I shifted my seating position often so I wouldn’t be uncomfortable.
Although, I lucked out because the seat next to me was empty. So I was able to raise the armrest and use it as one big seat.
However, on the way back, I wasn’t so lucky.
Either way, the seat has ample leg space. The seats themselves felt wider as well. I have wide shoulders, but I was able to sit comfortably on the way back.
The Flight Attendants on United Airlines
The flight attendants were good. Although I felt they were a little too stern at first.
There was an issue with the computer system, which meant they had to count passengers manually. However, since a couple of people moved to sit next to each other, the flight attendants gave them a stern talking to.
Although personally I really dislike when couples want to sit next to each other. But perhaps it’s because I love my space a little too much.
The flight attendants told them to move back to their original seats until after they’ve reached a specific elevation (and talked to the flight attendants.) But that never happened. All parties looked at each other and verbally said, “this makes no sense.” Therefore they all stayed put.
But United doesn’t have control over attitude problems. Regardless, it didn’t ruin the flight or anything like that.
United Air Economy Service
In economy, they served soft drinks and light snacks. I ordered a Ginger Ale. Although at first, they gave me a Sprite. The flight attendant quickly realized she grabbed the wrong can and brought me a Ginger Ale. It wasn’t a problem in any case.
The snacks consisted of salted pretzels or a tasty Stroopwafel. Although I was never given a choice, I heard them ask others if they preferred one or the other.
My partner, who was seated in first class, gave me his after we landed in PHX.
The flight attendants on this flight are friendly, but I can’t say I noticed a difference between American Air and United at this time. Both airlines have sassy and talkative flight attendants. Nevertheless, they’re always helpful.
Landing
Although I can’t really say for sure, I was impressed by both landings. I have never encountered a landing as smooth as these two legs. And landings make me nervous.
Let’s break it down:
LAX to PHX takes less than an hour. Even if the flight is terrible, it’s over sooner than you think.
I enjoyed getting to know a new airline. And although I’ve never flown them before, I might have to experiment a little more in the future.