Route: Chicago to Toronto
Plane: B737-700
Date: 14 Oct, 2024
Price: $1,193 including an onward flight to Ottawa via Chicago (originally $2,009, lowered to $1,610 as economy flex with a cash upgrade booked via Air Canada, then rebooked when the fare was further dropped during a pilot strike)
Comfort: The thick leather armchairs were clearly a legacy product. The retrofitted adjustable headrests protrude into the shoulder space and there isn’t any storage designed for electronic devices. There are two literature pockets on the seat back, which is suitable for a tablet. Legroom feels tighter as the seats are thicker—at least I’m not my 300-pound seat neighbour. It’s still a good product, and excellent for a short-haul flight, but could be improved by installing the new seats.
In-flight entertainment: The screen and remote control system is the same as any other contemporary United domestic first class product. I watched three episodes of SpongeBob Squarepants. Each seat has a USB-A and a three pin socket. Wi-Fi was available but it only works in U.S. and Canadian airspace for international flights in the Americas.
Food: The short flight had a premium snack service. Choices included whole packs of cookies, pretzels, crisps, and almonds. Even though it was a 7am flight, the full range of alcoholic beverages were available. I had a mimosa followed by a Diet Coke.
Service: A pair of premium headphones was at the seat and the flight attendant offered welcome orange juice or water to first class passengers before takeoff. Drinks service was quick and there was enough time for two rounds.
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