Flying the WORST United Mainline Jet...the B737-800

After a fantastic flight aboard United's 737 MAX 9 on their re-inaugural flight of the aircraft type after tons of delays following the two crashes, it was time for me to start heading back up north...with a stopover in Fort Lauderdale. In this video, I fly aboard what I strongly believe to be United's worst mainline aircraft...the Boeing 737-800. Watch the video and you shall see why. Now that planes are almost always filled to near capacity again and with travel returning to normal, the terrible interior on these 738s are really starting to show. I'll let the video speak for the rest. Hope you guys enjoy!
Flight Info:
Airline: United Airlines
Aircraft/Registration: Boeing 737-800 (N87513)
Seat: 30A
Flight Time: 1 hr 59 min
Flight #: UA 616
Takeoff: George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Landing: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Filmed: February 11, 2021
Camera(s) Used: Canon Powershot G7X Mark II, GoPro HERO7 Black
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Everything in this video is protected by KZbin COPYRIGHT.
Do NOT use unless granted permission.
© thejazzguy13 Aviation 2022

[@chowchillachuck]

Oh my gosh. When you compared the leg space to some Spirit planes, I had to laugh. I just flew Spirit for the first time from SMF to SNA and I remember thinking..."what is everyone complaining about?...this is no worse then United!

[@pianoandaviationandtravel2209]

I will agree with people who went on Spirit Airlines. What happens is that it is a low cost airline and people were saying that Spirit Airlines were being unfair when you have to pay for the Big Front Seats or you are stuck with the cramp seats. They also charged you everything. I never been on Spirit Airlines luckly, I am avoiding it because Southwest Airlines is way better low cost airline than Spirit Airlines because Southwest Airlines will get you free snacks on board. The problem that I am having is people complaining about not having TV screens on every seat or the TV screen is not working and that annoys me when people were complaining about TV screens on every seat and @TheJazzGuy13 Aviation is complaining about the TV screen and that annoys me. There is a thing which is to bring your own device if TV screen does not work.

[@chowchillachuck]

@@pianoandaviationandtravel2209 I would agree that Southwest is the best for all the reasons you mentioned and a few more, like free checked bags and no penalty to change a reservation. Truly the best airline out there from my budget perspective. I fly Southwest often. I just tried Spirit for giggles and it wasn't as bad as I expected.

[@TheAow4321]

@@chowchillachuck Im partial to Delta myself lol

[@Ant_13r]

Yea I Lowkey thought that was funny, years ago me and my parents flew spirit airlines on a daily basis and the seats weren't very good

[@Ant_13r]

@@pianoandaviationandtravel2209i was one of those people 😭😭

[@garrett5643]

flew the 737-800 with united between ORD and PDX. It was old, and the cabin pressurization system really revealed that. I have never felt pain like that before lmao.

[@bpk-dz5qc]

Same exact experience I had. It was HORRIBLE.

[@NovejSpeed3]

Funny thing the worst pressurization issue I've had was actually aboard a MAX from SAN to HNL. My ears stayed stopped up over 8 hours afterwards and they hurt too. First time that ever happened to me...and I flew on military 707s my whole career. Pilots may have forgot to reset cruise altitude if they climbed higher than the initial planned altitude.

[@TodosLados]

Chris! I love that your videos are getting better everytime in every aspect. Thanks for all the work you do, for our entertainment and knowledge in aviation!! Keep the amazing job! Your channel is an inspiration for all of who try to do something like that! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@thejazzguy13]

Always appreciate the kind words bro 🤙🏻

[@briantampa1164]

Dam you were almost over my home city of Tampa before the Flight entertainment started to work. As usual great video!

[@BRTripReport]

I have a flight booked on a UAL 737-800, let’s hope I get a better interior! 😅 great video! 👏🏼✈️

[@Venkman29]

Well keep in mind it is an older aircraft. I like them all. But we have to be real it is an older aircraft. Hopefully the flight crew gives you a good ride & not too turbulent out the day you fly. So you get to enjoy the flight. 😀🛫 Have a good flight.

[@michaelb9629]

I actually like United Airlines, especially since I live the closest to that headquarters. I would fly on any aircraft I book and hopefully it wouldn’t change on me too often. I would prefer that airline if I were to go to O’hare out of the two airports in the Windy City. It’s the only option for that airline.

[@michaelb9629]

@James R Cool, which I know has a United hub.

[@YouTubeThunderr]

Yeah I live like 25 minutes out of Newark Liberty and I’ve never had one bad experience on United.

[@michaelb9629]

@@KZbinThunderr that’s good to know. I’ve been to that airport a really long time ago and it’s also the nearest busy one from my grandma’s home. I actually did go to visit her and my aunt.

[@stevedunn4567]

Two weeks ago we flew United 737-800 from ICT to DEN and you are exactly right. The legroom was almost non-existent. I’m 6 feet even and I might have had an inch of space between my knees and the seat back. Our next flight was on a 777 and it was much better. Thanks for the great reports Chris.

[@jr13227]

I’ve always enjoyed flying those old 800’s from the late 90’s they United inherited from continental. Always gives me the continental vibe, especially when they had the old seats. I know this plane was a little newer but same idea.

[@bigeyejim]

Same. Had enough Conti miles to take the fam to Bermuda....On a 737-800.

[@josearacena7922]

I love how he sometimes does the accents. Get him to 30k!

[@johannesbols57]

I had to check to see if you're the same guy who flew SEA - BOI. After I saw it was you, I decided to watch the vid. There are a few flight reviewers on youtube who do nothing but complain about their flights, so when I saw the headline for yours I thought it was gonna be another one. But if you say it was dicey, I certainly believe it.

[@johniii8147]

You just wanted something to complain about. The interior has definitely been upgraded. And you paid a basic economy so you got what you paid for

[@K4Ediamond]

I haven't flown United's 737 series in a while. I do remember taking the -800 a lot. Also the -900 and -700 one time each, but I don't remember those flights enough for me to compare them to the -800. Nice flight report!

[@lazer185]

I flew a United 738 in the middle seat last month followed by a CRJ-200 connecting flight. I always thought CRJ-200s sucked, but wow, it felt downright spacious compared to the 738 flight before. I’m 6-2 and never felt so uncomfortable on a plane.

[@Springbok314]

Well done video and fabulous hair, guy.

[@merlin43004]

Well, United HAS announced they’re updating all of their domestic fleet to the level of the Max.

[@NovejSpeed3]

Travel hack/advice....Just turn your phones brightness up....DON'T LAY IT on the gate scanner. Instead just hold it 1 to 2 inches above the scanner and it should read just fine. You 'd be surprised (maybe even disgusted) watching how many ppl lay their phones on that scanner during boarding. 🎶"THE MORE YOU KNOOOW"🎶 🌈

[@dilianomartin.293]

Fantastic video man 😁👍🏼✈🇺🇸❤‼️

[@zm093]

You left Houston at the best time. Just after you left, the terrible winter storm came

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Excellent video Chris! That seemed like a mediocre flight!

[@BluegrassElevators]

Hey Life’s Ups and Downs!

[@joesos]

i flew united's 737-800 from boston all the way to san francisco in july 2021, the plane being used didn't even have TVs at all and United's mobile entertainment system was slow and buggy on my iphone se2. for a six hour flight in 2021 i thought it was pretty lame to only offer that as your entertainment and also the only food served was about 7 mini pretzels and about half a cup of coke

[@Glacifly]

You do realise it’s not really “used”, when United merged with Continental. Thus the aircraft has remained with the airline its entire life, excluding the merger itself, therefore not really “used“

[@BluegrassElevators]

This was an OK flight that I’ve seen. But awesome video! Keep it up!

[@RoadCone411]

United uses LiveTV on their older B737s which is what JetBlue uses for their PTVs across most of their fleet (some newer aircraft use a different IFE system.). LiveTV used to be a subsidiary of JetBlue but they've been part of Thales Avionics for around a decade.

[@K4Ediamond]

Just wondering... at 4:01 you stated that United has 2 more different interiors on their 737-800s other than the old and new one. Are you sure about that? I only know about the interior with PTVs and the one without.

[@rswtraveler]

Showing some love for Southwest Florida!

[@crazycoollady]

With your hairstyle in this video, you kind of look like Danny Tanner from Full House.

[@lucast3006]

I’m not even a fan of their first class on the 738. Flew it a few weeks ago and everything was broken and gross! The PTV was broken, the seat had a big rip, the folding tray table in the armrest had crusty yellow stuff all over it, the armrest had a split, brown specks on the window shade, and the window had an opaque oily sheen all over it. I was very disappointed.

[@darealsavage3472]

The ptv was broken on the seat next to mine when I flew the 739 and didn't turn on until the flight was almost over

[@ryanmoroso2681]

Cant wait for united next to fix all of the problems in these planes

[@maxsaviation9512]

Untied, Spirit, and Allegiant the worlds worst airlines

[@ryanridder4576]

One thing to be mindful is if you are on a UA 737 with DirecTv, the channels to use the screen are on the armrest that yourself or your neighbor might be resting their arm on the armrest and accidentally press that button that turns the screen on and off making you think your screen broke when in reality you just press the on button and then it turns on again, but I don’t know if that was the case on your flight. That exact tv they used to make economy passengers pay to watch by sliding the credit card, but they made that TV for free to all passengers on January 30th 2019! Also it sucks at IAH they were only departing on 27 and not on the 15 or 33 runways as it’s gotta be harder to get the planes out during rush hour with only runway 27 departures

[@atomic32205489]

I'm surprised that their -800 seats that many, 168. Southwest's -800/Max8 seats 175. No wonder you were so crowded.

[@michaelsharp3615]

At least you can access IFE on your phone as an alternate if no PTVs or broken PTV

[@crazycoollady]

This video was hilarious. Thanks for making me laugh.

[@liflyer0413]

You don’t need to leave more than 1 comment, don’t be like Michael Sharp.

[@michaelsharp3615]

You can fly United's Boeing 737-80s out of Omaha to Denver, Chicago, and Houston

[@MarvelQuickshot]

I flew SMF-EWR on a 737-7 luckily I switched to Economy plus but man the interior is so outdated. Nice review btw

[@worldtraveler84]

Yet another reason why bringing your own inflight entertainment device is a good idea. Just in case.

[@sportsMike87]

Glad their terminal labels make sense.

[@oluwawamirionakoya3287]

My experience on United 737-800 it was good but not that fine because I got the middle seat and sat next to a stranger sleeping with her windowshades down and I didn't even know what to say about it, it was a horrible experience

[@karlossargeant3872]

For The only US Carrier I fly with now is JetBlue Airways I do hope to fly with them including Southwest,Silver Airways,CapeAir,Breeze,Avlo & many more New upcoming US Low Costs Carriers like Northern Pacific Airlines which will soon be flying hopefully by the summer.

[@Venkman29]

Youve been out flying this yr 2024 or 2023 flights coming soon ?

[@michaelsharp3615]

My dad has flown for work on United 737-800s and said the legroom is not very good on United Airlines economy seats compared to Southwest

[@kourtneyjohnson1557]

However southwest does not have 1st class or mid lavs so I would think these things would allow for better leg room

[@729MendicantTide]

I too did not hold a high opinion of the 737 (preferring the A320) until the Sky Interior started to show up.

[@kimberlybeth]

3:03 how/where do you find this information? Is it in a United app or?

[@bransonheinz2213]

People in Houston dont talk like that. Other than that great video. :)

[@BigKy-Mart]

I have two flights booked on United in March, both 737s. One is currently a 739 and the other a 738. Hopefully my experience is better than yours. 😬

[@jr13227]

He exaggerated they’re perfectly fine planes

[@maxsaviation9512]

@@jr13227 United is a very horrible airline honestly

[@Tvoli1975]

You previously reviewed the United 737-800 Tampa-Chicago Ohare and said the seats were “comfy”.

[@thejazzguy13]

God damn it 😵 Yah...disregard what I wrote in that vid

[@pianoandaviationandtravel2209]

@@thejazzguy13 Dislike video and comment.

[@alexmullane191]

I can agree with you on how bad the United 737-800 interior is. I flew on one from Washington Dulles to LAX last July, and I was thinking the whole time, "how is this acceptable?" Even Southwest's 737-800s have better legroom, and they market themselves as a low cost carrier. The only partial bonus was that my aircraft was still equipped with TVs on the seatbacks, but it was outdated (with DirecTV) and the remote was horribly built into the armrest. Oh well, lesson learned: avoid United's 737-800s!

[@maxsaviation9512]

Mostly avoid United at all costs

[@alexmullane191]

@@maxsaviation9512 No kidding!

[@bobudovich5613]

When I fly I always try to make sure I get an Airbus, they have the wide bodies

[@WashedAimerJayden]

5:30 All your pain from united airlines 😞

[@redcomusic]

I will say this though, your new thumbnails crack me up LOL! - Red

[@BeachNanny]

The Stroop waffles are the best, and it’s a bummer that they don’t seem to hand them out anymore

[@chrismarktheweatherman5421]

Cool videos, don’t even watch regular tv any more , Traveling the same way , love Airports worked for Two major Airlines Your airport codes… very impressed, The very first test I took for Flight Attended Training was 100 airport codes Only missed two 98% two missed, you Probably know … GEG , FAT , . With that being said ; I will be embarking On a Boeing-787 Dream 🛌 liner … nonstop; ORD-OGG , - 9 hours 17 minutes average flight ✈️ Time - gain of 4 hours Looking forward to first flight ✈️ 787 Fly all day long and still have time for jog and Swim ( Big Beach 🏖) before sunset. .Good Job!

[@michaelsharp3615]

At 8:40 interesting how a year ago you were wearing an N-95 mask compared to today when everyone wears them or they double mask, for me I still wear a sports cloth mask wherever I go

[@ronniewall1481]

YOU CAN MAKE HOT LEMONADE SWEETENED WITH REAL HONEY. SIP BREATH VAPORS. LEMON IS ACIDIC AND HONEY WILL PRODUCE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE WHEN IN CONTACT WITH MUCUS.

[@daretoder]

It has the old first class but new economy???

[@johnp139]

Stature and buttock-knee length are two separate things. Just because someone is tall doesn’t mean that is from their legs since it could also come from a tall sitting height. Glad to hear that you learned how to talk. And you are no longer a ghost (or just legs).

[@michaelsharp3615]

At 0:25 DONT MESS WITH TEXAS!!!

[@corayye4099]

Have you been able to check out the new United Next interiors?

[@thejazzguy13]

Not yet but SUPER excited about trying it!

[@erauprcwa]

Everyone wants PTVs but fail to recognize moments like this or the flaws with headphone jacks and screen sizes… it’s just easier and IMO better to bring your own device and stream entertainment that. Every review I’ve seen of airline PTVs has similar complaints… it’s never good enough.

[@JustinPark.]

I’ve took United 737-700. It was bad as that aircraft with noticeable corrosion on the wing and engine mount

[@noahlarson]

What was wrong with that aircraft? I thought that it was nice when I flew on it from Denver, CO to Rapid City, SD to go and visit my family with those nice seats in First Class at the end of May in 2024.

[@francoisgagnon5335]

Product consistency seems to be a problem with US airlines. There are so many different versions troughout a single company... How do you guys deal with it?

[@thejazzguy13]

There's so many different versions throughout a single aircraft type :D Idk man, it's hard to keep up with it all

[@K4Ediamond]

Speaking as someone from the USA, the best things you can do with cabin inconsistencies is know that you might not be guaranteed the latest onboard product, specifically on airlines like Delta and United. However, if you want the most up-to-date interior on, let's say, Delta Airlines, try to go for a flight with their A321 or A220, since the first of those were delivered to Delta after their signature product was introduced. But be aware that some of their 737s and 757s still have the old seats with outdated PTVs. Similar situation with United. If you're on a 737NG, you'll never know what you'll get, same with their 757s. United's most consistent short/medium-haul aircraft interiors would be on the MAX 8 or A320 family.

[@res887]

UA 738 has Direct TV (LIVE content), so definitely not the worst plane in UA fleet!

[@susanf1566]

I thought you only get a paper boarding pass with basic economy?

[@tylerchambliss8379]

How dare you slander the great United Airlines! United is my favorite airline.

[@pianoandaviationandtravel2209]

@Tyler Chambliss, THANK YOU!! thejazzguy13 Aviation was complaining about the TV screen not working the whole time which annoyed me. Bring your own device if TV screen not working. Whenever I watch Jeb Brooks which I don't know you heard about him, He puts out traveling videos including aviation videos. He had a TV screen that was not working and he didn't complain about it much but thejazzguy 13 Aviation complaining about it the whole time annoyed me causing me to hit the dislike button. I usually don't do that but this is far the worst video I seen because of him complaining and I did not like the Thumbnail.

[@tylerchambliss8379]

@@pianoandaviationandtravel2209 I always bring my own devices anyway.

[@realunitedfly]

Cheers! #❤️UA!

[@K4Ediamond]

He wasn't slandering United Airlines itself. It was this specific aircraft type in the united fleet.

[@noahjankovich3421]

@@K4Ediamondyeah

[@michaelsharp3615]

At least you weren't on an Airbus A319 or A320 because those are even worse than the Boeing 737-800

[@kpov2533]

I actually disagree. Airbus aircraft have slightly larger bodies than Boeing which provide from some slightly wider seats. Also the curvature of the body of the plane on airbus is less agressive so it doesn't get as tight on your head if you're by the window.

[@michaelsharp3615]

@@kpov2533 the older liveries I heard were bad on the Airbus planes

[@Blank00]

@@kpov2533 I barely notice Boeing's curvature. What I do notice is that on United's airbuses, the seats aren't as padded compared to the seats on their 737s, and on the Airbus, my lower legs bump into an edge whereas on a Boeing, my legs don't bump into the seat in front of me due to a curvier design

[@chrismarktheweatherman5421]

You know funny thing I took flight UA Former Continental Micronesian Airlines Couple times once Milk Run HNL-GUM I flew the return nonstop, GUM -HNL 20 hour time difference ( no jet lag ) Can’t even tell there is a time difference For most part , However 7 hour flying time , Still not longest flight in world 🌎 Without a doubt.

[@jimmywambles3705]

You got to your destination safe. Stop complaining .

[@thejazzguy13]

Sorry but I don't glorify something if it just plain sucks. You can always expect brutal honesty from my vids

[@rac2327]

Question: If this is the worst United Mainline Jet, if you HAD to choose, would you rather fly on: A) this United jet again with this interior or B) any of American's comprable jets with their new Oasis interior.?

[@michaelsharp3615]

Even with the sky train at IAH it's safe to say officially this is the worst United Airlines hub based on reviews from thejazzguy13, one of my aunts, Jeb Brooks, theplanesguy, QFS Aviation, iTripReport, and FLL Aviation

[@ethansonnenberg6744]

Ewr? 🤔

[@michaelsharp3615]

@@ethansonnenberg6744 at least EWR they are redoing plus the UA portion is okay the non UA portion is like the 2010s La Guardia

[@Blank00]

IMO, the worst United hub is IAD. The ex-Continental hubs are more modern and architecturally better than IAD.

[@jerrythemouse28]

I really dislike flying this kind of aircrafts. In 2022, I flew United 737-800 from SFO to YYZ, it was a red-eye flight and I have barely any legroom, so I can barely sleep, and there's a baby bawling behind me which makes the trip even worse. My Trip Report: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4CrpImKqbaSbdksi=LddyYb6UwIcpBp-U

[@chrisgarcia5399]

How does it suck I love United airlines

[@thejazzguy13]

United itself is getting better...it's this particular aircraft that sucks big time

[@chrisgarcia5399]

oh

[@chrisgarcia5399]

True true

[@theplanesguy]

Oh just wait till you get a chance to fly their 737-700... way worse than this

[@thejazzguy13]

Really? I thought it was a bit more decent...granted my flight was only CLE-EWR lmao

[@michaelsharp3615]

@@thejazzguy13 try their 753s and 752 next

[@Drakeman2003]

Have you tried the 787?

[@liflyer0413]

Yes, just look at his previous videos and you’ll have your answer

[@JoseGonzalez-se3ky]

I enjoyed United 737 8 max

[@michaelsharp3615]

Weird how your PTV broke at the beginning right when the plane pushed back

[@jovontenicoles1128]

64 degrees is cold for people in Florida not hot lol

[@thejazzguy13]

Haha true...was looking at the 80s below it 😅

[@erik_griswold]

United didn’t “pick up” anything, The two airlines merged (using Continental’s money and management) and kept what was thought to be the name with better worldwide recognition.

[@suhailshafi]

I think this is a respectable product for a short flight !

[@Aviation_of_Houston]

I like fly united Airlines

[@daltonvanstratten7248]

Worse than spirit??

[@fecardona]

For being the old model…agree it’s the lowest ranked. But it’s far from worst when comparing other US carriers

[@camileshakakeesic4421]

Short version 737 700 United

[@samuelar9053]

if i don’t mistake, that’s the 737 Max, not 737-800.

[@K4Ediamond]

No that’s literally the 737-800ng

[@samuelar9053]

@@K4Ediamond yeah i noticed later on watching the video because i saw a clip and it had the 737 Max winglet but then the real flight was the 737-800

[@K4Ediamond]

@@samuelar9053 Yeah this particular 737 had split-scimitar winglets, which existed before the max. They are not quite the same as the ones on the max, but similar.

[@samuelar9053]

@@K4Ediamond that i knew, the only difference is that -800 winglets are like a flash sign, Max are like a regular winglet

[@michaelsharp3615]

Do you know who LI Flyer is?

[@liflyer0413]

Yes, he’s talked to me several times

[@michaelsharp3615]

@@liflyer0413 ok

[@davidcole333]

Do you not check seat guru? 17 x 31 is pretty standard...not sure what you're whining about. Same as Southwest and many others. Do some research next time.

[@thejazzguy13]

I'll tell you what...fly both United's 737-800 and Southwest's 737-800 and get back to me 👍🏻

[@K4Ediamond]

I checked seatguru myself. Only one of the 4 United 737-800 versions had 31’ of pitch. The other 3 had 30’. He must have been on one of those.

[@realunitedfly]

Seriously dude…. Just go and to flying Spirit!

[@michaelsharp3615]

IAH used to be a hub and headquarters for Continental Airlines before merging with United

[@ronniewall1481]

HEY WHAT INSTRUMENT DO YOU PLAY?

[@johnweber6612]

alot of complaining about nothing

[@issacbrown1087]

First world problems..

[@darealsavage3472]

If you are flying alone, you are out of luck if your tv breaks

[@BChandl13]

The title is wrong. The worst mainline jet is any of them operated by United Airlines. Don't blame the pool ole' 737-800 for United's shit hard product and service. Jokes aside. Give me free live TV all day over some stupid mood lighting nobody cares about. TVs in the seat back are great.

[@michaelsharp3615]

Houston Hobby is a much better airport than Houston Bush

[@liflyer0413]

And you’ve been to neither of them, so your opinion is irrelevant

[@michaelsharp3615]

@@liflyer0413 I've been to Houston Hobby back in December 2018

[@michaelsharp3615]

I wish Omaha Nebraska had a Waffle House

[@jtwilliams8895]

Heh, the monitor was working at the end of the flight. Which probably means the shit show will be repeated for the next poor soul who sits in that seat. Ugh

[@michaelsharp3615]

This trip was taken three days before rolling blackouts and winter weather devastated Houston Texas and U.S. Senator Ted Cancun Cruz decided to take a vacation to Cancun instead of helping Texas like Greg Abbott who immediately declared a State of Emergency for the entire state of Texas

[@kpov2533]

Haha what? Was Ted Cruz alone supposed to rebuild the power grid by himself in a day? Funny you say that when your fellow democrats fled maskless in a plane because they didn't want to vote.

[@michaelsharp3615]

@@kpov2533 I live in Nebraska just hear things on the news and see what happens in 2024 if Ted Cruz runs again or not, just don't want Beto running Texas because he will destroy the Texas traditions

[@scottyintheshed8460]

Your giving ratings on flights from roughly a year ago,I don't think its fair,especially to viewers and supporters of your channel

[@umbreonpokemon8190]

Yeah I was going to say. This must have been before service was cut at all airlines? I saw the eagles were still looking to trade a player they haven't had all season on your television monitor so this review isn't current

[@scottyintheshed8460]

Sorry,Cowboy fan here,eagles hater and we beat them in philly,better than s super bowl win

[@pianoandaviationandtravel2209]

@Scotty In the shed, I disagree with you. Go ahead and check out Jeb Brooks. He puts out ratings on everything. Everyone has a right to have their own opinion as longs it is not threat. If it was a threat then that can become an issue. Everyone has a right with their own opinions.