United Airlines and the Boeing 777-300ER
The Boeing 777-300ER has been a staple for long-haul flights since entering service in 2004 with Air France. United Airlines, North America’s largest operator of this aircraft model, has had it in operation since 2016. Currently, United operates 22 Boeing 777-300ERs, with the oldest aircraft being almost nine years old and the youngest just over five years. These planes can carry up to 350 passengers across business, premium economy, and economy classes, which include extra legroom seats.
Economy Class & Extra Legroom Seats
United’s 777-300ERs feature 266 Collins Aspire seats in economy, arranged 3-4-3 with a 31-inch pitch and 17.1-inch width, allowing up to three inches of recline. Rows 56 and 57 have a 2-4-2 configuration, with reduced fuselage curvature, ideal for pairs seeking privacy. Economy Plus offers 62 seats with 34-inch pitch and extra recline, with row 30 providing exceptional legroom.
Premium Economy Class

In contrast to economy, United’s Premium Economy features 24 Collins MiQ seats in a 2-4-2 arrangement, offering an 18.7-inch width and six-inch recline. Each seat includes a 13-inch personal TV, legrests, and footrests, enhancing comfort for long flights. Row 20, situated directly behind business class, offers additional legroom due to its bulkhead location.
Business Class Seats
United’s business class, fitted with 60 Safran Optima seats in a 1-2-1 layout, ensures direct aisle access, private storage, and footrests. The seats provide 20-inch width and convert into 6 feet 6 inches flat beds. Row 1 seats offer enhanced privacy and comfort, located away from galleys and restrooms.
Cabin | Configuration | Seat Pitch | Seat Width | Recline | Entertainment Screen |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Economy Class | 3-4-3 | 31 inches | 17.1 inches | 3 inches | 9 inches |
Extra Legroom | 3-4-3 | 34 inches | 17.1 inches | 4 inches | 9 inches |
Premium Economy | 2-4-2 | 38 inches | 18.7 inches | 6 inches | 13 inches |
Business Class | 1-2-1 | Fully flat bed | 20 inches | Fully flat bed | 16 inches |
Operational Routes for United’s 777-300ERs
United Airlines operates its 777-300ERs on various international and domestic routes, primarily from its San Francisco International Airport hub. Some routes include:
Departure Airport | Arrival Airport |
---|---|
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) |
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) |
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) |
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) |
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) | Dubai International Airport (DXB) |
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) | Frankfurt Airport (FRA) |
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) | San Francisco International Airport (SFO) |
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) | Brussels Airport (BRU) |
The Boeing 777-300ER and Future Developments
Developed in 2000, the Boeing 777-300ER entered service in 2004, designed for high capacity and long-range flights with General Electric GE90 engines producing 115,000 lbs thrust each. Currently, Emirates operates 124, making it the largest 777-300ER fleet globally.
Ranking | Airline | Boeing 777-300ERs |
---|---|---|
1 | Emirates | 124 |
2 | Qatar Airways | 57 |
3 | Air France | 43 |
4 | Cathay Pacific | 35 |
5 | Saudia | 35 |
6 | EVA Air | 34 |
7 | Turkish Airlines | 33 |
8 | Air China | 28 |
9 | Korean Air | 25 |
10 | Singapore Airlines | 22 |
The Boeing 777X, an advanced iteration featuring folding wingtips, was initially scheduled for 2020 but faced delays, with service now expected in 2026. The 777-300ER continues to be prominent in aviation, anticipated to transition to the newer 777X with Emirates having over 200 orders.
Currently, the 777-300ER remains United Airlines’ largest aircraft, offering the most comfort in specific rows across its cabin classes, enhancing passenger experience on lengthy routes.