The Boeing 777-300ER has become integral to long-haul travel since its debut in 2004, now serving as a core component of United Airlines’ fleet. As of 2025, United operates a total of 22 Boeing 777-300ERs, providing passengers with three distinct seating classes: business, premium economy, and economy, each offering a unique travel experience.
United Airlines and Its Boeing 777-300ER Fleet
United Airlines received its first Boeing 777-300ER in December 2016. The airline has since expanded its fleet to include a total of 22 aircraft, according to data from ch-aviation. The oldest aircraft, registered as N2331U, is nearly nine years old, while the youngest, N2352U, is just over five years old. Each aircraft can accommodate a maximum of 350 passengers, divided into three classes: 60 in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 266 in economy, including 62 extra legroom seats.
United Airlines also operates 19 Boeing 777-200s and 55 Boeing 777-200ERs, which have capacities ranging from 276 to 364 seats. The carrier stands as the largest operator of both the 777-200 and 777-200ER globally.
Seating Options in Economy Class
Within the economy class of United’s Boeing 777-300ERs, there are 266 Collins Aspire seats arranged in a 3-4-3 layout. Each seat has a pitch of 31 inches and a width of 17.1 inches, which may feel cramped for some passengers. The seats recline up to three inches, providing a slight comfort boost on lengthy flights.
The design of the aircraft creates a unique seating arrangement in the last two rows (rows 56 and 57), where the configuration shifts to a 2-4-2 layout. This offers a more intimate setting for couples or friends traveling together. For those seeking additional comfort, United’s Economy Plus option includes 62 extra legroom seats with a pitch of 34 inches and an extra inch of recline. Row 30, located behind the bulkhead, offers even more legroom.
Experience in Premium Economy
United Airlines distinguishes its economy class from its premium economy offering. The airline provides 24 Collins MiQ premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. These seats measure 18.7 inches in width, compared to the 17.1 inches in economy class, and feature up to six inches of recline.
Each premium economy seat is equipped with a 13-inch high-definition personal television, adjustable legrests, and footrests, enhancing passenger comfort on long-haul routes. The front row (row 20) offers additional legroom due to its proximity to the business class cabin, while the absence of galleys or bathrooms in this area contributes to a quieter atmosphere.
Business Class Comfort
United Airlines’ business class on the Boeing 777-300ER features 60 seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. The Safran Optima seats are designed for comfort, offering direct aisle access, individual footrests, and private storage areas. Each seat is 20 inches wide and converts into a fully flat bed, measuring 6 feet 6 inches in length.
Passengers seated in row 1 benefit from extra privacy, being situated far from galleys and bathrooms. The wider footrests in this row provide additional space for relaxation during extended flights.
United’s Routes with Boeing 777-300ER
United Airlines deploys its Boeing 777-300ERs on a variety of domestic and international routes, primarily from its hub at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Recent flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicates routes including:
– SFO to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
– SFO to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
– SFO to Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
– EWR to Dubai International Airport (DXB)
– EWR to Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
The Boeing 777-300ER also frequently operates transatlantic routes from both Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
The Boeing 777-300ER: An Icon of Aviation
Since its inception, the Boeing 777-300ER has been celebrated for its high capacity and long range. Each aircraft is powered by two General Electric GE90 engines, among the most powerful jet engines ever built, capable of producing approximately 115,000 pounds of thrust.
As the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 777-300ER, Emirates leads with 124 aircraft in its fleet, followed by Qatar Airways with 57 and Air France with 43.
The future of the Boeing 777-300ER lies in the upcoming Boeing 777X, which aims to blend innovative technology with the high capacity of its predecessor. Although initial plans for its introduction in 2020 faced delays, its first passenger flights are now anticipated for 2026.
While United Airlines has yet to place an order for the 777X, the 777-300ER remains a vital part of its fleet. Passengers planning to fly on these aircraft can expect a comfortable experience, particularly in premium seating options like row 1 in business class or row 20 in premium economy. Each choice in seating can significantly enhance comfort on United’s long-haul routes.
