United Airlines has announced a comprehensive transformation of its Guam hub, which includes replacing its entire Boeing 737-800 fleet with modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and a complete remodeling of the check-in counters at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport. This initiative aims to reduce congestion, streamline the check-in process, and offer travelers a more efficient and comfortable service.
Arrival of the New Boeing 737 MAX 8
The first MAX 8 is scheduled to arrive in February 2026, equipped with United’s signature interior:
- Seatback entertainment at every seat.
- Larger overhead bins for all carry-on luggage.
- Wi-Fi connectivity available for purchase.
- Additional space with more legroom.
- Wireless Bluetooth technology.
- LED mood lighting for a more modern atmosphere.
The aircraft will feature up to 166 seats, including 16 in United First®. All seats will have USB ports and accessibility features for passengers with visual or hearing impairments.
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State-of-the-Art Inflight Entertainment
Passengers will enjoy 13-inch HD screens in first class and 10-inch screens in economy class. The system offers more than 1,400 on-demand titles, including movies, series, music, podcasts, and video games, available in 16 languages. Furthermore, United has added full seasons of global hits from Apple TV+ and a pioneering agreement with Spotify that provides over 450 hours of audiobooks and video podcasts at no cost.
When necessary, the front rows of the Economy cabin can be converted into space for medical stretchers, facilitating medical transport.
Enhanced Connectivity: The Bet on Starlink
The airline plans to progressively incorporate SpaceX’s satellite service across its entire fleet, offering free access to MileagePlus members. This will enable onboard experiences such as streaming, online shopping, and gaming.
Check-in Counter Renovation in Guam
United is also modernizing the check-in area at Antonio B. Won Pat Airport. The new self-service kiosks, which are 55% faster than the previous ones, have already allowed over 48,000 users to save up to 18 seconds per process, reducing the average time to less than two minutes.
The redesign is being implemented in two phases to avoid crowding and includes a self-rebooking service for passengers who have missed their flights. The work will be completed by mid-October, with kiosks accessible to all customers.
Same-Day Connections from Saipan to Honolulu
From December 1, 2025, until March 27, 2026, flights from Saipan will depart three times per week at 6:00 a.m., allowing for smoother connections to Honolulu with just a 55-minute layover in Guam. The adjusted schedule will apply on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Guam, a Key Hub for United
The Guam hub currently operates 12 daily flights to 15 destinations, including the Island Hopper route to Hawaii with stops in Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Kwajalein, and Majuro. Additionally, it offers up to 42 weekly frequencies to major cities in Japan—Tokyo (Narita and Haneda), Osaka, and Nagoya—and connects with Manila, Saipan, Koror, Yap, and Taipei.
The 737 MAX 8 will also cover new routes such as Tokyo-Narita–Cebu, Ulaanbaatar, Saipan, Kaohsiung, and Palau, with the latter scheduled to begin on October 29.
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