United Airlines Enhances Guam Hub with New Jets and Upgrades

United Airlines is revitalizing its only non-mainland U.S. hub, the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) in Guam. The airline recently announced plans to replace its aging Boeing 737-800 fleet with the modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with 10 jets set to be deployed in Guam starting February 2026.

For travelers on the mainland, the MAX 8 is a familiar sight, as United operates a fleet of 122 of these aircraft. The Guam-based jets will feature the airline’s signature interior enhancements, which include seatback TVs at every seat, an expanded Economy Plus section with extra legroom, Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones, power outlets, faster Wi-Fi, and larger overhead bins. This upgrade is particularly significant for Guam, where the current fleet consists of some of the oldest Boeing 737s in service.

A unique feature of the MAX jets stationed in Guam is the customized layout of passenger accommodations (LOPA). Designed to cater to the diverse routes United operates from Guam, these aircraft will have a seating capacity of up to 166 passengers, including 16 first-class recliners. On longer flights, some seats may be blocked off for crew rest, and the front rows of Economy Plus can be adjusted to accommodate medical stretcher transport when necessary.

While Wi-Fi will be available for purchase on these Guam-based jets, United has not yet disclosed which provider will be used initially. Currently, the mainland MAX 8s utilize Viasat connectivity, but coverage may not extend to all destinations served from Guam. United has indicated plans to eventually implement Starlink technology on these aircraft, though details on the interim provider remain unclear.

The new MAX 8 aircraft will service all narrow-body routes from GUM, including fifth-freedom tag flights to various international destinations such as Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT), Cebu in the Philippines, Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, Kaohsiung in Taiwan, and Palau.

In addition to the aircraft upgrades, United is also focused on enhancing the airport experience in Guam. The airline will introduce state-of-the-art check-in kiosks that are up to 55% faster than the current models. The lobby area at GUM will be reconfigured to optimize the check-in process, utilizing a two-step setup to minimize congestion and reduce wait times. Construction in the terminal is expected to be completed by mid-October.

To further improve connectivity, United will adjust its departure times from Saipan for travelers heading to Honolulu and beyond. Starting December 1, 2025, through March 27, 2026, flights from Saipan to Guam will depart four hours earlier at 6 a.m., allowing for a 55-minute connection in Guam and facilitating same-day travel to Honolulu. These retimed flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer, expressed the airline’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for customers in Guam and the broader Pacific region. “Our investment in new aircraft and a complete refresh of our lobby in Guam will deliver the premium experience our customers expect of United. For customers with connecting flights to or from the mainland U.S., these investments will mean a consistent, seamless experience from check-in to landing.”

With these significant upgrades and enhancements, United Airlines is positioning its Guam hub for a brighter future, ensuring travelers enjoy a modern and efficient travel experience. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Pacific or connecting to mainland destinations, the improvements at United’s Guam hub promise to elevate your journey.