I flew this route last year, and as far as I can tell it hasn't changed much since then. If I remember correctly the equipment was a 2-class 757-200, and the in-flight service was about the same as a domestic US transcontinental. First class was comfy but nothing special.

As for ground assistance, what sort of assistance are you looking for? If you mean a wheelchair I'm sure that you can arrange that by calling UA and having them note it on your record, and then remind them again at check-in.

If you are just looking for assistance about where to go and what to do it will be no problem. You will be required to de-plane in Guatemala (they used to let you stay on the plane, but apparently de-planing is now for "security reasons"). When you get off the plane there is nowhere to go -- just a big empty room with a bunch of benches. You hang around for about an hour and get back on the same plane. Pretty much everyone that works at the terminal can speak English if you need to ask questions.

Since you are in the front row you should de-plane quickly to get a fair amount of bench space to lie down on and take a nap. Since it will be 5am when you get there, it's a big help if you can get a bench to yourself.

I don't know if this helps, but in Guatemala you aren't allowed to leave the waiting area, even to look around the airport, unless you have a Guatemala ticket. If you are going on to SJO there shouldn't be anything you need assistance with.


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