United Airlines today debuted limited-edition Wrexham AFC-branded inflight amenities, which will delight football fans (or soccer fans, for those west of the Atlantic). Wrexham AFC may seem an unusual tie-in for a US carrier, but the world is talking about this once-modest football club in North Wales.
The club, the third-oldest professional football team in the world having been formed in 1864, competes in League Two, the fourth tier of the English football league, and for the 2024/25 season, Wrexham will compete in League One – the third tier – after securing a second consecutive promotion.
As well as recent sporting successes, the club has enjoyed soaring fame through its celebrity owners – US actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – who have raised awareness through the Emmy award-winning show ‘FX’s Welcome to Wrexham’, streaming on Hulu. The owners are aiming to make Wrexham AFC a Premier League club, with increased audience attendances and an improved stadium, all while making a positive difference to the wider community in Wrexham, bringing in more money, jobs, and civic pride.
The inspiring story attracted United Airlines to become the front-of-jersey sponsor for both the men’s and women’s teams, and the airline is now in its second year of partnering with the team. The carrier will also sponsor the club’s North American summer tour, including flying the teams to games and providing MileagePlus members exclusive offerings.
The kits
Starting 1st June, travellers in United Premium Plus (premium economy) on long-haul international routes will receive a ‘United x Wrexham AFC’ amenity pouch, a reusable zippered bag featuring the Wrexham crest and available in three team colourways of red, black or white. The slim pouch fits easily into a carry-on bag.
The Premium Plus amenity kit will contain a United-exclusive Therabody hand cream, lip balm and cleansing towelette, plus travel essentials including a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, ear plugs and socks.
Customers in United Polaris business class will receive a ‘United x Wrexham AFC’ reusable amenity case sporting the Wrexham crest, again with three colourways of red, black and white to collect. The case includes a top handle, wrap-around zipper, and a loop so it can be hung on a hook.
The United Polaris kit will contain the same essentials as in the United Premium Plus pouch, plus a Therabody eye serum, face spray, tissues and a United-branded pen.
From amenity kits to football kits
Customers in the United Polaris business-class cabins on flights of 14 hours or longer will also receive pyjamas designed in the style of the Wrexham team home strip, of which United is a front-of-jersey sponsor, including a long-sleeve red shirt with the Wrexham AFC and United logos on the front, and grey trousers with the United logo on the hip. The airline collaborated with Wrexham AFC to design the amenity kits and pyjamas, drawing inspiration from the team’s crest, jerseys and overall look and feel.
Peter Wolkowski, United’s director of onboard product design, said of the collaboration: “Wrexham’s story is one that has been documented and celebrated these last few years, so we’re thrilled to now give United customers team-branded gear they won’t be able to find anywhere else.”
