United’s newest Airbus planes feature rows that replace middle seats with shared tables, providing more space for two passengers.
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United Airlines has reinvented the dreaded middle seat.
On July 14, the airline announced a new type of seat in the Economy Plus cabin of 50 of its latest Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The seats convert the middle seat into a shared table, providing more comfort and armrest space for passengers in window and aisle seats. United Airlines will be the first U.S. airline to offer this seat design.
In the special row, a permanent fixed table extends across the middle seat, giving two passengers in the same row “additional space to stretch out on long-haul international flights,” the airline said in a news release.
“We are investing radically across our fleet to deliver choice and value to our customers in every cabin,” Andrew Nocera, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said in a news release. “XLR is our newest aircraft, and in addition to offering lie-flat seats with all-aisle access on United Polaris, we now also include Economy Plus seats with extra leg.” and elbow room. Our customers will love all these new options. ”
This seating option will be available later this year. Pricing has not been announced.
United Airlines says its new fleet of 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft will begin domestic service this fall, with international flights scheduled to begin by early 2027. More than half of the fleet is expected to be in service by 2028.
Some of the planes will replace the company’s Boeing 757s on existing international routes, while others will open new destinations in Europe and South America.
XLR’s Economy Plus seats already have 3 inches of additional legroom compared to economy class.
In March, the airline announced an alternative seat to help passengers sleep on long-haul flights, scheduled to be introduced on Boeing 787s and 777s in 2027. According to the airline, travelers can purchase a three-row seat called “Relax Row,” located between Economy and Premium Plus, which “can be transformed into a sofa” with the help of adjustable leg rests.
This article has been updated to update the headline.
