United Airlines is launching a new seating arrangement in Economy Plus on its upcoming Airbus A321XLR aircraft, offering passengers extra elbow room and a shared table without the cost of a Business or First Class ticket.
Innovative Seating Design
The airline confirmed that all 50 of its new Airbus A321XLR planes will include a 'special row in Economy Plus' where open middle seats are repurposed as shared spaces with large custom tables. The seats, available for booking later this year, feature a permanently fixed table spanning both armrests in the middle seats, with a soft leather-like covering and two cup holders. Passengers in window or aisle seats can enjoy the extra space plus an additional three inches of legroom standard in Economy Plus on the XLR.
First US Airline to Offer Such Seats
United is thought to be the only US airline providing these alternative seating arrangements, allowing passengers to benefit from the space without upgrading to premium cabins. The new seats follow United's earlier announcement of a 'United Relax Row'—a row of three economy seats that convert into a lie-flat mattress-like space with individually adjustable leg rests, custom-fitted mattress pads, blankets, extra pillows, and for children, a plush toy and family travel kit.
United's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Nocella, stated: "We're investing nose-to-tail across our fleet and giving customers choice and value in every cabin. The XLR is our newest aircraft and not only offers all-aisle access lie-flat seats in United Polaris but now also includes seats in Economy Plus with extra leg and elbow room. Our customers are going to love all these new options."
