The United Airlines' long-awaited economy upgrade has finally arrived, and it's a game-changer for flyers. The airline has announced plans to introduce a new seating option on its latest Airbus A321XLR jets, featuring a guaranteed open middle seat in a dedicated row.
Passengers will be able to book either the window or aisle seat in this row, but the middle seat will remain empty, covered by an extra tray table. This setup is reminiscent of European airlines' intra-Europe flights, where business-class seats often come with a similar configuration. United's new product will offer an elevated twist on its existing Economy Plus seats, complete with extra legroom.
The airline plans to offer this new coach product on all 50 XLRs it has on order and is exploring the potential to offer these seats on other jets in the future. United's Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Nocella, said the airline is "investing nose-to-tail across our fleet and giving customers choice and value in every cabin."
The new seating option is the latest upgrade in United's economy product, following the introduction of a "Relax Row" concept on some of its biggest long-haul planes. This innovative design allows customers to turn three coach seats into a bed, providing a unique sleeping experience.
United's new economy seating option is set to debut later this year, along with the airline's new Polaris business-class suites featuring sliding privacy doors and a true premium economy cabin. The XLR jets will also offer a walk-up snack bar for economy passengers, making in-flight dining more convenient than ever.
The airline has also addressed concerns about flight attendant staffing, stating that it plans to staff five cabin crewmembers on most transatlantic flights, consistent with the practice on the Boeing 757 it is replacing.
