United Airlines to introduce economy seats that turn into 'couches' in 2027
Beginning next year, United Airlines will offer economy seats that convert into lie-flat "couches."
United just dropped a surprise announcement at today's media day that caused me to audibly gasp: new lie-flat-seat rows in economy, complete with enhanced bedding and a stuffed animal.
No, this isn't an early April Fools' Day joke. In fact, this sort of lie-flat-economy option has existed for years on international airlines by way of All Nippon Airways' Couchii and Air New Zealand's Skycouch, both of which my kids and I have enjoyed on long-haul trips.
But starting in 2027, United will bring its "Relax Row," as the carrier is calling it, to Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. By 2030, the airline plans to have the Relax Row on over 200 aircraft across the fleet. United is the first North American airline to offer this product and says it will have exclusivity on the design within North America.
There will be as many as 12 rows of the Relax Row on eligible aircraft, though the airline says that the average number of rows available once it is rolled out will be nine.
While the Relax Row product is targeted to families with small kids who can relatively easily curl up and share a row comfortably, even solo travelers will be able to book it.
The Relax Row will be located between United's premium economy and economy cabins. While the seats look like traditional economy seats at first glance, they have individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle to create a "couch" of sorts.
United shares that those who book the Relax Row will be provided with a custom-fitted mattress pad, a specially sized plush blanket and two additional pillows. Families will also receive a stuffed toy and a children's travel kit.
While no Relax Row pricing or booking details have been announced by United, if this works the same way as with international airlines that operate similar products, it will likely be available as an add-on fee to economy seats.
The exact upcharge will likely depend, in part, on how many people are sharing the row. For example, the upcharge for booking a row for one person will likely be more than for two people since only one additional seat is required for two people, whereas a similar booking for just one person would require two additional seats.
This has been a very busy day for United announcements, so read on for the latest coverage: