Have you ever dreamed of buying an entire row of seats on an airplane so you could either enjoy the flight without being squeezed next to a stranger or lie down as if in a bed? Now, United Airlines is making that dream a reality with its new “Relax Row” seating, where your row of seats folds into a lie-flat, mattress-like space after takeoff.
If you’re flying alone, it may be a bit expensive to buy an entire row, but if you’re sharing it with a partner or traveling with kids and were planning to buy three seats anyway, it’s a more comfortable way to fly. In addition to the bed-like layout, customers receive a custom-fitted mattress pad, a specially sized plush blanket, two additional pillows, a plush toy, and a children’s travel kit for families.
Relax Row seating
For years, people who sit in first class have been able to lie down and sleep almost as they would at home. This will be the first time that bed-like seats have been available in coach on an American airline. A similar type of seating is currently available on Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, and Lufthansa.
“As a leading premium airline, we’re committed to delivering new, industry-leading experiences for all of our customers–and the United Relax Row is the perfect example of that,” Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said in a statement. “Customers traveling in United Economy on long-haul flights deserve an option for more space and comfort, and this is one way we can deliver that for them. United is the only North American airline offering a product like the United Relax Row and is one of the many reasons why we’re continuing to win brand loyal customers.”
When it will be available
The new seating arrangement will launch in 2027. It will be available on more than 200 Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 aircrafts by 2030, with up to 12 United Relax Row sections per plane. United Airlines currently has more than 1,000 planes in its fleet.
The airline hasn’t shared any details on how much the Relax Row will cost compared with three regular seats on a flight, saying only that it’s intended for those who “want the value of United Economy but with a little extra comfort.”
It also appears that, in the event of turbulence, passengers won’t have to pack the bed away, as they are secured by safety belts that go across their bodies.
It’s becoming harder for families to sit together on commercial airlines
The new seating arrangement is perfect for families with small children, allowing them to lie down, relax, and hopefully get some sleep during a flight.
The announcement comes at a time when it’s becoming harder for families to sit together. On many budget airlines, families who book tickets aren’t guaranteed seats together unless they pay an additional fee to select them.
