All articles tagged with #economy plus
United Airlines is testing a paid “middle-seat empty” option on its new Airbus A321XLR, offering fliers extra space and privacy by keeping the seat next to them unoccupied—a paid upgrade that sits between standard economy and traditional premium seating as the airline tries to monetize demand for more elbow room.
United Airlines will debut Economy Plus on its new Airbus A321XLRs later this year by replacing the middle seat with a fixed center table that allows passengers on either side to share a desk (two small cup-holders, space for snacks or a travel board game). About 50 A321XLR aircraft will feature one middle-seat row with two tables, expanding elbow room for four passengers in that row. Pricing and booking details will be announced before the planes launch service domestically in the fall and internationally next year, while Polaris lie-flat suites remain available for eligible travelers.
United Airlines will outfit its new Airbus A321XLRs with a single row of economy seats where the middle seat is blocked to create extra elbow room, a Eurobusiness-inspired concept that pairs with upgraded Polaris business-class and a premium economy cabin. Passengers can book the window or aisle seat while the middle remains empty and covered by a tray table. The change is planned for all 50 ordered XLRs and may extend to other jets in the future, with United saying it will staff five cabin crew on most transatlantic flights; a walk-up snack bar will also be available to economy passengers on these aircraft.
United Airlines will add a row in Economy Plus on its new Airbus A321XLRs where the middle seat becomes a fixed table, giving the two passengers in that row extra elbow room on long international flights; the 50-aircraft XLR fleet will begin domestic service this fall and international service by early 2027, with pricing to be announced. This move follows other seating initiatives, including a planned Relax Row option.