United to Launch ‘Relax Row’ in Economy Cabin & Add 250 Planes in Two Years

United Airlines is targeting families and couples with the ‘United Relax Row,’ a set of three economy seats that can transform into a couch, delivering enhanced comfort for customers travelling on long-haul flights. 

United says it is the first North American airline to offer this kind of seating option and holds North American exclusivity on the design.

The United Relax Row is expected to launch in 2027, and the airline plans to offer it on more than 200 Boeing 787 and 777 widebody aircraft by 2030. 

The seats will be located between United Economy and United Premium Plus and United will offer up to 12 United Relax Row sections on each plane.

This new, dedicated row of three seats is outfitted with individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle to create a more room to sleep, stretch out or watch a movie. 

The airline says that concept is ideal for families travelling with small children, solo travellers and couples. Customers travelling in United Relax Row will receive additional amenities for their flight including a custom-fitted mattress pad, a specially sized plush blanket, two additional pillows, as well as a plush toy and Children’s Travel Kit for families.

“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. Customers travelling 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,” said Andrew Nocella, United EVP and Chief Commercial Officer. 

In other news from United, the airline expects to take delivery of more than 250 new aircraft by April 2028, to further modernize its fleet, add new aircraft variants, create a new experience for transcontinental travellers and introduce new onboard products.

UA says the ambitious fleet expansion is the most by any airline in a two-year period. The announcement expands on the ‘United Next’ growth strategy announced in 2021. 

Since that time, United has added 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 237 Boeing 737 MAX and 67 Airbus A321neos, completed 70% of its plan to retrofit its mainline, narrow-body fleet, replaced more than 100 regional jets with larger mainline aircraft; increased premium seats per North American departure by 40% and hired more than 60,000 people.

New airplanes joining United’s fleet between now and April of 2028 include:

• 47 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with the Elevated interior. 
• 33 will be configured with additional premium seats.
• 40 Airbus A321neo Coastliners out of 50 total on order.
• 28 Airbus A321XLR out of 50 total on order.
• 119 Boeing 737 MAX.
• 18 Airbus A321neos.