United Airlines Is Reportedly Exploring New Economy Layout with Blocked Middle Seats
United Airlines Is Reportedly Exploring New Economy Layout with Blocked Middle Seats
Natalia SenanayakeTue, June 16, 2026 at 12:04 AM UTC
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United Airlines planeCredit: Getty -
United's new Airbus A321XLR planes may feature a Eurobusiness-style layout with blocked middle seats for extra passenger space
The layout could reduce the number of flight attendants required while still meeting FAA regulations due to fewer total seats
In March, United announced its new Relax Row, offering adjustable seating and added amenities for long-haul economy passengers
United Airlines is reportedly exploring a new layout for its economy seats that will give passengers extra room in the air.
The airline's new Airbus A321XLRs may be outfitted with Eurobusiness-style rows in which the middle seat is blocked off, potentially by a tray table, according to reports from Business Insider and The Points Guy.
"We're always evaluating and testing new ways to further differentiate ourselves within the industry and add even more value to the experience of flying United," the airline said in a statement to PEOPLE regarding the potential seating concept.
The new layout will not only give economy passengers more space, but also allow the airline to have fewer flight attendants, as United's XLR airplanes would only have 150 seats.
Stock image of the interior of a United Airlines planeCredit: United Airlines
This number of seats requires at least four flight attendants, while more than 150 seats would likely need a fifth flight attendant to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, per the outlets.
A spokesperson for United confirmed to PEOPLE that the airline plans to have four flight attendants on United's XLR planes.
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The potential new seating configuration would mimic a "Eurobusiness" layout, which is common on narrow-body aircrafts used in Europe, according to The Points Guy. United's new XLR planes will reportedly be used for transatlantic routes.
In March, the Chicago-based carrier revealed its plans for another economy seating layout called the United Relax Row. The new seating will see an entire row transform into a couch on long-haul flights, making it an ideal setup for families traveling with small children, solo travelers and couples, the airline previously said.
It added that United is the first North American company to offer this seating option and holds exclusive rights to the design on the continent. The new dedicated rows of three seats will feature adjustable leg rests that can fold up at a 90-degree angle, leaving more room to sleep or stretch while lying down.
United Airlines introduces 'Relax Row' economy seatsCredit: United Airlines
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"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," United executive vice president and chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella said in a press release. "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."
Those seated in a United Relax Row will also receive additional amenities — such as a custom-fitted mattress pad, a specially sized blanket, two additional pillows, a plush toy and a children's travel kit for families — included with their ticket.
on People
Source: “AOL Money”
