Flights
The seats will go on sale later this year.
The United Airbus A321XLR Economy Plus middle seat product. United Airlines
Have you ever wished the middle seat of an airplane contained an extra table for your belongings rather than a too-close neighbor?
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United Airlines is making that wish a reality.
Middle seats have been repurposed into permanent tables on the airline’s new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, and travelers can book the new concept later this year, United announced on Tuesday.
United officials said it will be the only U.S. airline offering the middle-seat-turned-table option and the seats will be located in a special row in Economy Plus.
The row will feature a custom shared table — which will stretch from armrest to armrest across the middle seat — that includes a soft leather-like covering and two areas for cups. Therefore, travelers sitting in the window or aisle seat will have additional elbow room and space for their belongings.
“We’re investing nose-to-tail across our fleet and giving customers choice and value in every cabin,” said Andrew Nocella, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for United, in a statement. “The XLR is our newest aircraft and not only offers all-aisle access lie-flat seats in United Polaris but now also includes seats in Economy Plus with extra leg and elbow room. Our customers are going to love all these new options.”
Economy Plus on the XLR already has three inches of additional legroom, so the extra room created by the middle seat table will be in addition to that.
Airline officials said the seats will be available on its entire order of 50 A321XLRs and possibly on other aircrafts in the future. United will offer domestic flights on the new aircraft later this fall, with international service beginning by early 2027.
Pricing for the new seat design will be released before the seats go on sale, according to United.
In March, United announced its new Relax Row, coming in 2027, comprised of three economy seats that transform into a couch after takeoff. We asked readers what they thought of the concept, and 61 percent said they can’t wait to try it.
Kristi Palma
Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.
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