by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:55 AM ET, Tue July 14, 2026
United Airlines is launching a new Economy class seating for its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which will eliminate the middle seat and provide more elbow room for travelers.
The new seating category, called Economy Plus, will be a new row of seats on the airline's new aircraft, providing some extra space by replacing a traditional middle seat with a shared table.
The seating category will be available to book later this year, with the expectation that all of United's 50 new A321XLRs will be equipped with Economy Plus.
"We're investing nose-to-tail across our fleet and giving customers choice and value in every cabin," said Andrew Nocella, United's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "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."
The new aircraft, expected to begin international service by early 2027, replaces the Boeing 757 and will offer a new travel experience with more premium seating options, including the United Polaris Studio suite.
United is currently the only airline offering this kind of seating category. It also recently announced the United Relax Row, in which a row of Economy seats can be transformed into a lie-flat bed, debuting in early 2027.
Each XLR aircraft will have large, custom tables across the open middle seats, providing two economy passengers with more space and elbow room between them. Additionally, Economy Plus travelers will enjoy three more inches of legroom.
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