Airline seats that convert to lie-flat beds with plush mattress pads usually are the stuff of business class dreams only.
But one airline is launching a makeshift lie-flat bed for passengers on long-haul flights in the economy cabin.
United Airlines just announced plans to allow travelers to convert a special row of three economy seats into a couch-like bed where they can stretch out on longer routes.
The new product, called United Relax Row, is set to debut in 2027 on the airline’s Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft that operate international flights. The Relax Row area will be located between the economy and Premier Plus cabins, and each aircraft will have up to 12 Relax Row sections per plane. The carrier expects to offer the service on 200 widebody aircraft by 2030.
The United Relax Row of three seats will feature leg rests that fold up to a 90-degree angle to create a wider space for travelers to get comfortable and fall asleep.
Travelers who book the United Relax Row will also receive a custom-fitted mattress pad, blankets, extra pillows, and even a stuffed plush toy for children. The product is designed for all types of travelers, including families with small children, couples, and solo travelers.
United is the first carrier in North America to offer a couch bed to economy fliers. Other international carriers, like Air New Zealand with its SkyCouch product, have been flying with the concept for several years.
“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," said Andrew Nocella, United's executive vice president and chief commercial officer.
The plan to debut the Relax Row comes as United just announced a major fleet expansion that will see the carrier add more than 250 new aircraft over the next two years.
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