United Airlines is set to phase out a long-favored tactic among budget-conscious travelers: strategically booking only the window and aisle seats in a row, hoping the middle seat remains empty.
The airline's upcoming Airbus A321XLR aircraft will feature a redesigned Economy Plus section where the middle seat is permanently replaced by a shared table. This change means passengers occupying the window and aisle seats will pay a premium for the added space, effectively ending the possibility of securing an extra seat for free.
For years, couples and travel companions have utilized this "sneaky trick" to gain more comfort on flights without incurring additional costs. When successful, this strategy provided an entire empty seat, offering increased elbow room and a more relaxed journey.
United states that the new configuration is intended to offer passengers "extra space to stretch out" on longer flights. The permanently installed center table will span the width of the armrests and include two cup holders. Passengers in these redesigned Economy Plus rows will also benefit from an additional three inches of legroom compared to standard economy seating.
This new layout is scheduled to debut on United's Airbus A321XLR fleet, which is expected to enter domestic service later this year. International routes will see the new configuration in 2027. Tickets with the updated seating options are anticipated to go on sale before the end of the year.
"We’re investing nose-to-tail across our fleet and giving customers choice and value in every cabin," United Airlines stated. "The XLR is our newest aircraft and not only offers all-aisle access lie-flat seats in United Polaris [business class] but now also includes seats in Economy Plus with extra leg and elbow room. Our customers are going to love all these new options."
Similar seating arrangements, often referred to as "Eurobusiness," are already a standard offering for short-haul business class on airlines such as Air France and British Airways, and are also in use in Brazil. United, however, is opting to market its version as "Economy Plus."
This seating adjustment is part of a broader series of changes United is implementing across its fleet. In March, the airline introduced the United Relax RowSM, an Economy seating option that converts multiple seats into a flat sofa, complete with a blanket and extra pillows. This feature is slated for a 2027 rollout and will be exclusive to long-haul flights, making United the first North American airline to offer such a concept.