United Airlines has announced a new Economy Plus seating option featuring extra elbow room and shared table space on its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
The airline said one row of Economy Plus seats on all 50 of its A321XLR aircraft will include open middle seats converted into shared spaces with large custom-designed tables. The option will go on sale later this year, with flights expected to begin soon after.
The tables will stretch from armrest to armrest across the open middle seats, giving passengers in window and aisle seats more space to work or relax on longer, international flights. The fixed tables will have a soft leather-like covering and two cup holders, while passengers will also receive the additional three inches of legroom already offered with Economy Plus seats on the A321XLR.
United expects to be the only US airline offering this type of seating option and is exploring whether the concept could be introduced on other aircraft types in the future.
The announcement follows United’s recent launch of United Relax Row, a new economy seating concept on Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 aircraft that transforms rows of seats into a lie-flat surface. The product is expected to become available in early 2027.
Andrew Nocella, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at United Airlines, said: “We’re investing nose-to-tail across our fleet and giving customers choice and value in every cabin. 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.”
The Airbus A321XLR has been designed as United’s most premium narrowbody aircraft, featuring 32 premium seats, including the new all-aisle access United Polaris Studio suite. The aircraft will also offer 4K OLED screens, Bluetooth connectivity, larger overhead bins and a rear economy cabin snack bar.
United plans to operate its first domestic flights with the A321XLR later this autumn, with international services expected to begin by early 2027.
