This airline will soon let economy flyers turn a row into a couch
CHICAGO and LOS ANGELES - United Airlines unveiled a new couch-style "Relax Row" for long-haul economy flights, as airline prices are set to rise amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
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United’s "Relax Row" is a trio of economy seats that convert into a couch-like space with adjustable leg rests, giving long-haul passengers more room to stretch out and sleep.
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Positioned between standard economy and premium economy, the section also includes added amenities like a mattress pad, extra pillows and blankets, and family travel kits, with a rollout planned starting in 2027.
What's next:
The Relax Row is set to debut in 2027, with plans to expand to more than 200 Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft by 2030. Positioned between economy and premium economy, each plane will feature up to 12 of these sections.
What they're saying:
"As a leading premium airline, we're committed to delivering new, industry-leading experiences for all of our customers – and the United Relax Row is the perfect example of that. 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," Andrew Nocella, United's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer said in an online news release.
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Airline prices expected to rise
United Airlines also warned Tuesday that airfares could rise as the war with Iran drives up oil and jet fuel prices, adding new cost pressure on carriers already bracing for higher summer travel demand.
What they're saying:
CEO Scott Kirby warned that persistently high jet fuel costs could drive fares up by as much as 20% if expenses don’t ease soon.
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The airline is expecting "some consumer pushback" and fewer people to travel if ticket prices continue to rise, Kirby said in a Tuesday interview with Bloomberg TV.
The Source: The Associated Press contributed to this report. The information in this story comes primarily from United Airlines’ official announcement and statements from company executives, including Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella and CEO Scott Kirby. This story was reported from Los Angeles.