United Airlines will introduce a new economy-class option that provides extra elbow room by removing the middle seat and installing a shared table.
The feature, called Economy Plus with Extra Elbow Room, will launch on all 50 of the airline’s incoming Airbus A321XLR aircraft. It will be the only U.S. carrier offering this seating arrangement when it becomes available later this year.
One row per plane, with a fixed table
Each A321XLR will include one designated row in Economy Plus where the middle seat is removed. A large, fixed table will stretch across the space, covered in a soft, leather-like material. Two cup holders are built into the surface.
The additional width comes on top of the three extra inches of legroom already included in Economy Plus on the XLR. Pricing details have not been released, but the airline plans to share them before sales begin.
Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said the seating reflects the airline’s effort to improve comfort across its fleet. “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,” he stated.
A narrowbody built for premium comfort
The A321XLR was designed for international short- to medium-haul routes, replacing older Boeing 757s. It carries 32 premium seats—16 more than its predecessor—including a new Polaris Studio suite with lie-flat beds and privacy doors.
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Every seat on the plane features a 4K OLED screen, ranging from 19 inches in Polaris to 13 inches in economy. Overhead bins are larger, and the cabin includes a snack bar. Domestic flights on the XLR will begin this fall, with international service starting in early 2027.
Most transatlantic flights will have five flight attendants, matching current practice on the 757.
United has expanded its premium offerings in recent years. Earlier this year, it unveiled United Relax Row, a set of economy seats on its 787 and 777 widebodies that convert into a lie-flat surface. Those will be available in early 2027.
For travelers who don’t book the extra space, the open middle seat and table might seem like a missed chance—particularly on long flights where comfort matters. The airline expects a small number of passengers will pay for the convenience, while others adapt to the new design.
The A321XLR’s first domestic routes remain unannounced, but the plane is expected to serve transatlantic markets like New York to London and Chicago to Dublin. United has not confirmed whether it will retrofit existing aircraft with the new Economy Plus row but is considering the option.
Recent trends show travelers growing more selective about value, which may influence how many choose the upgraded seating.