United Airlines announces a new 'Relax Row' that lets holidaymakers lie completely flat in economy

Sarra Gray
Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:17:20 +0000

United Airlines has unveiled a new seating option that could transform how British travellers experience long-haul flights to America.

The carrier announced that it is launching the United Relax Row – a dedicated three-seat section in economy class that converts into a couch-like lie-flat space once the plane takes off.

It is the first time a North American airline has offered anything like this, and United has secured exclusive rights to the design across the continent.

The new seats are set to debut in 2027, giving holidaymakers heading stateside a genuinely comfortable alternative to standard economy.

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Passengers booking the Relax Row will find themselves properly looked after with a lovely set of extras.

Each section comes with a custom-fitted mattress pad, specially sized plush blankets, and two additional pillows to help create a cosy environment.

Families travelling with children get a stuffed toy and a Children's Travel Kit thrown in, too.

The seats work with individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle, creating proper space to stretch out, catch some sleep, or simply enjoy a film in comfort.

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United plans to roll out the Relax Row across more than 200 Boeing 787 and 777 widebody aircraft by 2030, with up to 12 of these sections available on each plane.

The airline has described the new option as ideal for families, couples and solo travellers looking for extra space. The seats will sit between standard economy and United Premium Plus.

United's executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Andrew Nocella, said: "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 travelling 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."

This comes as easyJet shares that holidaymakers will get extra legroom as it upgrades its planes with new seats.

The budget carrier announced a deal with British manufacturer Mirus Aircraft Seating for its next-generation Kestrel economy seats.

As part of this, it will introduce new planes that offer an extra two inches of legroom for everyone, making getting to your city break or beach holiday destination more comfortable.