There are a handful of lucky circumstances that can make arduous flights that little more comfortable – your bag falling within the weight limit, minimal queues at security, oh, and securing a seat with no other passengers booked next to you.
However, United Airlines has taken that particular experience one step further, with the impending launch of its ‘Relax Row’ – a stranger-free flight that you can book in advance.
And here’s how it will work: according to euronews, passengers will be able to reserve three adjacent economy seats – their very own ‘Relax Row’ – which can then be used by a single person, a couple, or a group of three. But, how is that different from just buying three seats for yourself?
Well, each of these seats comes with a leg rest that can be raised, plus you’ll be given a mattress, blanket, and two pillows to properly transform the zone into a bed. Travelling with kids? Plushies are available, too.
This option will likely be on sale on United Airlines flights from 2027, with twelve rows per plane dedicated to the offering, but the long-term rollout will mean the seat option will be available on more than 200 of the operator’s 777s and 787s by 2030.
Recommended: How to finally go flight-free in 2026 – read our practical, actionable guide.
Is United Airlines the first to do this?
Actually, no. Way back in 2011, Air New Zealand launched ‘Skycouch’, where passengers travelling on 777-300ER and 787-9 planes were granted seat liners, bedding and comfier seat belt options. Oh, and Lufthansa offers ‘Sleeper’s Row’, though sadly this one won’t come with leg rests.
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