United debuts Relax Row, a couch-style bed in economy

Zach Griff

24 hours ago

ZACH GRIFF

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United Airlines just surprised us all with the introduction of Relax Row.

This is essentially a new section in the economy cabin that converts into a couch-style setup, with leg rests that lift to 90 degrees to create a larger surface for sleeping or relaxing.

United debuted Relax Row as an Apple-style “one more thing” announcement at its Elevated media day in Los Angeles.

Here’s everything you need to know about Relax Row.

United’s new Relax Row

United says Relax Row is designed for families looking for a little more space on long-haul flights.

The airline plans to install up to 12 Relax Rows across its widebody fleet. Every Boeing 787 and many Boeing 777s will feature the new product.

Relax Row launches next year and is expected to be available on more than 200 Boeing 777s and 787s by 2030.

United won’t sell Relax Row on domestic flights operated by widebody jets, and it’ll fill the Relax Row last on sold-out flights.

First look at United Relax Row

United is currently testing a Relax Row prototype, which it demoed in Los Angeles. The airline is still awaiting certification to retrofit and install the product on its jets.

Personally, this was the announcement that impressed me most.

While United isn’t the first airline to market a product like this — its joint-venture partner, Air New Zealand, got there first — I never expected a U.S. airline to bring the concept stateside.

Now, United will hold North American exclusivity on the design.

I spent about 10 minutes lounging in Relax Row and found it quite comfortable for my 5-foot-11 frame.

United says Relax Row customers will receive special amenities, including a non-branded mattress pad, a throw blanket, two pillows, and stuffed airplanes that should be a hit with kids.

Relax Row will feature larger seat belts and can be used at any altitude after the aircraft crosses 10,000 feet.

The seats will be located between the Economy Plus and standard economy cabins and will offer 32 inches of pitch.

How to book United Relax Row

To book Relax Row, you’ll first need to purchase three economy seats and then pay an additional, yet-to-be-announced fee for the Relax Row assignment.

You could buy Relax Row for yourself — something United believes some corporate travelers might do if they’re stuck with restrictive travel policies — or for yourself and one or two kids.

I wouldn’t recommend it for two adults.

Zach Griff Author

Zach Griff is a travel expert who’s covered airlines, loyalty programs, credit cards, and travel tech for nearly a decade. He’s visited 60+ countries and regularly shares his insights across Instagram, TikTok and X — and at From the Tray Table.

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