United Airlines to Offer Empty Middle Seats in Economy Plus on New Airbus Jets

United Airlines announced that a row of Economy Plus seats on its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will be configured without a middle passenger, creating a shared table between the aisle and window seats and offering additional elbow space. The airline said the configuration will initially appear in a single row, with pricing and sales details to be released later in the year, and indicated the option could be extended to other planes in the future.

The move follows similar offerings by several European carriers that provide empty middle seats to business-class travelers, and aligns with a broader industry trend of introducing paid add-ons for added comfort. United noted that it expects to be the only U.S. carrier with such rows.

"We’re investing nose-to-tail across our fleet," said Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, adding that the new rows give customers more "choice and value in every cabin."

United previously announced "United Relax Rows," which will allow economy passengers on certain Boeing aircraft to convert a three-seat row into a couch for sleeping or lounging after takeoff. The new no-middle-seat rows are part of the airline’s effort to differentiate its product amid growing demand for more spacious seating, while some budget-focused travelers may view the added options as further segmentation of the cabin experience.