Hate the middle seat? United plans new Economy Plus alternative

Hate the middle seat? United plans new Economy Plus alternative details United’s seating change aimed at removing the middle seat in Economy Plus on upcoming aircraft. The airline will equip its new Airbus A321XLR jets with Economy Plus rows that omit the center seat, replacing that space with a fixed table intended to provide more elbow room. United said the configuration will be included on all 50 ordered A321XLR aircraft, and that it is exploring the option on other planes in the future. The A321XLR is designed for short- and medium-haul international trips. United also stated that every seat will include a large 4K OLED screen with Bluetooth connectivity, and that overhead bin capacity will be sufficient for each passenger’s carry-on. One row per aircraft will feature large, custom-designed tables from armrest to armrest across the former middle-seat area. United expects the new planes to enter service in early 2027 and described itself as investing “nose-to-tail” across its fleet. The airline called the A321XLR its newest aircraft, linking the cabin update to extra leg and elbow room in Economy Plus.