United Airlines Is Getting Rid of the Middle Seat... Kind Of

United Airlines’ new “middle seat” redesign is aimed at turning the dreaded middle position into extra personal space rather than another passenger. The concept will debut on United’s new Airbus A321XLR aircraft later this year, with the first flights expected shortly afterward. Where three Economy Plus passengers would normally sit in a row, the airline will install two seats and replace the middle seat with a large shared table that runs across the center, including cup holders and added elbow room. United says the table row will appear on all 50 upcoming A321XLR aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled to start domestic service this fall, expand internationally in early 2027, and have more than half in service by 2028. Pricing for the new seats has not yet been announced.