Extra elbow room: United Airlines adds new Economy Plus seating with no middle seats

United Airlines is adding a new Economy Plus seating option on its 50 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, replacing the middle seat in one row with a shared table and extra elbow room. The airline said the option will go on sale later this year and may be extended to other aircraft types in the future, according to United via PR Newswire.

United confirmed it expects to be the only U.S. airline offering this type of seat. Each affected row will have large custom tables stretching from armrest to armrest across the open middle seat, with room for cups and extra space to stretch out on longer flights, according to Chicago Business Journal.

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What flyers can expect

The new table is permanently fixed and covered in a soft, leather-like material, United said. The extra space comes on top of the three inches of added legroom already included in Economy Plus on the A321XLR, according to PR Newswire.

Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said in a statement from the announcement, “We’re investing nose-to-tail across our fleet and giving customers choice and value in every cabin.” He also added, “The XLR is our newest aircraft and not only offers all-aisle access lie-flat seats in United Polaris but now also includes seats in Economy Plus with extra leg and elbow room. Our customers are going to love all these new options.”

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United said pricing for the new seating will be announced before sales begin later this year. The airline also noted the A321XLR will start domestic flights later this fall, with international service expected by early 2027, according to Chicago Business Journal.

The A321XLR is designed as a premium narrowbody plane and will replace older Boeing 757s. The aircraft has 32 premium seats, including Polaris Studio suites with privacy doors, and larger 4K OLED screens across all cabins, PR Newswire added.

United announced the A321XLR purchase in 2019, saying the planes would be used to replace aging 757s and open new route possibilities, according to Chicago Business Journal.