United Relax Row: A Brand-New Economy Experience Coming in 2027

Updated: March 24, 2026, 6:23pm CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

United Relax Row Launching in 2027
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

At the United “Elevated” event in Los Angeles on Tuesday, the Chicago-based carrier announced a brand-new economy product for flyers that’s set to launch soon.

Called United Relax Row, it lets a set of economy seats transform into a lie-flat bed, offering coach passengers a more comfortable way to fly, which could be especially welcome on some of the carrier’s longest international flights.

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

United Relax Row Launching in 2027

United Airlines will become the first U.S. carrier to offer a sky couch concept, in which a set of economy seats can be transformed into a fully flat bed by flipping leg rests up to form the flat surface.

United says it “holds North American exclusivity on the design,” which it unveiled to the public for the first time at its United “Elevated” event in Los Angeles on March 24, 2026.

“Customers traveling in United Economy on long-haul flights deserve an option for more space and comfort, and this is one way we can deliver that for them,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

The carrier says it was designed primarily with families in mind, but it can be purchased by individuals seeking a more comfortable journey in coach. Passengers who purchase the United Relax Row will also receive special amenities, including a mattress pad, a blanket, 2 pillows, a plush toy, and a so-called children’s travel kit for families.

United Relax Row With and Without Amenities — The Relax Row in relax mode. Image Credit: Nick Ellis

United Relax Rows will be placed between United Premium Plus and economy on more than 200 Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft by 2030, though the product will launch on the Boeing 787 in 2027. There will be up to 12 United Relax Rows on each aircraft.

Although United is the first North American airline to introduce this concept, several other airlines globally offer something similar. Air New Zealand is the most prominent example, offering it on its Boeing 787-9 and 777-300ER aircraft, and you can find it on airlines including Azul, Lufthansa, China Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and a few more.

We don’t yet know what it’ll cost to book United Relax Row, but we’ll learn more as we get closer to this product going on sale.

Hot Tip:

Economy is sometimes the best way to fly. Here’s why one Upgraded Points staffer is choosing economy more often, even when booking with points.

Final Thoughts

United Relax Row is a new option for economy flyers who want more comfort when flying long-haul flights. As the first North American carrier to offer this product, United has set itself apart from its competitors on the continent.

While we don’t yet know how much Relax Row will cost, it could give families and even solo travelers another reason to pick United over the competition.