dailynewsnblog
United Airlines is going all-in to reshape its onboard experiences. As part of its Elevate initiative, the Chicago-based carrier is primarily investing in three aircraft types, expanding choice and premium options for all passengers.
Following the introduction of the brand-new Polaris business class on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, United is set to transform economy class by adding couches onboard. The airline is also introducing an updated regional jet and new versions of the Airbus A321neo family.
Couches On The 787
The new economy couches, known as United Relax Row, were officially unveiled on Tuesday at an event at 
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Beginning next year, United will be the first airline in North America to offer such a seating option. Dedicated rows of three seats onboard will feature adjustable legrests that fold up 90 degrees, allowing additional room for passengers to sleep, stretch, or watch inflight entertainment (IFE).
United Relax Row is not only ideal for families with small children, but also for solo travelers and couples. The airline says it provides the value of economy, but adds extra comfort. Each Relax Row will feature a custom-fitted mattress pad, plush blankets, pillows, and a travel kit for children. United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Nocella, said the airline is “committed to delivering new, industry-leading experiences for all of our customers – and the United Relax Row is the perfect example of that.”
Nocella also mentioned that up to 12 couches will be offered on long-haul flights, “but the average will be about nine.” In addition to the 787, United will also introduce Relax Rows on the 777. More than 200 aircraft will have dedicated rows by 2030.
Widebody Comfort On A Narrowbody Aircraft
Among narrowbody aircraft, United is doubling down on its investment in the A321neo. More examples of aircraft type, which is the highest scoring in terms of passenger satisfaction, will be delivered in the coming years.
A321 Coastliners
Specifically, United will introduce Coastliner A321neos, which will operate exclusively on transcontinental flights between its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newark.
The aircraft will boast a premium-heavy interior, with new all-aisle access Polaris lie-flat seats and a snack bar. They will also have a special livery, with United’s logo painted on the bottom of the fuselage. For the first time ever, passengers seated in Polaris will have access to the Polaris lounge before their flight. United has a total of 50 Coastliners on order. 40 of which are expected to be delivered by April 2028.
A321XLRs
In a few months, United will become the second US airline to operate A321XLR, behind its competitor American Airlines. The jet will be equipped with 32 premium seats and a larger snack bar than the Coastliner planes. Nocella mentioned that three seats were removed to add the snack bar. The A321XLR will replace the carrier’s aging 757-200s on existing routes to European and South American markets beginning this Summer. By the end of 2028, United expects to have all 50 A321XLRs in service.
“We are confident that it is going to be materially better than anybody else out there, and its gonna give you that widebody comfort on a narrowbody aircraft,” Nocella said.
United Airlines To Upscale Transcon Flights With Premium “Coastliner” Airbus A321neos
What to expect from United Airlines’ upcoming Airbus A321neo subfleet with new engines and new interiors.
Bringing The Private Jet Experience To A Regional Jet
The upgrades aren’t limited to medium and long-haul flights. On Tuesday, United also unveiled the Bombardier CRJ450 – a redesigned version of the CRJ200. The regional jet, which is the first of its kind and takes after the larger CRJ550, offers a private jet-like experience in a two-class configuration with a total of 41 seats. In United First, the overhead bins have been replaced with a large luggage closet at the front of the cabin, providing an open and airy feel.
Overhead bins in economy class have been reshaped to accommodate larger bags. The new planes will also be equipped with Starlink, allowing every passenger to stay connected to work and entertainment as if they were on the ground. The CRJ450 will be in service beginning this fall under the United Express brand on short-haul routes from Chicago and Denver. In two years, United plans to operate over 50 CRJ450s.
“…It is important that we think about elevating the experience for all of our flyers, across all of our products, from small cities to big cities, and what we’ve done here today after years and years of investment, thought, and attention to detail, is we’ve actually, I think, brought that to life,” Nocella said.
