dailynewsnblog
At the 
United Airlines ‘Elevated’ experience held yesterday in one of its hangars at 
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the legacy carrier unveiled the new Relax Row which will become a new standard feature on its long-haul widebody jets. Designed to improve comfort in the main cabin, or economy class, the new option will allow a row of three seats to be transformed into a lifelike ‘couch.’
This product is intended to make it a more pleasant experience for flyers in ‘coach’ on the new premium heavy 787 Dreamliners as well as some retrofitted airframes. United is currently updating these jets with a host of technologies to make the flying experience more enjoyable even if your airfare isn’t for premium economy or business class.
Long-Haul Comfort For All: The Relax Row
This newly unveiled main cabin productis a licensed derivative that was inspired by United’s partner, Air New Zealand. The Skycouch has proven extremely popular with the airline that routinely flies long-haul itineraries due to the distance of its home country from many popular hubs beyond the Pacific region. Specific pricing has not yet been announced by UA for the Relax Row.
Relax Row passengers receive a custom mattress pad, extra pillows, and a plush blanket. The main cabin couch is expected to be an add-on fee to a standard economy fare, requiring the purchase of all three seats in the row. The unveiling at LAX was part of a larger preview of the new ‘Elevated’ cabin interior design that debuted with the recently received 787-9P but during the event it was also revealed that some legacy 777 twin-aisles will be getting overhauled with a similar treatment.
United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Nocella spoke at the event in LAX, specifically highlighting the rapid rollout. In his remarks, he gave this statement:
“It’s not three to five years down the road. This is coming online next year. It’s gonna be on every single United 787 and a large number of [777s]… by 2030, 200 aircraft will have Relax Rows onboard.”
United Elevated: Premium Heavy Widebodies And More
UA’s fleet is now the largest of the US legacy carriers, and the world for that matter. The new 787s are the most anticipated additions in years with unique suites at the front of the cabin. United introduced its Business Class Plus product with the Polaris Studio in the bulkhead rows. On top of the new sliding doors, these are 25% bigger and include a companion ottoman with a seatbelt, allowing a second passenger to join for dining or meetings.
Standard Business Class seats have been upgraded with standard sliding doors as well and even have center dividers that can be lowered if you want to share the experience with a travel companion in the seat next door. The Premium Economy cabin has also been redesigned to feel more like a dedicated long-haul cabin rather than an upgraded coach seat.
Premium Econ seats now include privacy dividers with built-in reading lights and a 16-inch 4K display, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connectivity. Even Standard Economy seats feature 13-inch OLED seatback displays, making them the largest economy screens in the world. The new 787s are also some of the first in the fleet to offer free, high-speed Starlink connectivity for MileagePlus members.
Premium For Everyone: United Airlines Invests In 3 Aircraft Types To Transform Flying
Since 2019, the legacy carrier has added nearly 40% more premium seats.
Not Just A-To-B: Making The Journey An Experience Again
In the new United Elevated interior, the main cabin on the 787-9 and retrofitted 777s is being overhauled with a focus on high-tech in-flight entertainment and seat ergonomics. This is a fundamental part of the significant strategic shift in the US fleet toward premium seating. To accommodate more Polaris and Premium Plus seats, the total number of Economy seats is being reduced. On the 787-9P, Standard Economy is cut from 149 seats to just 90 seats.
Some of the smaller touches being made to improve the flying experience at UA include every row getting six power outlets, ensuring multiple charging options for all passengers. International service is also getting enhanced dining with fresh salads, a wider variety of entree choices, and an appetizer served before the main meal.
