United Airlines, one of the biggest carriers in the world, is the latest to adopt the Air New Zealand concept of converting a row of three economy seats into a lie-flat couch.
Specially designed leg rests can raise up to offer a bed of sorts, measuring just over five feet long. The airline will supply a mattress pad, blankets and pillows.
The chosen brand name is “Relax Row”. The couch can be shared by a couple, a parent and child, or a solo traveller who wants more space without paying a fortune for business class.
United says that from 2027 up to a dozen sets of three seats on Boeing 787 and 777 jets will be available for passengers who wish to pay for more comfort. It claims “North American exclusivity on the design”.
Andrew Nocella, the carrier's chief commercial officer, said: “As a leading premium airline, we're committed to delivering new, industry-leading experiences for all of our customers – and the United Relax Row is the perfect example of that.
“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.”
Pricing has not yet been revealed.
The concept was pioneered in 2011 by Air New Zealand as “Economy Skycouch”, and was quickly dubbed “Cuddle Class”. Passengers pay the standard price for two seats, and got the third at half price.
A similar concept – but without the raised legrests – has also been adopted by Lufthansa as “Sleeper’s Row”, intended for solo passengers on journeys of 11 hours or more.
A mattress pad, blanket and “pillow in business class quality” is provided. The additional cost, no more than €249 (£216), is a bargain compared with the premium for business class. But crucially it is not offered in advance – only on flights that are expected to depart with empty seats.
Passengers can buy the extra space only at the airport. The German airline uses the concept to monetise unsold seats that would otherwise doubtless be occupied by economy passengers paying the standard fare.
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