Starting in 2027, United passengers on select international flights will be able to book a new Relax Row option – a set of three economy class seats with 90-degree footrests that turn into a flat bed large enough for two adults and a small child.
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Footstool, mattress and stuffed animal for a child
It's the same idea as Skycouch offered by Air New Zealand, one of United's Star Alliance partners. Other airlines around the world offer similar solutions in economy, blocking entire rows of seats so passengers can lie down, but few of them have adjustable footrests to increase the sleeping surface.
Like Skycouch, Relax Row – also available for a single person or couple – offers additional amenities: fitted mattress, soft blanket and two extra pillows. Families will receive a plush toy and a children's travel kit.
United said that by 2030, up to 12 such rows, positioned between economy and premium economy, will appear on more than 200 Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 planes.
It is not yet known how much this option will cost or on which routes it will be available.
Relax Row is another example of how United Airlines is meeting the needs of passengers willing to pay more for comfort but not the luxury of business class. The airlines recorded an 11% increase in revenues from the premium segment in 2025.
“Long-haul United Economy passengers deserve more space and comfort, and this is one way to help them get that,” said Andrew Nocella, United's chief commercial officer.
Relax Row complements United's premium economy offering – Premium Plus – which includes more reclining seats, better meals and leg and foot support, but is more expensive than standard economy.
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United Airlines is part of a global trend
Although Relax Row is new to the US market, United is not the first airline in the world to come up with the idea of economy class beds.
Air New Zealand patented the groundbreaking Skycouch in 2011. The price of this option ranges from several hundred to over $1,500, depending on the number of passengers, route and season. Premium economy usually costs more.
In addition to special bedding, Skycouch also offers the so-called cuddle belt – A seat belt that allows passengers to be strapped in in bed mode. United will likely introduce a similar solution.
The author took a 16-hour Skycouch flight from Auckland to New York in 2022. He had no priority boarding and received standard economy meals, but the bed was very comfortable for one adult.
The author used Air New Zealand's Skycouch in 2022.
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Taylor Rains/Business Insider
Several other carriers have created their own versions of this solution. Japanese line All Nippon Airways offers COUCHii – a row of three or four seats with adjustable footrests that transform into a bed.
This option is available only on Airbus A380 aircraft and costs from $96 to $540. per episode for three or four people, depending on the season. For one person occupying four seats, the price can reach $2,580. in high season.
Some lines, instead of special seats, simply block the entire row for passengers who pay more.
German carrier Lufthansa offers a Sleeper Row option on flights over 11 hours, priced from $209 to $299. per episode. It cannot be booked in advance – it is first come, first served at the airport.
Vietnam Airlines offers Sky Sofa – a row of three seats designed for one person as a narrow makeshift sofa, priced from $150 to $650.
Kazakh carrier Air Astana has a similar solution – Economy Sleeper, whose passengers also receive access to business lounges at the airport.
What's next? The bunk beds are coming
Air New Zealand plans to go a step further with Skynest – a set of bunk beds in economy class, which passengers will be able to reserve for a specific period.
The airline's representatives previously announced that Skynest would debut in early 2026, but these unusual sleeping capsules have not yet been put into operation. An Air New Zealand spokesperson told Business Insider that the project is expected to launch later this year “after delivery of the new aircraft.”
The above text is a translation from American edition of Business Insider
