Canadians can soon book economy seats that turn into a bed on U.S. airline
Flying economy doesn’t have to mean cramped seats — Canadians on United Airlines can soon opt for lie-flat beds on long-haul flights.
On Tuesday, United Airlines announced that it’s introducing the United Relax Row, which turns economy seats into a couch or a lie-flat bed so you can stretch out like a VIP without paying first-class fares. It will certainly be far more comfortable than trying to get a few hours of shut-eye in a single seat on long flights.
So how does it work?
According to United, the Relax Row features a row of three seats with individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle. This creates a flat surface and more room to sleep, stretch out, watch a movie, or simply chill out so you can arrive at your destination well-rested. The new seating option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families with small children looking for “a little extra comfort.”
United/YouTube
United/YouTube
When you book Relax Row seating, you’ll also get other perks to make your flight more enjoyable — the seating option comes with a custom-fitted mattress pad, a specially sized plush blanket, two additional pillows, as well as a plush toy and a Children’s Travel Kit for families.
Each plane will have 12 United Relax Row sections, and the option is set to launch in 2027. United hasn’t revealed the price for the upgrade yet or which routes it will apply to, but said that it will roll out this feature on over 200 Boeing 787 and 777 widebody aircraft by 2030.
United/YouTube
United/YouTube
Lie-flat seating in economy isn’t a new concept — it’s an upgrade that’s available on long-haul flights on airlines like Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, and ANA. However, United is the first North American airline to provide this option.
“Customers travelling 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.
United seems to be taking customer feedback to heart because the airline recently made it mandatory for passengers to use headphones when listening to audio or video content on a device — those who refuse risk getting kicked off the flight. The new rule has received praise from passengers.
Daily Hive has reached out to Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat to ask if the airlines would consider adding lie-flat seats on long-haul flights in the future.
What are your thoughts on United Airlines’ lie-flat or couch-style Relax Row seating? Do you think Canadian airlines should provide a similar option? Let us know in the comments or email us at trending@dailyhive.com.