I’ve said it already in 2026—and I’ll say it again. Economy-tier tickets are constantly evolving.
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Here’s the latest proof: United Airlines is launching a new offer to block off middle seats in your row. On Tuesday, July 14, the carrier announced that it would add a new tier to its Economy Plus tickets. This tier allows passengers to block off a middle seat next to them.
That’s a pretty big deal, as one tried-and-true travel hack for snagging extra legroom on flights is to book an aisle seat in the hopes the middle seat doesn’t get filled. (I use this ‘trick’ on transatlantic flights and have had empty middle seats next to me on a little less than half my flights.)
It’s not as lux as a lie-flat bed or a first-class ticket, but it’s as close as we’ll get in economy—and United Airlines just made it a little more accessible. Here’s what to know about United’s new empty middle seat option.
A closer look at United Airlines’ new middle seat booking option
United Airlines will begin selling a new class of economy ticket fare that comes with blocked-off middle seats later this year. The fare will be exclusive to its Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
The blocked-off middle seat will be permanently covered with a table, which has a faux leather covering and two cupholder indentations. It will give passengers on either side extra space to stretch out. Passengers also have more stretching room in front of them, as blocking off middle seats is only available in Economy Plus rows.
Although, notably, the permanent table prevents either party from lying down in a more comfortable position. If you want a full row on a United Flight, look for its upcoming Relax Row options, to be rolled out in 2027.
Instead, the middle seat blocker fare is designed to sweeten the deal for passengers… and also help United Airlines stay within federal requirements. The Airbus A321XLR has 152 passenger seats. Flights with over 150 passengers require one more member of cabin crew. If United Airlines keeps its passenger count at 150 or under, the airline doesn’t need to hire one more flight attendant.
