If you don’t want to splurge for lie-flat seats in international business class, United Airlines will offer a new lie-flat option for economy customers starting in 2027.
The airline says the new seating option, called United Relax Row, will be on more than 200 widebody planes by 2030. Each plane is expected to have up to 12 Relax Row sections, although the average will be nine per plane. While pricing details haven’t yet been announced, this option is expected to be cheaper than purchasing a seat in United’s Polaris business class.
United unveiled the new product at a media event in March 2026. Here’s an early look at what the experience will be like.
United Relax Row: How it works
When you book the United Relax Row, you will get a set of three economy seats equipped with footrests that can be converted into a couch-style experience. United says Relax Row will be offered on long-haul flights.
The footrests will be able to tilt up to 45 degrees or 90 degrees. If you don’t purchase Relax Row but are seated in an eligible row, you’ll still get the added bonus of using the footrest.
How much does United Relax Row cost?
United did not provide any pricing details, but it said it would announce more information closer to the launch date.
Air New Zealand says Skycouch pricing can vary based on factors like demand, your booking class and how many people will use Skycouch. Generally, all passengers must pay their own fare and an additional Skycouch charge.
If the price is right, this new option could be an excellent alternative to premium economy or even business class, considering how wide the space is for United Relax Row. However, if you’re on the taller side or want upgraded catering, it may not be the right choice.
Who is United Relax Row for?
United says the Relax Row is best suited for families with small children, couples and solo travelers. While you can include up to three people in a row, though, you’ll have more space with fewer people.
If your flight is empty and you score your own row with the footrests, you could theoretically set up the lie-flat option. However, you won’t get any of the amenities, such as extra bedding.
For those who want more space — and the ability to lie down comfortably — United Relax Row could be a good option.
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Benjamin Din is a lead travel writer at NerdWallet. He previously was a technology reporter at Politico, where he authored a daily newsletter covering tech and telecom policy.
Benjamin loves to travel — both for work and for fun. He’s reported from three continents and visited more than 45 countries. He has written for The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News, The Washington Post, The San Francisco Chronicle and The (Johannesburg) Star, as well as covered two Olympics with NBC Sports.
His goal is to visit a new country and a new state each year.
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