While most of us would prefer to be seated closer to the pointy end of the plane — where seats that convert into fully flat beds and suites with closing privacy doors are the norm — the vacation budget often doesn’t allow for it. And as spacious as first- and business-class seats have become in recent years, the same can’t be said for the economy-class experience, where legroom is tighter than ever. Thankfully, a new option is on the horizon: One U.S. airline has just announced an upgraded economy-class experience with seats that convert into a couch. Here are all the details. 

United’s New “Relax Row”

Last month, Chicago-based United Airlines announced a new concept that will be coming to its long-haul aircraft in 2027: the United Relax Row. It’s a set of three economy-class seats that can transform into a couch, using individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle to be level with the seat cushions, allowing travelers more room to spread out, get comfortable, and take a nap. Check out a video of the new product here to see how it works.

United will equip up to 12 Relax Row sections (groups of three seats with this feature) per plane on its Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, which fly the airline’s longest routes to destinations such as Delhi, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Tokyo. After launching next year, the United Relax Row is expected to be available on more than 200 aircraft by 2030 — but there’s no word yet on how much it will cost to upgrade to the product. 

In a press release, the airline said the Relax Row “is ideal for families traveling with small children, solo travelers, and couples who want the value of United Economy but with a little extra comfort.” In addition to the convertible bed, travelers in the Relax Row will receive upgraded amenities “including a custom-fitted mattress pad, a specially sized plush blanket, two additional pillows, as well as a plush toy and Children’s Travel Kit for families.”

While United is the first airline in North America to debut this seat concept in economy class, Air New Zealand was the first to introduce a similar product called the Economy Skycouch. Other airlines offering coach seats that double as a bed include Germany’s Lufthansa and Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA). 

Comfort Hacks for Long Flights

United’s new option should be welcome news for U.S.-based flyers who aren’t able to splurge for business-class beds, but they’ll have to wait a while before it’s widely available. In the meantime, there are a few other helpful hacks you can employ and products you can pack to stay comfortable on a long flight. 

Always prioritize comfortable clothing — loose, flowy, stretchy pants, for instance — and pack layers (like a hoodie, cardigan, scarf, or sweatshirt) to adjust to changing cabin conditions. You’ll also want to toss a few other handy items in your carry-on, like a travel neck pillow, eye shades, and compression socks to combat swelling. 

Feature image credit: Image courtesy of United